Kendal

Kendal is the biggest town in the old county of Westmorland and the southern gateway to the Lake District, which begins a few miles up the road. Built of grey limestone, it earned the name the Auld Grey Town, and its long main street of Highgate and Stricklandgate is threaded with narrow medieval yards running off at right angles, many of them now home to small shops and cafes.

The ruins of Kendal Castle stand on a drumlin on the east side of the River Kent and are free to wander, with a view over the rooftops to the fells. Down by the river, Holy Trinity is one of the widest parish churches in England, and next to it stands Abbot Hall, the Georgian house that is home to one of Lakeland Arts' galleries. Kendal Museum on Station Road has natural history and archaeology, and the Brewery Arts Centre on Highgate runs cinema, theatre and music.

This is a working town, not a resort. The outdoor market stands on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and Kendal Mint Cake, the high energy sweet carried on Everest, is still made here. In November the Kendal Mountain Festival brings outdoor films and speakers from round the world. Sizergh Castle and Levens Hall, with its famous topiary gardens, are both a short drive south.

Kendal's one way system is confusing and can jam at peak times, and the town centre streets are steep in places. Parking is plentiful in multi storey and surface car parks. It is an excellent base if you want good shops and transport with the Lakes, the Howgills and the Dales all within half an hour.