A Walk Around Kendal

Most people who are visiting the Lake District head straight for touristy Windermere or Grasmere. But when my friends and I wanted to break up our drive to The Lakes, we decided to take a walk around Kendal, an historic market town.

Our main goal to stop here was to get food, so we just wandered around the cobbled streets in the centre of town and found a delightful hidden back yard at Emma's Yard where we had tasty soup and sandwiches.

After lunch we just had to take a look at the Chocolate House next door. The basements is the place to go if you want to buy handmade boxed chocolates, unusual chocolate that make great presents or more serious gift boxes. The first floor is a restaurant serving no less than 16 different chocolate drinks and their famous chocolate gateau.

We took a leisurely stroll along the shopping street and popped into one of the many yards and lanes that branch off the highstreet. Apparently the names of the yards were taken from the name of the owners of the house that stood at the top of the lane. These days many of them are home to quirky shops, indoor markets and fashionable boutiques.

With the weather being atypically English (It was extremely hot), we walked on towards the river where the ruins of Kendal Castle popped into view. Further along the banks of the Kent River we happened upon the serene Parish Church which is flanked by a lovely green and the Kendal Art Gallery.

We did drive through Windermere on our way into the Lake District, but if you were to ask me what town to visit in the Lakes, Kendal's got my vote.