The historic Lakeland town of Kendal sits on the banks of the River Kent, the 12th Century ruins of Kendal Castle look out over the town from its lofty hillside perch. Kendal has many visitor attractions including The Abbot Hall Art Gallery, which has a regular collection of portraits by local artist George Romney, and works by Ruskin and Turner. There are many fine eateries and opportunities for shopping within the town, whilst the surrounding area is a paradise for walkers and cyclists and offers a host of other outdoor pursuits. The countryside is a spectacular setting for historic properties such as Sizergh Castle and the Topiary Garden at nearby Levens Hall are most impressive. This area is a superb base for visiting this beautiful part of Britain.