Kendal is the first town you will come to as you start your journey from the M6 into the National Park, rightly proclaiming itself as the gateway to the lakes. Steeped in history, it is affectionately known as the ‘auld grey town’ with most of the fine buildings constructed of lime stone, giving an impression of being hewn straight out of the rock. Today it is considered one of Englands most attractive and pleasing towns to reside in, offering both shopping for the local community, the seat of local council, and a shining light as a centre for the arts. The town is steeped in a history involving the Romans, the Anglo Saxons, the Tudors and Elizabethans. The present township started life as an anglo saxon settlement by the river where, in the eighth century, they erected a little cross, then a church, around which grew the area to be known as Kirkland, as noted in the Doomsday Book. From this early settlement Kendal, as it was to become, slowly grew, reaching prosperity in the thirteenth century as a major wool manufacturing centre, its mills powered by the river Kent. The heart of Kendal is a long road lying just west of the river, divided into three areas. At the south is Kirkland, often referred to as Kirkland village, then into Highgate, ending at Stricklandgate. On either side of this main thoroughfare are dozens of yards, crofts and courts making for enjoyable exploration. Many of the buildings along the main street retain their period frontage, notable among these are Farrer's Coffee Merchants and W. H. Smith, though a few too many have the sad seventies aluminum face of indifference. However, the whole combine to make an overall pleasing muddle of shops, inns and cafes and we can be thankful that all new work is done in a far more sympathetic and pleasing style. Across the river lie the ruins of Kendal Castle, a good place to start a days exploration, offering a fine view of the town. Built in the early 1200’s by William Rufus, the castle was home to the barons of Kendal up to the Tudor period, when it fell into decline. The best known of these baronial families were the Parr’s of whom Katherine was the sixth wife of Henry VIII. This Kendal lass was the only one to survive Henry, neither being divorced nor loosing her head to the axe. She was a woman of learning and culture, encouraging her step daughters, Mary & Elizabeth in the importance and pleasure of study and learning, having her own book published, a rare achievement for that unenlightend time. At Kirkland there is the fine parish church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Built on the site of the first church, you can see part of the original eighth century cross. The achitecture is quite lovely and somewhat grand, being one the widest parish churces in England. Inside you will find Katherine's prayer book, the Corona over the altar, a sculpture by Josephina de Vasconcellos, and some splendid stained glass windows. The church allows brass rubbings and there is a childrens trail. Next is the superb Abbot Hall Art Gallery, an essential stop for any visitor, housing an immense permanent collection of modern art, along with guest exhibitions of distinguished artists. Adjoining Abbot Hall is the Museum Of Life, a fascinating collection showing how our Cumbrian ancestors worked, lived and entertained. Still with the arts, there is the Kendal Museum of Natural History with stuffed specimens, a new interactive castle display and a homage to the great fell walker, Alfred Wainwright, including drawings, objects (various) and a pair of well darned socks. In Stramongate, at the friends meeting house, is a display of Quaker embroidery. Finally the Brewery Arts Centre, whose directors and staff have really pushed to get Kendal on the arts scene. Here there is pretty much something for everyone including theatre, dance and music events as well as art exhibitions and the lastest cinema blockbusters. As you wander round the town you can browse the many shops. At the heart of the town is Market Place and Finkle Street, two restored cobbled lanes where both street and farmers markets are held. Linking the two is ‘The Shambles’, built on a slope to allow the blood and offal of bye-gone butchers to flow down to the river. Today there is a more pleasing deli, a few antique shops and a rather good milliner, selling some interesting ladies hats. Beals is the local department store with a fine restraunt for lunch, Marks & Spencer for that great time saver the Chinese take away and Booths, an excellent local supermarket chain. David Kerr is the best men’s shop and off Elephant Yard is the award winning and delightfully helpful Caroline Blare, a super ladies shop selling the likes of Alfredo Dominguez. There are lots of restaurants and pubs, far too many to mention. My favourites are The Moon Restautant and for a pint the Ring O’ Bells down by the church at Kirkland. The pub dates back to 1741 and is still small and cosy serving good ale. This is just a flavour of this great town, and you really need to pick up some guide books and simply come and explore!