Nestled into an “egg basket” landscape of rolling drumlins formed by the glacial drift, is an historic, self-contained market town noted for fresh air and fun.

A culture of festivals and theatre is surrounded by a sleekly dressed countryside of well managed pasture. Bay views and an overview of the town beating with activity can be seen from the encompassing hills, as well as the arterial road and rail routes. They say, “The place doesn’t matter, it’s who you are with;” I say, “Why not have both?” Kendalians have a big heart and live in a first-class location.

The shopping in Kendal is a real pleasure, especially for a fella who knows it’s a one stop shop and it only takes 10 minutes to walk from one side of town to the other. Stroll in along the river or old canal towpath, there is a super variety of independent and national retailers, all of whom know how important this commercial centre is due to the expanse of the area it covers.

Edinburgh is an easy day trip destination from Oxenholme Station and Manchester only an hour or so away for visiting family and friends by car. The M6 return journey to Kendal is best, the traffic melts away once you pass Preston and you know home is not too far away.

Kendal boasts a fantastic calendar of events including the infamous Kendal Calling Music Festival, Kendal Mountain Festival, The Lakes International Comic Art Festival, and Kendal Torchlight Carnival to name but a few. I can recommend the local cycling sportives, Brewery Arts Centre and ski slope but it is only recently I have discovered how good my local schools are and how lucky we are to have such an impressive local hospital on our doorstep.

The town is always moving forward with new commercial ventures and residential developments, so every year there is more to discover and new people to meet. That’s why I love Kendal.