The river at Kendal in Cumbria Lake District

Self catering holiday cottages in Kendal lake District

The "auld grey town" of Kendal, known as such because of its old houses and buildings built in grey limestone, is situated just off the main road joining the southern part of the Lake District to the M6.

Kendal is very much the capital of the Lake District, with a history traceable right back to pre-Roman times. It’s a great location to base your self-catering holiday from, being as it is the southern ‘gate-keeper’ to the Lake District. There is a variety of mixed self-catering cottages, apartments, houses, chalets and lodges in and around the town, so while you’re not far away from the lakes themselves, you also have the vibrant town of Kendal on your doorstep.

Staying in kendal - places to visit

The town's motto is "wool is my bread", which is a testament to the town’s standing as the main centre for the woolen industry during the 13th Century. The distinctive Kendal Green Cloth produced in the town became famous throughout the country.

Kendal has an eclectic mixture of broad streets, cobbled streets and narrow courtyards all waiting to be explored. Walking around its slated-roofed buildings, traditional inns and bridges is best on foot, but there are trail guides if you want to really immerse yourself in the town.

There are also plenty of interesting places to visit and things to do in and around the town, from castles, museums, gardens and even, should you feel the active urge, great sporting activities. The area provides great walking opportunities, such as Scout Scar, where you can take in fabulous views of the Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. Don’t forget your camera!

With its 80ft tower, ten bells and five aisles inside, the town’s Holy Trinity Parish Church is one of the largest in the country and dates back to the 13th Century. Kendal Castle saw Katherine Parr, the last queen of Henry VIII, born there in 1512. The ruins can still be seen on a green hill overlooking the town.

Abbot Hall, at the foot of the Castle, is an awarding gallery surrounded by a park on the banks of the River Kent. Great collections of British works of art sit comfortably in the gallery’s elegant Georgian rooms beside furniture and objects of art from the time. Paintings by the world famous are rotated during the year, including Nicholson, Schwitters, Spencer, Romney, Turner, Lawrence, Ramsay, Ruskin and Hepworth. There are also various exhibitions held there throughout the year by leading artists. There’s also the Abbott Hall coffee shop and Gallery book shop.