My Kendal - Hayden Thorpe
After receiving critical acclaim for their second album Two Dancers, the Wild Beasts' frontman shows us around the band's home town of Kendal...
Kendal Castle
Once the home of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife, Kendal
Castle is a beautiful ruin with amazing 360º views across the whole
town. It was built in the 12th century and you can see it from
anywhere in Kendal. Once you're up there, you also get an
impressive view of the parish church - the largest one in
Cumbria.
Info: visitcumbria.com
Dickie Doodles
Dickie's is a small music bar (and café-bistro by day) just off
the High Street in Kendal. It's where we all cut our teeth as
teenagers playing our first gigs and watching local bands. So if
you like live music, it's definitely worth a look.
Info: visitcumbria.com
Brewery Arts Centre
This place is the mainstay of Kendal's cultural quarter. It's a
music venue, bar, gallery and cinema all-in-one, and does some
really cool events - not least our homecoming gig last Christmas!
It also has a lovely patio with incredible views of the surrounding
countryside, perfect for a drink in the summer.
Info: breweryarts.co.uk
Booth's Artisan
Attached to a small local supermarket is this deli-come-café. It
sells local specialist breads, cheeses, meats and sausages. It's a
fantastic showcase of Cumbrian fare and you won't fail to find
something amazing to eat.
Info: booths-supermarkets.co.uk
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
A gallery which houses a real mixture of art: pieces by local
artists, touring exhibitions and a good permanent collection,
including works by Turner and, one of my favourites, Lucian
Freud.
Info: abbothall.org.uk
See them now
Catch Wild Beasts at Kendal Calling 2010