Being from this particular part of Cumbria my husband will tell you that the latin inscription over Kendal Town Hall 'Pannus Mihi Panis' literally means Wool is my bread.

History of Kendal

Wander around the 'yards' and 'ginnels' of Kendal in Cumbria and you will see how cleverly it has moved into the 21st century.

Gateway to southern Lake District and steeped in history it is still easy to see how the limestone buildings of Kendal lent it the nickname of the the Auld Grey Town.

The trades have changed through the ages. Until the Industrial revolution Kendal was a hub for the Westmorland wool trade. Another change has been the more recent closure of K shoes. Allthough they are no longer manufactured in Kendal, the legacy of the Kendal shoe factory shop continues and is currently found on the high street.

Two trades which have survived the test of time are the ever famous Kendal Mint Cake and perhaps lesser known the manufacture of snuff, which is still produced using some of the original machinery.

Kendal is becoming a fabulous place to shop. A clever compromise of the new with the old, with a great mixture of high street stores and individual retailers.

Kendal things to do

In a converted stable opposite the Abbot Hall the Museum of Lakeland Life is a great way to glimpse into the history of the area. Free fun worksheets are available for children to complete as you walk down a Edwardian Street and experience an 18th century kitchen. Opening hours and more information of this Kendal Museum here.

Kendal Brewery Arts Centre

The Brewery Arts Centre attracts well known names. From Jazz artists to stand up comedians. Recent additions to the Brewery Arts Centre are the Grain Store Restaurant, Vats Bar and Warehouse Cafe. There is also a child-friendly cafe for those with younger tots. Find out what's currently on at the Kendal Brewery Arts Centre.

Kendal Castle

The ruins of Kendal Castle are a great place for a short walk out of Kendal or for a family picnic.

Kendal Torchlight Parade

2009 will the the 40th anniversary of the Kendal Torchlight procession. The procession starts at 7.30pm - the carnival is free to watch. More information will be listed here as it becomes available, or check out the official website here.

Kendal Shopping Centre

Kendal Market & Farmers Market

Kendal is a historical market town with and charter for Saturday markets can be dated back to 1189. The Outdoor Market is held every Saturday and Wednesday. The Indoor Market is open 6 days a week entrance to the the Westmorland Shopping complex. The market hall dates back to 1886 and is a mixture of permanent stalls and 'tables' selling home made goodies such as home made butter fudge and home made lemon curd.

The Farmers Market usually takes place in the Market place on the last Friday of each month, 9.30am - 3.30pm.

Elephant Yard and Westmorland Centre

If you are after High Street chains then Elephant Yard and the Westmorland Centre are off Strickland Gate (the main high street running through Kendal) Kendal.
Download a free map of Kendal town centre here.

K Village Kendal

K shoes may no longer be manufactured in Kendal in Cumbria but they have left their legacy with The K Village. It is currently in a temporary location (which is actually very convenient) righ in the shopping centre of Kendal. Outlet stores at K Village include Clarks Shoes / Denby Pottery / Klass and National Trust Gift Shop.

Check opening hours and location of the K Village here.

Kendal Coffee Shops

There are many Kendal Coffee shops to choose from. Certainly worth a mention are the Chocolate House cafe and Farrers on the main street, who still roast and grind their own coffee beans.

The Chocolate House dates back to 1657 and offers 18 different types of hot chocolate as well as delicious chocolate cakes and light lunches. To find the Chocolate House wander down the cobbled street leading out of the market square. Check here to confirm opening hours of the Chocolate House.