Our next #SecretKendal blog is from Stacy Hurley at Kendal Town Council, who took up her post in March this year. She’s in a great position to be able to share her #SecretKendal as one of her jobs, and a favourite one at that, is updating Kendal’s Walking Trails leaflets. Read discovering Kendal’s hidden gems below…
“As a Kendalian who loves roaming around our town, it’s great to be able to share some of its hidden gems with visitors and locals. Many can be found in the Kendal’s Walking Trails leaflets and there are information panels dotted around the town.
“One of the trails I love is the one that brings to life the history of the town, even if you only have an hour to spare.
“Did you know, for instance, that right in the middle of town the cobbles on Branthwaite Brow provided horses with a bit of grip to help them tow heavy loads up and down? And that just off them, hidden away on the right, is the beautiful Kendal Unitarian Chapel built in 1720?
“If you have time to venture further, the history trail suggests taking a walk up to the scenic ruins of Kendal Castle, which Katherine Parr’s family once owned. It’s a great way to view the town and the fells beyond and I love looking for landmarks.
“For those who want to see some history without a hike, or if you want to continue on after your climb to the castle, why not head to the original Lancaster Canal basin. Look out for the canal agent’s cottage and the ticket office a reminder that this area was a hive of activity during its 125-year working life.
“Another nearby gem is Fletcher Park, great for kicking piles of Autumn leaves and finding conkers. And beyond is Abbot Hall, built in 1759, and now a great art gallery with a park next door. My children love the new playground and it reminds me of being a child and pulling on my Mum’s arm to get to the park more quickly.
“From this end of town, you are soon at Kendal Parish Church. This 13th-century church is the largest in Cumbria and one of the widest in Britain and visitors are very welcome. I love seeing it floodlit at night when the shadows, cast by people walking by, are like giants against the stained glass. My older brother used to point at the ‘giants’ passing the church when we used to live on Aynam Road.
“Back in Market Place, it’s the switching on of the town’s Christmas tree, this time on Saturday 16 November, which marks the lead up to Christmas for me. As does flicking through the Booths bumper Christmas catalogue. Its pages are full of inspiration to help with planning, enjoying and celebrating the season of food and drink, gift-giving, well-wishing and memory-making.
“After a trek around town I can also find lots of seasonal cheer from a cuppa, to a cocktail at Slate bar, Pizza Express and Armstrong Ward in Wainwright’s Yard.
For details of this trail and others, follow this link.
