Kendal in the lake district has everything to entertain the young and the old alike. Take a short trip from "the Glen" bed and breakfast to the town centre by either car or bus. Kendal town centre has a fantastic array of small shopping areas. Take a visit to the Elephant yard, the Elephant Yard is a prestigious Shopping Centre development in the heart of Kendal (English Lake District) boasting some of the leading high street retailers. Developed on the original site of the Elephant Inn, as referred to by Shakespeare in Twelfth Night, the centre has received praise for its wonderful architecture in-keeping with the traditional Style of Kendal. Come and join Blacows, Boots Opticians, Boots The Chemist, caroline blair, Claires Accessories, Costa Coffee, Dinky Shoes, EGO, Gates Travel, Gear, Hallmark, Hotter Comfort Concept, Kendal Library, Laura Ashley, Monsoon, MVC, Natwest Bank, Next, Peacocks, Peacocks. You will also find many restaurants with tastes to cater for, including Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese and French. As you see by the photograph above, you will see Kendal Market as it is now. Here is a picture of kendal in the 1920's, things have not changed that much as Kendal still keeps its original charm that keeps people coming back year after year. Please click on the image below for a full size photo! Why not take a short trip to Bowness on Windermere, where you will find an abundance of small gift shops, and no trip would be complete without having a trip on Lake Windermere itself. The cruises depart frequently, but don't forget your camera for scenery that is second to none. Windermere makes a great place to visit, and if you do not want to dive, why not take a short train journey from Oxenholme train station to Windermere. Click here for British rail train times. Please take a look at our activities page, we have listed other websites thay may interest you whilst on your trip to kendal, you may wish to go horse riding or why not take a hot air balloon ride. What ever you want to do, you will find on our activities page.

A Short History of Kendal

The Largest town in Cumbria and the administrative centre of the county, Kendal in the Lake district and its people have a rich and varied history. The earliest records show records of Kentdale being granted to Ivo de Taillebois by William Rufus in 1007. In 1189 the Barony of kendal was granted to Gilbert Fitz-Reinfred and the town was granted a Saturday market day by King Richard the I. Around this time, many English border towns were subject to attack by the Scots and Kendal was no exception. These raids led to the building of Kendal castle. King John visited the castle in 1206 as a guest of Gilbert Fitz-Reinfred, but some 9 years later Gilbert rose with other Barons against the King and forced the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215. In 1331, John Kemp of Flanders settled in Kendal, bringing with him his weaving expertise. He taught others untill the prosperity of the whole town was based on the making of Kendal Green cloth which was worn by English Archers. At the height of wool trade, 300 packhorse left Kendal every week laden for all parts, even London some 270 miles away. This trade gave the town its motto of "Pannus Mihi Panis" which translates as "Wool is my bread". Probably the most famous resident of Kendal castle was Katherine Parr, The last of Henry the VIII's 6 wives, Who was born in the castle in the year 1512. A year later the famous Kendal bowmen fought in the battle of Flodden Field. The skills of the Kendal archers have also been documented at other battles, notably Crecy and Agincourt. In 1553, the castle was partially destroyed on Royal order, but later Queen Elizabeth I reinstated the natural heir, the Marquis of Northampton. After his death, the Barony returned to the crown and since 1784 the title has been connected with the Earl of Lonsdale. Although the cloth trade has died out since medieval times, Kendal is still well known for K shoes, Snuff and the famous Kendal Mint cake. This is particularly popular with mountaineers as a convenient energy source in severe weather conditions. In spite of modern developments, Kendal has remained true to its character of a working town, with a lively market and a broad range of shops, inns, restaurants and hotels that are mostly late Georgian. Among the many attractions are the ruins of the Castle, to which the public has free access and Abbot hall at the south end of the town. Also worth a visit is Kendal parish church. It is the largest in England and is somewhat unusual as it has five aisles.  Info@glen-kendal.co.uk