Looking for the perfect family day out this half-term? Wainwright’s Yard in Kendal is your ultimate base camp for autumn adventures, combining shopping, food and drink and two classic local walks.

Fuel Up and Shop the Yard

Before hitting the trail, pack your rucksack with top-tier fuel. Stop by Another Weigh for snacks in the paper bags provided. Next, head into Booths to grab fresh fruit or a meal deal for your woodland or castle picnic. If you are timing your adventure for the end of the week, keep the Booths Café Friday fish and chips offer in mind for a comforting post-walk reward! Or head to Pizza Express, a firm favourite that first started out in London over 60 years ago.

While sorting your snacks, enjoy some unique local shopping. Browse Armstrong Ward for beautiful gifts, boutique clothes, home interiors, and a wonderful selection of baby items and toys. For a bit of treasure hunting, pop into the Lions Charity Bookshop—for old fashioned fuelling material or take home souvenier, Kendal Mintcake. It’s the only place you can buy their exclusive Lion, made specially for the charity as a fundraiser.

The Walk: Wainwright’s Yard to Serpentine Woods, Kendal Castle or Abbots Hall

With your gear packed and pockets ready, head straight out from the Yard on a fantastic, leafy stroll up to Serpentine Woods—a hidden gem perfect for an autumn family forage. Exit Wainwright’s Yard and head up through the town toward Beast Banks and Green Bank. Or how about a longer walk to the Castle? Cross over the river using Miller Bridge. Once on the east side of the river, you will briefly follow the path before heading uphill via Sunnyside or Castle Hill. The panoramic views of the town from the ancient ruins are spectacular. For a gentler, flatter route, with Abbots Hall playground as a destination, walk south along the riverside path with the water on your left.

Back to the Yard for Family Fuel

If the adults need a relaxing drink while the kids unwind, head to Elsewhere Bar for a welcoming atmosphere. Mark and his team serve anything from cocktails to coffees. Or, if its dinner you want, why not wind down the day together over a family meal at Pizza Express, located right in the heart of the Yard.