Kendal might be known as the "auld grey town", but it certainly doesn't lack colour.

Nestling in the rolling hills of Westmorland and overlooked by the ruins of its 11th century castle, this ancient market town strikes a balance between the rugged rural beauty of the Lakeland fells and the convenience of urban living.

Surprisingly for a town of its size, Kendal can boast its own ski slope and climbing wall, as well as a modern leisure centre with all the sports, from swimming to squash.

The town has a vibrant artistic life, as well as dozens of pubs, cafes and restaurants offering everything from Thai food to locally-brewed beers.

Not only is Kendal an ideal gateway to the central lakes, it also offers access to miles of lesser-known South Lakeland by-ways while a walk around the town's nooks, crannies and yards will reveal its long and rich history.

Main attractions...

Abbot Hall Art Gallery on the banks of the River Kent boasts a fine permanent collection of works of art from the 18th Century onwards, featuring artists such as J.W.M. Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters and Ben Nicholson. The gallery also offers frequent exhibitions from national collections.

The Brewery Arts Centre on Highgate has a reputation as one of the very best regional arts centres in the country with live performances in music, theatre and comedy, as well as a restaurant, bars, gallery space and a multi-screen cinema.

Kendal's historic Norman castle was the birthplace of Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII and offers fantastic views of the town and the surrounding hills.

With several shopping centres, an outdoor market twice a week, a monthly farmers' market selling local produce as well as out-of-town shops and supermarkets, Kendal can cater for just about any consumer's needs.

And if it's wet...

The Museum of Lakeland Life on Kirkland explores the life, work, culture and changing social climate of the Lake District over the last 300 years.

Kendal Museum on Station Road is one of the oldest museums in the country and features fascinating collections, including local archaeology, history, geology and a natural history collection from around the globe.

Walks...

Long - A low-level walk of around 11 miles southwards along the banks of the River Kent from Kendal offers the chance to see kingfishers on the fast-flowing waters. This walk will take you through to the scenic parklands of Levens Hall before returning along the Kent and the Kendal/Lancaster canal towpath past the villages of Sedgwick and Natland.

Short - A stroll from the town centre, up to Kendal Castle and then over the hill. Follow a footpath running alongside the Castle Green Hotel, across fields up to Paddy Lane - a narrow road. Follow the road for about a mile before taking a footpath down the hill and dropping back into Kendal Events...

The Kirkland Festival, Abbot Hall - July 1.

The Westmorland County Show, The Showground, Crooklands, Thursday, September.

Kendal Torchlight Carnival - September.

Mountain Film Festival - a world-class celebration of mountains and mountaineering in films, lectures seminars and exhibitions based at the Brewery Arts Centre from October or November.

For more information visit the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, Highgate (01539-725758).