After our visit to the Windermere Jetty we decided to spend the afternoon in Kendal, which is only a short drive from Windermere. Abbot Hall has closed for renovation and moernisation so we won’t be visiting as often as we have over the past 10 years, but it’s a pleasant town with some decent shops. We wanted to restock with some coffee beans and tea from Farrars and pick up some supplies from the Booths supermarket in Waignwright Yard (makes a change from Tesco) and we thought we’d walk up to the castle, as we hadn’t been there for a while.
The Castle was built in the early 12th Century on a glacial hill left behind from the last ice age, to the east of the town. It was more of a fortified manor house for the local barons, than a military stronghold, but it would have dominated the town, looking over it from it’s prominent high position. And it would have been a potent symbol of their wealth and power. The most well known family to be barons of Kendal were the Parr’s, whose most famous member was Katherine Parr, the sixth and last Queen of Henry VIII. Although some locals claim that Katherine was born in the castle this seems unlikely as it was no longer the family’s main residence at the time she was born. The castle was acquired for the town in 1896 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria and is currently in the care of English Heritage. Effectively a public park, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors for a stroll and to take in the good views on a good day.
Although cloud had come in since the morning visibility was still fairly good and there was a good view from the castle over the town and across to nearby fells. There was still some snow up on the summits.
Afterwards we walked down into the town passing many interesting old buildings. I’ll have to make a special visit, I think, to take some photos.
After we’d done our shopping we decided that rather than head straight home and get stuck in traffic on the M6 we’d drive the short distance to Staveley and have our tea in the Royal Oak. We arrived a little early as they only start serving food at 7, but that wasn’t a problem as that gave us a chance to relax with a (non-alcoholic in my case) pint!
Down by the Dougie 
Yes it is worth a trip around the alleys and yards of old Kendal. You can pick up a leaflet from the TI as a guide. I did that on a recent visit whilst walking Wainwright’s Way, Blackburn to Haystacks, Buttermere.
Thanks for the tip 😀
That fire looks inviting. Still chilly up north!
It was inviting as the temperature had dropped by the time we got to the pub 😉
I’ve never really explored Kendal other than watching bands at the Brewery Arts Centre – a great venue by the way. The small hill just put of town – The Helm – looks worth a visit as well.
There have been a few events at Brewery Arts I’ve fancued, but never got round to buying tickets.