Kendal-The Lakes Gateway:
Kendal has had a long and varied history. There are signs of an early British settlement at Castle How and an important Roman station at Watercrook where a Roman altar, now in the British Museum, was discovered.
This old market town is often referred to as the southern gateway to the Lake District.
As the millions of visitors to the Lake District approach this area of outstanding natural beauty, Kendal is a perfect place your adventure.
Kendal is the main town in Cumbria’s South Lakeland District.
Old, grey, and green are adjectives mostly associated with describing Kendal.
Ever since Appleby, the old county town, was burned by the Scots in the fourteenth century, Kendal has been the largest place in Westmorland.
The town is historically known for its association with the wool trade. Its importance is reflected in the town’s coat of arms and its Lattin motto Pannus mihi panis (cloth is my bread.)
The first stage coach from London to Kendal began running twice a week in 1763 and was pulled by six horses.
Kendal is largely built of traditional grey limestone and is known locally as the ‘Auld Grey Town’.
As a consequence, it is also commonly referred to as the gateway to the Lake District National Park.
At one time Kendal’s yards were a unique architectural and planning feature of the town. There were about 150 yards, leading off the main street, with each one being slightly different.
Architect, Miles Thompson, was born in Kendal in 1808. He began work for Francis and George Webster and took over the business in 1846.
He is particularly associated with the development of Collin Croft and houses on Beast Banks, Kendal, where the figure (below) is on the gable No 21 of a man holding an architect’s drawing. It was put there by Miles’s brother Robert.
Kendal also occupies a hallowed place in the hearts of many walkers.
In fact, the guidebook writer – Alfred Wainwright lived in the town for many years.
Another local author was John Cunliffe, who was the author of the famous TV children’s stories about Postman Pat. John lived at 10, Greenside, Kendal where he researched for the series and imagined Mrs Goggins sitting behind the Post Office counter nearby.
Around the world, walkers will know Kendal due to it being the home of the peppermint treat – Kendal Mint cake.
But Kendal is more than just its mint cake: It is an ideal base to explore the southern Lakes with some intriguing galleries and arts centre to explore.
The town stands by the side of the River Kent which takes its water from nearby Kentmere, Longsleddale and Shap.
Incidentally, the Kent is England’s fastest flowing river.
As the Kent flows through this picturesque South Lakes town, flowing under a total of eight bridges, it is hard to imagine that the waters will soon, in just over 20miles, enter Morecambe Bay at the Kent estuary.
In October 2022, the new £2 million Gooseholme Bridge, crossing the River Kent has been opened. The previous bridge was destroyed by Storm Desmond in 2015.
The single span bridge is fully accessible to all bridge users, providing shared access for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.
On the east bank of the river are the remains of Kendal Castle.
In 1543, the castle was in the ownership of Thomas Parr, father of Katherine Parr, one of the wives of Henry VIII.
For anyone interested in the arts, The Brewery Arts is Cumbria’s top spot for arts and entertainment. Located in Kendal, it offers a range of experiences, including movies, live music, theatre, festivals, exhibitions, creative learning, and delicious food and drinks.
Whether you’re into star-studded live performances, enchanting family theatre shows, blockbuster films, international festivals, or just enjoying a tasty meal with friends, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable visit.
The Brewery Arts is open from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 11 am, and on Sundays, it opens for the first cinema screening.
As a consequence of the above, Kendal is named as one of the best 50 towns in the UK to live.
Furthermore, with a combination of a thriving town, strong local economy, excellent schools and the Lakes landscape right on its doorstep, Kendal has a winning formula and a brilliant place to live and work.
To conclude, the ‘Auld Grey Town’ of Kendal is 20 minutes away by car from Lothlorien Holiday Cottage in Kents Bank. Enquire here for your perfect stay in the Lake District.
