Wondering what to do when you're in Kendal? Home of the famous Mint Cake, it is a lively market town with speciality shops in cobbled streets and yards. Historic Kendal was one of the most important woollen textile centres in England; its numerous yards were once filled with workshops processing cloth, leather and foodstuffs. The ‘Auld Grey Town' of Kendal, handsomely built in limestone, is South Lakeland’s hub for shopping and culture.

The ruins of 13th century Kendal Castle overlook the town. The Parish Church is one of the widest in the country with 5 aisles, Kendal Museum one of the oldest and Abbot Hall one of the finest small art galleries in Britain. Visit the Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry and the internationally renowned Quaker Tapestry. The Brewery Arts Centre offers a full programme of cinema, theatre, music, exhibitions and special festivals all year round. Annual events in and around Kendal include Westmorland County Show and Kendal Torchlight Carnival in September and Kendal Mountain Festival in November.

Kendal has a tempting choice of cosy tearooms, pavement cafés, traditional pubs or stylish restaurants. There’s a Farmers’ Market on the last Friday of each month. Active visitors should head to the large sports and leisure centre, indoor climbing wall or Kendal dry ski slope.

South of Kendal are the major historic attractions Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall. Staveley, to the north, is home to Mill Yard with the UK’s largest cycle store, a famous walkers’ café, the Hawkshead Brewery and a unique cookery school.