Trifter

The main reason for most people to visit the Lake District is the stunning scenery of the mountains and of course the Lakes themselves. However, the historic market town of Kendal is well worth a visit. It includes many of the key cultural and historic assets of the Lake District as well as two excellent shopping centres!

Three places of interest in Kendal are; Kendal Castle, birthplace of Catherine Parr, who was the last wife of Henry VIII, the 13th Century Parish Church and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery. The latter has become one of Britain’s finest independent galleries, exhibiting work by Romney and Ruskin as well some of the best in modern and contemporary art!

Kendal was the centre of a flourishing pencil industry and is also the home of that treat for climbers, Kendal Mint Cake.

It is built mainly of grey local stone, which leads to the town’s nickname of The Auld Grey Town. Kirkland is Kendal’’s old town, which is rapidly developing into a cultural quarter. The Museum of Lakeland Life is here, along with some interesting independent shops and galleries, traditional pubs and modern cafes. Another name for the town is the Gateway to the Lakes.

The town has an exciting and colourful annual calendar of events that add to its charm. This begins with the medieval market on Spring Bank Holiday Monday during the Kirkland Festival. The Brewery’’s International Music Stage takes place on the first Saturday in July.

The arrival of the Autumn Colours is heralded by the famous Torchlight Festival. The internationally acclaimed Kendal Mountain Film Festival in November closes this schedule of occasions.

Kendal has traditionally held markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and now the Cumbrian Farmers Market held on the last Friday of each month is growing in popularity.

The K Village Outlet Centre stands on the banks of the River Kent at the southern end of the town. It is situated in the former K Shoes Factory building, and people can discover the history of K Shoes and its importance to the economy and heritage of both the town and the area.

Shoppers can walk through the enclosed mall, which is totally protected from the typical Lakeland weather, while making savings of up to 60% off high street prices.

K Village contains the second largest Clark’s Shoe Store in Europe. Other outlets in the centre retail such brands as Van Heusen, Derby Pottery, Cotton Traders, Ponden Mill and Crabtree and Evelyn.

There are a number of other outlets in addition to the National Trust Shop.
Shoppers are able to relax in the Riverside Café, which has recently been refurbished in a colonial style, and serves homemade soup, sandwiches and cakes. Visitors are free to enjoy a picnic in the landscaped gardens or on the portico.

K Village Outlet has excellent facilities for the disabled, baby changing facilities, a children’’s play area and free car parking.

It is open seven days a week and more details can be obtained from 01539 732363.

The Westmorland Shopping Centre on Stricklandgate in Kendal is the town’s other major fully covered modern shopping mall.

It houses the traditional indoor markets in addition to its large variety of nationally known stores and speciality shops.

Westmorland’s shopping environment is light and airy. Shoppers are bound to be delighted by the wide range of free entertainment and events that are staged in the centre for the entire family.

Shoppers can take a break from hitting the shops, and recharge their batteries by exploring one of the many speciality coffee shops in the arcade.

Westmorland Shopping Centre operates a shopmobility scheme, found on Level Three, for shoppers with mobility problems.

Among the many facilities that are operated throughout Westmorland Shopping Centre are the Child Safe Scheme and a comprehensive CCTV system which both help to ensure that the mall remains a secure environment.

Like K Village, Westmorland Shopping is open seven days a week and more details are available from 01539 740060.