The picturesque Lake District, located in northwestern England, was designated a national park in 1951 and lies entirely in Cumbria. With over 885 square miles of fells (a Norse word for mountain), valleys, open moorland, coastline, lakes and tarns, the Lake District is comprised of a sparsely populated, natural region that encompasses numerous quaint towns and villages.

Although the Lake District has been a popular tourist destination since the railroads were built and carried passengers through in the mid 19th century, the area has remained essentially the same. With strict building codes, the national park designation and controlled growth, the region would be quite recognizable today by residents of its bygone era. The famous romantic English poet William Wordsworth and favorite children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter would have no trouble traversing the moors and roadways to find their former abodes. It is due to the careful management and preservation by the Lake District’s National Trust that England’s most brilliant and scenic national park is as beautiful today as it was over 150 years ago.

Kendal

Kendal Castle, originally built in the late 12th century, perches atop Castle Hill. Now in ruins, the castle is still a fascinating place to explore during the day and a good subject for late afternoon photographs. The castle was once home to the Parr family in the 1500s. Their famous legacy was Katherine Parr, who was the six wife of King Henry VIII and consequently, the only wife lucky enough to outlive him.

A special and interesting place to visit while in Kendal is the Quaker Tapestry Exhibit and Tapestry Tearoom, located on Stramongate. The permanent exhibit features 77 exquisite panels progressing in lineal time and depicting an aspect of Quaker history and modern life, with work by 4,000 people in fifteen different countries. Each woolen panel is painstaking embroidered by various groups of men, women and children with the panels constituting about 800 hours or 18 months of work to complete. The completed panels are quite realistic, with minute detail illustrating a person falling into a rippling pond or Cruel embroidery, which evokes a serious narrative of often harsh, historical life. Moreover, the panels are accompanied by a choice of audio guides, or a self-guided tour with additional interactive centers, film narratives, Quaker artifacts and social history.

The Quaker Tapestry Exhibit is considered one of the best secret places in Britain. Additionally, the tapestry museum offers popular 2-day workshops, embroidery materials and tools, as well as a wonderful gift shop and a top-notch tearoom adjacent to the tapestry building.

If you visit Kendal’s Market Square, where independent shops, cafés, food markets and mini-concert fests take place, you’re bond to linger and take in the colorful ambience. After your sojourn, stroll a block down to Branthwaite Brow and indulge in the famous 1657 Chocolate House. This is no ordinary confectionary purveyor, but an authentic period shop of chocolate fantasy with display cases over-brimming in house-made delicacies to tempt a king. The Chocolate House features three inviting levels with cozy seating on the main floor and upper loft (presenting a captivating video on the history and production of chocolate), with the bottom level descending a secret spiral staircase to a sea of chocolates, homemade gift boxes, unusual chocolaty items and mementoes. In addition, the main floor also offers a savory menu with teas to temper its dainties, cakes and gateaux ambrosia. An essential must-try is the Chocolate House’s renowned chocolate drinks with over 20 different heavenly fusions, including Merry Monarch and Cromwell’s Downfall; and, Kendal’s own world-famous Kendal Mint Cake.

Art enthusiasts will find Abbot Hall a rare, rural gallery housed in a historically important and striking villa. Two floors of light-filled, gallery space highlight British painting and sculpture. Eighteenth century, modern and contemporary works are displayed in a serene environment without a pretentious air. Several artists’ works of particular mention include George Romney, 18th century Kendal portraitist and Bridget Riley, abstract art and one of Britain’s most influential painters.

Situated adjacent to Abbot Hall and the Kent River is the Kendal Parish Church. This 13th century gothic church is eye-catching with period spires and ornate, stained glass windows. The iconic gargoyles perched under the spires are particularly interesting in their medieval appearance and make for an entrancing photo.

Visitors will find the Museum of Lakeland Life located directly across from Abbot Hall. One of Kendal’s most enticing museums, Lakeland Life, caters to children, as well as adults. Lifelike mannequins are attired in period clothing displaying life in historic Kendal. Fabulous antique furniture, arranged in a home setting, tells the story of another era and glass cases exhibit stylish clothing from various periods.

Additional sites visitors should explore are the new K Village outlet shopping centre and the Brewery Arts Centre. K Village is the premiere mixed-use s hopping centre in the Lake District and offers a plethora of great brand shops. The Brewery arts centre offers restaurants, summer concerts, theaters, exhibitions and more in a lovely period, stone building complex.

For a five-star B& B at very reasonable prices that serves a sumptuous breakfast, visit the Beech House, located on Greenside. The gorgeous Beech House is elegant, yet comfortable, possessing all the qualities that are essential for a perfect B&B. Its spacious rooms are impeccable and afford every luxury and amenity. Proprietors Hilary and Philip Claxton convey a welcoming and friendly disposition without intrusiveness. And, the neighborhood location is quiet, overlooking the Lake District’s hillsides with only a five-minute walk to town. The Beech House is our top recommendation while staying in Kendal.

For a list of activities and additional information on Kendal, visit South Lakeland