Considered to be part of the Lake district Kendal Cumbria is close to the sea while not be right on it. This town was originally charted as a market town and is home to several castles all now in ruins. Other than historical sites though, the town has many things and places for visitors to enjoy.

The most recent of all the castles located in the Kendal area was built in the twelfth century to be a home to the baron families that ruled this area. The castle became a ruin during the Tudor period and has remained so ever since. This castle is open to the public and the views from here are absolutely spectacular.

Visitors who wish to learn more about the twelfth century castle and the history of the area should visit the Musuem of Natural History and Archeology. This Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country and has both local and global displays about archeology and natural history. There are many artifacts for the nearby Galava Roman Fort and a reconstruction and information on the twelfth century Baron Castle that overlooks Kendal. There is also a World Wildlife Gallery which is home to rare and extent animals from not only the United Kingdom but other continents as well.

The Holy Trinity Church is also a popular stop for tourists interested in religious icons. Most of the architecture is eighteenth century but the site and main building have been in place since the thirteenth century. The Holy Trinity church is also Cumbria's largest church seating 1200 people. With five aisle, a western tower and a peel of bells it is no wonder this parish church is home to such a large congregation.

While touring galleries in the area be sure to check out the Abbot Hall Art Gallery. This gallery is housed in a beautiful Georgian house beside the River Kent. Overlooking the Ruins of Kendal Castle the sights from this wonderful little gallery is worth visiting all by itself. There is a fine collection of British art here as well. There are many highly reputable artists included in this collection. Artists such as George Romney and Philip de Loutherbourg are among the names that the Abbot Hall Art Gallery can call theirs. The gallery is also home to many eighteenth century pieces as well as some that date to as recently as the early twentieth century.

Kendal is a small town with some big pieces of historic art and history for visitors to enjoy.

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