kendal...

The ‘Auld Grey Town' of Kendal, handsomely built in limestone, is the focal hub for shopping and culture in Lakeland.

Historically, Kendal was one of the most important woollen textile centres in the country, producing ‘Kendal Green' and other ‘Kendal cottons' - its numerous yards were once filled with workshops processing cloth,

leather and foodstuffs. Kendal was also a centre for shoe making, carpet and snuff manufacture, and synonymous with the production of Kendal Mint Cake - an essential prerequisite for today's explorers and mountaineers.

About the area

History & heritage

The history of Kendal can be traced back to the 8th Century.

kendal history
kendal heritage

Art & culture

Home to the vibrant Brewery Arts Centre, two fine museums and a renowned art gallery.

kendal art & culture

Natural environment

Experience the views over the Lyth Valley from Scout Scar or take a walk in one of Kendal's many parks.

natural environment

What's on

Take a look at the events on offer in Kendal

what's on in kendal

Odditites

Ring o' Bells

The Ring o' Bells at Kirkland (built 1741) is the only pub in the UK that stands on consecrated ground. It was apparently built to provide refreshment for churchwardens who had the thirsty task of gathering up parishioners intent on evading church services.

Beast Banks

The green on Beast Banks was where bulls were baited before slaughter - a practice said to ‘improve' the quality of the meat. The butcher shops were originally congregated in Old Shambles, but the site was too flat for the blood and offal to drain away, so New Shambles was built in 1803 on sloping ground between Finkle Street and the Market Place to improve drainage down to the river.