Kendal

Kendal is the major market town in the Southern Lakes lying on the banks of the river Kent, although a bypass has been built it still remains a very busy town. Many small lanes and yards run off the main street and market place and plenty of Georgian buildings can still be seen.

Visitors without transport mainly arrive at Oxenholme station, and from there can transfer onto the Windermere line to enter the National Park. Kendal is home to the famous Kendal Mint Cake and has many shopping centres offering high street brands.

Kendal Castle, although in partial ruins, is open to the public and easily accessible. This was built around 1220 and stands on a glacial mound on the eastern side of the town. Between 1383 and 1571 the castle was owned by the Parr family.

It has been said that Catherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s wives was born there, but history states she was actually born in Northamptonshire – but she could have lived in Kendal Castle.