Kendal Castle
Castle In Kendal, Cumbria
Ruined castle built in the 1200s, with links to Katherine Parr's family.
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It has been a good few years since I visited Kendal Castle, but I guess if nothing much has changed in 400 years, it probably doesn't look too different to the photographs you see here from 2017. Kendal Castle sits on a large mound known as a drumlin which is formed by the movement of a glacier over a bed of till (a mix of rock, clay and sand). It is right in the heart of Kendal and is easy to access.
The castle was built in the 13th century as the home of the Lancaster family who were Barons of Kendal. The best-known family associated with the castle was the Parr family, which included Queen Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII of England (the one who survived!). Her family had lived at Kendal since 1383, but by the time Katherine Parr was born in 1512, the family had long deserted the castle.
The castle was built on a strategic site, overlooking the River Kent and the town of Kendal. It was originally a motte and bailey castle, but in the 13th century it was rebuilt in stone. The castle has a rectangular keep, a curtain wall, and a gatehouse. There are also the remains of a chapel, a dovecote, and a well.
The castle was used as a military stronghold for centuries, but it fell into disrepair in the 16th century. It was eventually purchased by the town of Kendal in 1897, and it is now a popular tourist attraction. The castle is open to the public free of charge, and there are guided tours available. A cool spot to wander round, with fantastic views over Kendal and the Lake District.
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Where To Park For Kendal Castle?
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54.324264, -2.74267
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Parking is available on the streets close by to the castle. You can park on Parr Street and the castle is a short walk from there.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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