Locality
Kendal is a picturesque town with a rich history. Henry VIII’s last queen, Katherine Parr, was born in Kendal Castle and (more recently) Alfred Wainwright wrote his famous ‘Pictorial Guides to the Lakes’ from an office in the town. You can find out more at the Museum of Lakeland Life. For art lovers, Abbot Hall gallery is home to paintings by Turner and Ruskin, as well as regular touring exhibitions. Culture is alive and kicking in Kendal: recent festivals held in the town include the Mountain Film Festival, Mint Fest (music & street theatre) and International Women’s Art. The Brewery Arts Centre (www.breweryarts.co.uk) offers a theatre, cinemas, gallery space, bars and a restaurant.
There are plenty of independent shops and boutiques for the discerning shopper. As well as the usual high street names, the town has stores specialising in everything from children’s shoes to chocolate. K Village shopping outlet offers cut-price bargains, and all the shopping areas are pedestrianised (www.wainwrightsyard.com).
In recent years Kendal has begun to attract attention for the quality of its restaurants and food shops. The last Friday of every month sees local producers set up stall at the farmers’ market in the centre of town. There are several good supermarkets and smart cafes specialising in local food. The Italian bakery (Staff of Life) even runs breadmaking courses (www.artisanbreadmakers.co.uk). You’ll find stylish restaurants serving tapas, contemporary Thai food and authentic Italian cuisine at sensible prices.
For younger visitors, Kendal offers a leisure centre (swimming pools, tennis, etc) and the Lakeland Climbing Centre as well as an indoor soft-play area. There is a playground close to the apartment, with a zipwire; paths run alongside the river so you can cycle or walk for miles. Or why not make the steady climb up Castle Hill to see the old Beacon and the ruins of Kendal Castle, perched on its green hill overlooking the town? From the top you get panoramic views to Morecambe Bay and the mountains of the Lake District.