Kendal – 16.1 miles

Kendal has, at various times in the past, been an important centre for trade and commerce. The town’s traditional trade was in wool, from which the town’s motto “Pannus mihi panis”, literally meaning “wool is my bread” was taken.

The town has a population of some 28000 (2001) and is home to a fine selection of shopping arcades, a multitude of historical buildings and bridges, including the parish church on the river side in Kirkland, a number of houses and office buildings designed and built by renowned local architects, the 14th century Castle Dairy, Kendal Castle and Castle Howe, Abbot Hall Museum, Kendal Museum, a host of churches and chapels and rows of houses built from the 1600’s right through to the present day.  Also a selection of shopping arcades, fine restaurants, a mass of public houses, excellent local schools, low crime rates, quality hotels and views that would please the most serious photographer.  To book a B&B near Kendal please see below.

From the Romans, who left with the camp at Watercrook on the banks of the river Kent, to the Normans who left with not one but two castles and a church that is only a few feet narrower than the mighty York Minster, to the Elizabethans and the Victorians, who left us with a wealth of architecture that can only usually be found in larger towns and cities, Kendal is a North Western gem that deserves a visit.

The town’s most famous export must be Kendal Mint Cake. Joseph Wiper came up with the original recipes, and by the time the company was sold to rival mint cake makers Romneys, there were a number of local firms producing their own brands. Kendal’s manufacturing industries all but vanished after the demise of the canal in the 1940’s, with the first few miles of the canal from Kendal onwards being filled in and turned into building land, footpaths and cycle ways.

Walking around the town amongst the diverse building styles can be a delight, and tens of thousands of tourists and locals alike do so each year.

Kirkdale House Bed and Breakfast, Nr Kendal – 01524 735373

For a local B&B Kendal call 01524 735373