Kendal hotels

Hotels in Kendal

Book a Kendal hotel with us and discover what is referred to locally as the Auld Grey Town because of the proliferation of distinctive slate-coloured buildings. Kendal is blessed with its position close to both the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and is a must-visit destination in its own right.

Local attractions

Situated on a hill that overlooks the River Kent and the town itself, Kendal Castle is steeped in history. Although ruined since Tudor times, the castle is nonetheless a striking edifice and was once the baronial seat of the Parr family, of whom Katherine was the last wife of Henry VIII. The 12th century stronghold provides a wealth of picnic opportunities and walks.

More information about the castle and Kendal as a whole can be found at the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology. One of the oldest in the country, the museum contains displays from prehistoric times, through to Roman occupation and beyond. In fact, you'll find artefacts from the Galava Roman fort which was located in nearby Ambleside.

At one end of Maude Street you'll find Nobles Rest, a park that is well named because of its popularity with local workers and residents as spot for lunch or a picnic. Here you'll find a maze, wild flower meadow, scented garden and grand trees.

Less than half a mile from the town centre lies Serpentine Wood. From here you will have great views of the castle and town, and an opportunity to take a leisurely stroll among the trees where, if you look carefully, there's a good chance you'll spot squirrels and foxes.

National Parks

Covering nearly 900mi2 of stunning countryside, the Lake District National Park, less than 10 miles to the northwest of Kendal, is famed for its lakes, valleys, forest and fells, and Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain at approximately 1,000m.

Just over 10 miles to the east lies the Yorkshire Dales with its beautiful woodland areas, historic trees and abundance of wildlife, including red squirrels.

Eating and drinking

Thailand meets Yorkshire at the Little Tai Chef where its owner, Tana, combines her native cooking techniques with local ingredients to create flavoursome fusions that are celebrated locally.

Located within Plumgarth's Farm Shop, just a couple of miles from the town centre, The 2 Sisters Café offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The café is renowned for providing tasty affordable food in a friendly environment.

Alexanders Pub is a real ale hostelry that concentrates on offering brews from mainly Cumbrian breweries to provide a 'flavour of the Lake District.' A nice pint goes down a treat after a long walk, and so too does the combination of traditional pub food and contemporary cuisine.

Shopping in Kendal

In the middle of town, Market Hall and the Westmoreland Shopping Centre create a single shopping experience that caters for a wide range of tastes. Here you'll find well known shops, independent and speciality stores, and the chance to grab a coffee and a bite to eat.