Kendal in Cumbria is the largest settlement in the former county of Westmorland, an important town in a largely rural area. There is a tourist information centre here.
Historically Kendal was a stronghold against the Celts and there are several ruined castles in the area, the most recent dating from the 12th century. Henry VIII's sixth wife Katherine Parr is said to have been born at Kendal Castle. From the ruined castle there are wonderful views over the town and the surrounding area.
The town centre is characterised by many narrow yards and lanes branching off the main street. This layout evolved to allow the local population to take shelter during Celtic raids.
Standing on the River Kent, the town became an important manufacturer of woollen cloth, with many mills sited along the river. Kendal later became known for the manufacture of shoes, notably Kays Shoes. Most of the this production is now done elsewhere and the Kays Shoes site houses the 'K Village', a outlet shopping centre offering famous brands at discount prices.
The Heritage Centre at K Village also gives visitors the chance to discover the history of shoe-making in Kendal.
One of the visitor attractions in the town is the award-winning Kendal Museum, one of the oldest in the country.
Other attractions here include the excellent Abbot Hall Art Gallery, set in a Georgian house beside the River Kent, which houses works by Turner and Ruskin. Nearby is the facinating Lakeland Museum of Rural Life.
Just outside the town stands the Elizabethan mansion Levens Hall.
Kendal's most famous product is Kendal Mint Cake. This glucose-based energy food supplied Ernest Shackleton's Transarctic Expedition (1914-17) and has been taken on numerous mountaineering expeditions, including to the summits of Everest and K2.
With the decline its old industries, Kendal's economy is now based on tourism and the town has become the gateway to the Lake District.
Kendal has a Tourist Information CentreAbbot Hall Art Gallery, Kendal LA9 5AL
The Gallery in the Hall is in a pleasant setting near the river. Abbot Hall Art Gallery information
Levens Hall, Kendal LA8 0PD
5 miles south of Kendal, on A6 fine Elizabethan mansion in the Bagot family for around 700 years, built around a 13th century pele tower and enlarged in the 16th century. The Topiary Gardens are world famous. Levens Hall information
Sizergh Castle Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8AE
A 14th century pele tower extended with wings. English and French furniture, silver and china and portraits are features in the rooms here. The grounds have gardens, created in the 1920s, and a lake. Sizergh Castle information
Kendal Museum Station Road, Kendal LA9 6BT
Local exhibits and natural history. Kendal Museum information
Museum of Lakeland Life Abbot Hall, Kendal LA9 5AL
Life in the Lake District. Museum of Lakeland Life information
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Milnthorpe Road Kendal LA9 5HP MAP Stonecross Manor Hotel is situated on the edge of Kendal, one of the Lake District's most important market towns. it has free parking and easy access from the M6 and A591. The hotel has an indoor pool and a good restaurant serving local produce. More Information and Book ... |
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Stramongate Bridge Kendal LA9 6EL MAP In Kendal town centre, the Riverside Hotel is a 17th-century building with a state-of-the-art leisure club. Rooms have river views, and Windermere and the Yorkshire Dales are 15 minutes' drive away. All of the rooms have views of the River Kent. More Information and Book ... |
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Killington Lake Motorway Service Area M6 southbound Kendal LA8 0NW MAP Days Inn Kendal is located just off the M6, attractively located beside Killington Lake. The hotel offers scenic Lakeland views with free Wi-Fi and free parking. More Information and Book ... |
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Station Rd Kendal LA9 6BT MAP Set in a former coaching inn, the County Hotel is in the centre of Kendal, just 100 metres from Kendal Railway Station. The hotel offers traditional meals and cooked breakfasts. More Information and Book ... |
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Oxenholme near Kendal LA9 7RF MAP On the edge of The Lake District, this country inn offers rooms with private bathrooms, a children's play area, and resident alpacas. Guests can enjoy locally sourced full English breakfasts. More Information and Book ... |
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A591 Prizet Kendal LA8 8AA MAP More Information and Book ... |
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Garnett Bridge near Kendal LA8 9AZ MAP Water's Edge is a one of a group of four in an old mill in the small Lake District village of Garnett Bridge near to Kendal. It sleeps two people in one double bedroom plus a family shower room. Sleeps: 2 Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: £256 - £467 a week. More Information and Book ... |
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Staveley near Kendal LA8 9QX MAP Situated in a magnificent hillside position in the beautiful Kentmere Valley is this 17th Century Lakeland hill farm – located half way between the county town of Kendal and Lake Windermere. Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 275.00-410.00 More Information and Book ... |
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Staveley near Kendal LA8 9QX MAP This 17th Century Lakeland hill farm has been lovingly converted to offer first-class holiday accommodation. Sleeps up to 2 in 1 bedrooms. Pets allowed. Changeover Day: Sat Price Guide: 280.00-440.00 More Information and Book ... |
Towns Near Kendal To Visit - straight line distance:
Bowness-on-Windermere (7.41 miles) Windermere (7.42 miles) Ambleside (11.32 miles) Coniston (13.53 miles)
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