Kendal is known as the Auld Grey Town, thanks to the grey limestone that so many of its buildings are built from. Sitting on the River Kent at the southern edge of the Lake District, it's a market town with a quiet, solid character, and plenty of hidden yards and alleys waiting to be explored.
The Kendal colouring book from Britain in Lines captures that character in calm, considered line work.
About Kendal
Kendal has been a busy market town since the Middle Ages, when its wool trade made it one of the most important places in the north west. Its narrow yards, many of which still run off the main streets today, date back to that era of weavers and merchants.
The town is also famous for Kendal Mint Cake, a favourite of walkers and mountaineers, and it's the gateway for many visitors heading into the Lakes. Yet Kendal is much more than a stopping point: it has its own castle, galleries, arts centre and a riverside that's lovely to wander.
Kendal landmarks to colour
Abbot Hall
A handsome Georgian house beside the river, Abbot Hall is home to an art gallery and is one of the town's most elegant buildings. Its symmetrical front and tall windows make a classic architectural page.
Kendal Castle
On a hill to the east of the town, the ruins of Kendal Castle look down over the rooftops. The castle is linked to the Parr family, whose most famous member, Catherine Parr, became the sixth wife of Henry VIII.
Kendal Parish Church
Holy Trinity Church is one of the widest parish churches in England, with five aisles under its long, low roof. It sits beside Abbot Hall near the river, forming one of the prettiest corners of the town.
Brewery Arts
Once a working brewery, this is now Kendal's lively arts centre, with a cinema, theatre and gallery. It's a great example of a historic building given a new life.
The bridges over the River Kent
Kendal's old stone bridges link the town across the river, and they're among the most peaceful scenes in the book.
Why Kendal is lovely to colour
Kendal's grey stone gives you a brilliant base to play with. Some colourists like to stay true to the limestone with layered greys and soft blues, while others bring the town to life with warm, unexpected colours. Either way, the river, trees and fells offer plenty of natural colour too.
Inside the Kendal colouring book
The book includes 20 hand-drawn illustrations inspired by Kendal's stone-built streets, landmark buildings and riverside scenes. The line work is open and structured, never cluttered, so every page is relaxing to fill. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
A thoughtful Kendal gift
This book makes a lovely present for anyone with a connection to Kendal, Cumbria or the Lake District: a local, a regular visitor, or someone who has moved away and misses the fells. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
