You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Kendal
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.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Kendal. Click for more details
Kendal - Gateway to The Lakes
Number of results: 155
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Kendal
Since their inception in 1984, The Men They Couldn't Hang have been a driving force in the folk-punk scene, captivating audiences with their electrifying performances and socially conscious songwriting. Emerging from the Shepherd's Bush squatting…
Stramongate, Kendal
On this one-day course, students will learn the basic skills of stained glass – choosing from a tutor template or creating their own simple design. The panel can be all glass, or incorporate a mirror if desired.
Old Hutton, Kendal
A FULLY INCLUSIVE ACTIVITY 3 NIGHT WEEKEND FOR ADULTS from Friday 3rd - Monday 6th May.
Our Adult Activity Courses are perfect for adults with a physical disability who are looking to have a short break in accessible accommodation, make new…
Nr Kendal
Quad Biking 16yrs+ and 4x4 off Road driving. Available as one hour sessions or with full and part day packages
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
66 reviewsWindermere
This robust offering includes a range of miniature mighty flavoursome savoury delights and, of course, our notorious pork scratchings with homemade Bramley Apple Sauce.
Kendal
Transform and recycle subtle coloured pieces of sea glass into jewellery that is perfect for summer. You will learn to use a range of tools and develop jewellery making skills, working with sterling silver alongside your sea glass, to create…
Kendal
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of 18th-21st century art and hosts exhibitions. The…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
178 reviewsKendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
Kendal
Cheers! The Cumbrian Gold celebrates the 50th anniversary of Cumbria Tourism, and is a delicious, sessionable beer.
Kendal
Croft Foot Glamping Pods are stylish and luxurious, they’re perfect for romantic escapes and family breaks. High quality, comfortable accommodation and providing everything you need for a stress-free holiday. Located in a stunning spot, Croft Foot…
Old Hutton, Kendal
Bendrigg's infamous 10k course is back with a modern twist! We are thrilled to announce the return of the 'Bendrigg Round', from 1st May to 31st July we are inviting people to come and do the 10k, 4k or both!
Kendal
Situated on a 200-acre estate, in a beautiful location and surrounded by fields and woodland, Shaw End Mansions 4 stylish and spacious Georgian apartments with open fireplaces, provide an excellent holiday base.
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…
Kendal
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of climbing throughout the fells.
We have developed a range of venues that make it easier to access rock climbing for people with additional needs.
Kendal
Romney's World Famous Kendal Mint Cake - powering adventures since 1918! The Original Energy Bar ⚡️ Summited Mount Everest in 1953 🏔 Award Winning 4th generation Family Business🏆
Kendal
Sheep Dog Trials with hound trails, dog show and a small number of craft stands, bar, catering and ice cream van
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…
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
"Enjoy a private tour in The Lake District.
England's largest National Park is now a World Heritage Site, home to Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, Wastwater - its deepest lake and thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. Our…
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL