Sitting between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District, the historic market town of Kendal, easily accessed from the M6 motorway, is a perfect location for exploring the the charms of both Cumbria and Yorkshire. A mere 20-minutes drive from Lake Windermere for boat-trips, kayaking, paddle boarding and wild swimming, this Cumbrian town has much to offer as a holiday destination.
Just over three hours by train from London, a Kendal Cottages self-catering luxury apartment in the heart of the town, with a balcony overlooking the River Kent, gives non-drivers a base to explore the town, dales and lakes. Also, secure key-card access to basement parking allows drivers to take a holiday from their car whenever they wish.
Kendal past and present
Since long before the Roman Invasion, Kendall has had an interesting history. Taking a stroll around the town, place names reveal the past importance of the once prosperous wool industry. Tenterfell derives from the frame on which wool was stretched and dried.
Re-opening on May 18th, the Quaker Tapestry Museum, housed in the original Georgian Meeting House, brings to life 350 years of social history and Quaker stories in over 40 vivid embroidered panels.
Kendal Castle also has its role in national history as the home of the Parr family. Catherine Parr, the last of Henry Vlll’s six wives, outlived a king who by the end of his reign was obese and grumpily dangerous.
Another reminder of Kendal’s curious history – and a fashionable craze that once swept Britain where users inhaled powdered tobacco to get a hit of nicotine – is the presence of Samuel Gawith & Co, the only remaining producer of Kendal Brown Snuff.
As well as local strolls along the River Kent, visitors can head out for more extensive walks at The Helm, Scout Scar, Cunswick Scar and Serpentine Woods. For a sense of true Lakeland buy yourself one of Alfred Wainwright’s famous guides and a bar of Kendal Mint Cake to fuel your explorations.
Kendal as a base
Kendal is a superb base for cyclists and mountain bike enthusiasts looking for testing trails. If some of the picturesque villages and landscape seem familiar from reading bedtime stories to your children you may be recalling the Postman Pat books. Author John Cunliffe lived in Kendal and his stories featured Kentmere and Longsleddale. More celebration of Lakeland landscapes can be found at the Abbot Hall Art Gallery.
Kendal Cottages self-catering accommodation provides a spacious open plan living area with Laura Ashley sofas, solid oak furniture, flatscreen TV, Bose sound system and iPod/iPhone docking station. The dining area, overlooking the River Kent, features a solid oak dining table and chairs. The kitchen has granite worktops and is superbly equipped with oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, kettle, toaster and washer/dryer.
Usually held on the last Friday of each month, Kendal Farmers’ Market provides provisions for self-catering and is an ideal source of distinctive presents to take home to fiends and family. Serious foodies can search out some of Lakeland’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Luxury accommodation
The master bedroom has a super king size Myers Ultimate Luxury Pocket sprung mattresses, while the second bedroom has a zip-link bed which can be configured as a twin bedded room or another super king bedroom.
Making the most of town and country, Kendal lies on the edge of the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site of 16 lakes, 200 fells and countless days of pleasure.
Kendal fact file
Visit https://www.kendalcottages.com for more information, availability and details on how to book.
Short breaks out of season (Monday to Friday or Friday to Monday) start from £390.
Full weeks (Friday to Friday) range from £590 out of season to £1,200 in peak season. There is a strict no-smoking policy nor are pets permitted.
About the Author / Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards is a 50connect travel critic. He has a nose for good food and fine wine and plays a mean round of golf.
