Roughly thirty minutes drive from Hawthorns Park you’ll find the South Lakeland market town of Kendal. Home of the famous Mint Cake, it is a lively town with a variety of interesting shops along its cobbled streets. Despite being most commonly associated with the famous item of confectionary, there’s a lot more on offer in the town.
Kendal has a history of being at the centre of the country’s woollen textile industry. Nowadays the market town is a top destination in The Lake District for shopping, art galleries and culture. Here’s our guide to the ‘gateway to the Lakes’, and things to do in Kendal…
Photo credit: foshie on Flickr
Castle Ruins
Ruins of the 13th century Kendal Castle overlook the town and make for an unmistakable backdrop. Take a stroll up Castle Hill to Experience stunning views of the town below and stop off for a picnic in the surrounding grounds. There’s various information boards around the ruins themselves, but if you’re after more background Kendal Museum has an exhibition which delves into the history of The Castle.
Photo credit: Phil Wiffen on Flickr
Kendal Museum
Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum is home to a variety of fascinating collections and exhibits. The main themes showcased in the museum include local archaeology, history, geology as well as worldwide natural history. The museum also has a shop, cafe, play areas and offers a range of activities, talks and courses throughout the year. Opening days are Thursday-Saturday.
Photo: Kendal Museum
Parish Church
The Holy Trinity Kendal Parish Church has an impressive five aisles making it one of the widest churches in the country. The church is worth a visit if you like historic buildings and feel like a moment of quiet reflection. Guided tours are available and provide the perfect way to learn more about the oldest building in the town, as well as the people and fascinating stories from the past.
Photo credit: Luke McKernan on Flickr
Kendal Mint Cake
It wouldn’t be quite right to visit the area without buying some of the famous mint cake. The traditional confectionary has a distinctive sweet taste and is popular with mountain climbers who want a high energy snack. Romney’s, Quiggin’s and Wilson’s are well-known and longstanding manufacturers of Kendal Mint Cake. If you’re visiting the town, be sure to pick some up as a treat in the local shops and give it a try for yourself!
Photo credit: Andrew Bowden on Flickr
Sizergh Castle
Not far from Kendal, there’s plenty of must see attractions to visit while you’re nearby. To the South of Kendal you’ll find Sizergh Castle – a stunning National trust property. The whole family will love exploring the historical features inside the building as well as the fabulous outdoor grounds.
If you’re looking for places to stop and spend some time on your travels, Kendal is right up there with the prettiest towns in the Lake District. Take the time to experience the local culture and enjoy this memorable example of a South Lakeland town.
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