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No one blends the old and new as well as Kendal with its ancient buildings in which to buy exquisite handmade chocolates, or wander down on of the famous yards of Kendal. . There’s also a rapidly expanding, contemporary food scene here, with quirky bistros and cool cocktail bars offering charcuterie boards or a tasty craft gin.
Try one of the many cosy coffee shops – there’s one of the oldest coffee roasting and blending shops in the country here. Go shopping in one of the artisan bakeries, the farmers market or one of the nearby farm shops.
There are also superb delicatessens’ and a wealth of informal and friendly international restaurants to try, not to mention creative vegetarian food to tuck into, whilst overlooking the beautiful riverside. Or how about dining in an old brewery, complete with Vats bar and a Grain store restaurant? There are wonderful eclectic menus to choose from – and you also get to watch a show or gig before or after your meal. There are many gorgeous restaurants here, all in a relaxed setting offering the best seasonal and local ingredients. If fine dining is your thing, there’s a Two AA Rosette restaurant for a unique dining experience.
Some of the most exciting hand-brewed beers around, both in Kendal and the surrounding area, are to be tried here. From pubs set on a village green, to traditional pubs with a contemporary style, you’ll find the food is always wholesome and homecooked, try the salt marsh lamb with some locally grown veg, it’s delicious. Before you leave Kendal though, a slab of Kendal Mintcake packed in your suitcase is a must!
In the traditional Lakeland village of nearby Staveley, you’ll find the Mill Yard, which houses everything from a micro-brewery and a cookery school- to an artisan bakery and a family-friendly, riverside café, selling delicious snacks and homecooked lunches. Set within the heart of the village, you will find a traditional pub with roaring fires, offering a high-standard of food with a warm welcome. There’s also a riverside beer garden, to enjoy a pint on a warm summer day. You can’t leave Staveley without a visit to the nearby village of Ings, to sample a super friendly, little pub, with a vibrant atmosphere. The beer is brewed on site and the food is excellent.
Lyth Valley has to offer the best selection of high-quality pubs within a relatively small area. From the villages of Brigsteer, Crosthwaite and Underbarrow to Bowland Bridge and Winster, you will find delightful pubs all set either in the valley itself, or perched high above the valley, offering the most spectacular views. Lyth is a beautiful and peaceful walking area, set away from the crowds, so what better way to finish your hike, than finishing up in one of these gorgeous county pubs.
Kendal’s origins date back to the 8th century, when the monastic settlement of Kirkland was established near a crossing point over the River Kent. William II, the third son of William the Conqueror, created the Barony of Kendal toward the end of the 11th century to secure his northern territories: the first castle, a wooden motte and bailey, was erected at Castle Howe but later replaced by stone-built Kendal Castle on the opposite side of the river.
This 13th-century castle was built to impress: six towers connected by a curtain wall atop a glacial hill and protected by a dry moat – it was clear the Normans meant business. In the late 14th century the Barony of Kendal and the castle passed into the hands of the Parr family, whose most famous member, Catherine, married Henry VIII in 1543 and managed to avoid the fate of several of her predecessors, outliving him by one year. By this stage, however, the family had abandoned the castle for more comfortable lodgings in Kendal proper and the castle fell into the disrepair you see today.
Medieval Kendal was built around a high street lined on both sides by alleyways known as burgage plots. Over time these plots became industrial ‘yards,’ full of workshops for weaving, dyeing, shearing, dry-salting and tanning. Kendal soon became a major centre for the wool trade, which explains its Latin motto – Pannus mihi panis – or ‘wool is my bread,’ and the tenter hooks on the Kendal coat-of-arms.
Many different woollen cloths were made in Kendal but the most famous is ‘Kendal Green', a hardwearing cloth said to have been worn by the Kendal Bowmen who fought at the battles of Crecy in 1346 and Poitiers in 1356. Shakespeare refers to ‘Kendal green' in Henry IV (Part I), so it was already well-known by 1597. The green colour was achieved by first steeping the cloth in a yellow dye from dyer’s greenweed (Genista tinctoria) and overdyeing it in blue from woad (Isatis tinctoria) or indigo. Kendal Green was later exported to America where it was worn by slaves working in the plantations. In return, Kendal would receive sugar and tobacco – raw materials that gave rise to the mint cake and snuff-making trade in town.
Kendal was linked to the canal network in 1819, which did wonders for trade and brought renewed prosperity to the town. This all ended with the arrival of the railroad in 1846 and both trade and the canal went into gradual decline: commercial traffic ceased in 1947 and the canal closed to all navigation in 1955.
For more information about Kendal, take a look at the Visit Kendal website.
