Kendal stands on the River Kent surrounded by low hills and overlooked by a 12th Century Castle.  Although a relatively small town, it is a significant commercial centre for a wide area due to its beautiful and rural location.  Kendal is known as “The Gateway to The Lakes” and is well worth a visit.  The town offers a great base for a holiday or day out.

Kendal has a fabulous mix of shopping venues, restaurants, cafes, historical buildings and bridges and, to top it all, two castles.  The layout of the town is an enchanting mix of narrow lanes and yards branching from the main street.  Visit the Museum of Lakeland Life which displays a range of traditional rural trades of the area and shows how Cumbrian people lived and worked over the last 300 years.

A full day can be spent at Kendal Museum which is one of the oldest museums in the country.  The Museum maintains one of the largest taxidermy collections in Europe.  There are also wonderful  collections of objects and artifacts covering the subjects of archaeology, geology, natural and social history.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery, near the museum, is an award winning gallery. It hosts contemporary and historic exhibitions often showcasing artists of international renown.

Sizergh Castle and Garden is a stately home and garden at Helsington, about 4 miles south of Kendal. The castle, a Grade I listed building, is in the care of the National Trust along with its garden and estate.  There is plenty to see and do for all ages at Sizergh.

For those who love theatre, music, films, and exhibitions check out the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal which is a multi-purpose arts complex presenting a year round programme.

For lots more information on arts, events, culture and shopping see Visit Kendal website.