Kendal has been named among the best places to live in the North West – and it is easy to see why.
The town has cosy cafés, stylish wine bars, a thriving arts scene and an historic castle. But it is Kendal’s strong, vibrant community that makes it extra special, says Gemma Dawe, who is the founder and owner of Lake District Relocation Ltd.
“The people who live here really care about their town,” she says.
Gemma, who comes from Windermere and moved to the edge of the Kendal, met with a Sunday Times journalist to brief them on the town.
With majestic scenery on its doorstep and Windermere just a short drive away, she says Kendal is the perfect ‘gateway to the Lakes’.
It is one of 72 locations across the UK which are featured in the latest Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
Amongst its assets Kendal is a cultural and creative centre with highlights including its annual Mountain Festival featuring films and talks, the award-winning Abbot Hall art gallery and Brewery Arts which showcases world-class cinema, live music, theatre and comedy.
“I am always surprised by the huge variety of things you can do in Kendal,” says Gemma.
“The town is also an ideal base for the Lake District and the Westmorland Dales, with fells and wild swimming spots a short distance away.
“And after a hard day on the fells there is a huge choice of cosy cafes, pubs, wine bars and restaurants to re-fuel, re-charge and relax.”
The Sunday Times enthused about a “burst of entrepreneurial energy breathing new life” into the town, “which is now home to all kinds of interesting artisan businesses.”
Kendal has a thriving food and drink scene including one of Gemma’s favourites, the newly re-opened Italian restaurant The Moon Highgate, and the Five O’Clock Somewhere wine bar, in Finkle Street.
Gemma knows first-hand the value of Kendal’s great transport links as she regularly travels the area hunting out dream homes for her clients.
Connections to London and Manchester are easy from the West Coast Main Line station at Oxenholme and being just 15 minutes from the M6 makes Lancaster, Preston and Carlisle an easy trip. Kendal is also well connected into the rest of the county by main A roads making popular towns like Windermere, Grange-over-Sands, Ulverston, Kirkby Lonsdale and Penrith handy for visits.
When it comes to leisure time with her family, Gemma says Kendal is her go-to place for fun and adventure.
“My little boy loves a trip to the castle,” she says. Dating from 1200 it is most famous for its links to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and surviving wife.
On rainy days the Kendal Climbing Wall offers adrenaline-fuelled adventure with an indoor via ferrata, crazy climb and kid friendly bouldering while the Kendal Museum offers the largest taxidermy collection in Europe, including a very impressive polar bear.
When the sun shines, there are countless riverside walks on the doorstep along with quiet cycling routes through some very pretty countryside, says Gemma.
“Life does not stand still in Kendal,” she adds. “There’s always something to do. Whether it’s a picnic on Maude’s Meadow, a yoga class on Kendal Green or a new show at Brewery Arts centre, you are spoiled for choice.
“It is no wonder that so many people choose to relocate to this beautiful area; it is that, in part, that injects so much life into the community.
“People arrive keen to make new friends and build new connections with fresh ideas, skills and passions.”