Staveley - The bustling village of Staveley nestles at the foot of the secluded Kentmere Valley. Its history shaped by two rivers: the fast-flowing river Kent and the smaller river Gowan. An area of rolling countryside interspersed with valleys, woods, hedges and drystone walls.
Lyth Valley - This hidden corner of Cumbria is famed for its damsons. In early spring, frothy clouds of white blossom greet the onlooker at every turn - a snowy spectacle marked by Damson Day in mid-April. This hugely popular event brings together local producers, growers and various craftspeople in celebration of the humble damson.
Sizergh - Sizergh Castle contains some of the finest Elizabethan carved overmantels in the country, 14thC solar tower with original fireplaces, floors and windows. The 15thC great hall and other later additions contain English and French furniture, silver, china and Jacobite relics.
Oxenholme - This railway station is the gateway to the South Lakes. Kendal Town is only a short 10 minute walk from the station, whilst Trans-Penine trains also run services to Burneside, Staveley and Windermere. Placed on the West coast mainline, the station is serviced well from Glasgow and London.
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Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details
Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
Number of results: 152
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Kendal
In the heart of the picturesque village of Brigsteer, The Wheatsheaf Inn offers superb food, great real ales and a fantastic range of wines. Jjust three miles from the medieval market town of Kendal, we are family, walker, cyclist and dog friendly.
Kirkland, Kendal
Kendal Community Theatre welcomes summer with May Fest, a parade and performance in the streets of Kendal. Everyone is welcome to join in as participants or audience.
Kendal
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winners, Irish/Manx/Scottish quintet Ímar are amongst Glasgow's hottest folk property.
With a wide-reaching fanbase throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Canada, the quintet have fast become one of the trad scene's most talked…
Kendal
Enjoy two Sirloin Steaks with Fat Chips, Grilled Beef Tomato, Portobella Mushrooms & Watercress. Plus a bottle of House Red or White or Rose Wine!
Kendal
Create your own silver pendant or earrings inspired by the natural world. Silver clay is fun, fast to learn and full of creative alchemy. Perfect for beginners and those with some experience.
Kendal
Be inspired by the becks and gyhlls in the lakeland landscape. Based in the stunning Kentmere Valley, you will be encouraged to explore ways of working with watercolour paint and soft pastels to record moving water to create rich colour, texture,…
Keswick
Cascades totalling 246ft. From A591 up east side of Bassenthwaite Lake turn right to Orthwaite. Park near Peter House Farm and take road that becomes a track. About 5 mile easy round walk.
Kendal
Can you discover eight of the birds that call Sizergh home? Take part in the Spring Bird Challenge this April. This self-led family trail will take you out along the Holeslack accessible route, and you'll collect clues along the way before crowning…
Kentmere
Long House Studios is a small, friendly, independent art school offering intensive and immersive Art Courses for adults and young people. Courses run for 3-5 days in the beautiful Kentmere valley.
Staveley
The beer hall is the Brewery Tap, sampling room, visitors centre and beer shop. it is a fully licensed bar which looks down onto the brew house.
Aynam Rd, Kendal
Lee Lard is known as the UK's No.1 Peter Kay tribute act. He is currently the most popular comedy tribute performer in the country and delivers a hilariously entertaining one-hour comedy show. With 18 years of experience and over 3500 performances,…
Kendal
This warm and friendly cottage for 2 has wonderful views over the Lyth Valley. An excellent place in which to chill out and relax.
Kendal
For both professionals wanting to add to their stock library or a beginner with a love of the countryside.
Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms will guide you on this special tour. Providing…
Staveley
The Lakes Charity Classic Vehicle Show is an annual event for the whole family in the English Lake District where you will see hundreds of Classic Vehicles, as well as some fantastic family-friendly trade stands, attractions, entertainment and games…
Cockermouth
At 172 ft the highest fall in Lakeland. Hidden in tree-lined cleft. 2.5 miles from Buttermere car park - follow signs to fall. Care need in scrambling to foot of fall.
Kendal
Shibori is the Japanese art of indigo resist dyeing. In this hands-on workshop you will learn the basics of Shibori inspired folding, binding, clamping and stitching techniques. Dipped in Indigo, you will create your own stunning patterns on fabric…
Kendal
Sheep Dog Trials with hound trails, dog show and a small number of craft stands, bar, catering and ice cream van
Kendal
Castle Green Hotel is set in 14 acres of natural gardens and woodland yet is only 6 miles from M6 & 10 miles from Windermere and the Lake District.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
2699 reviewsNr Kendal
Wind you way between rocky knolls and small woods though the Lyth valley, famous for its damson orchards.
Kendal
Forged in Scotland and Ireland's traditional music scene, but drawing on the music of the Balkans and North America, Dallahan take their listeners on a journey.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL