Castle Howe

The walk to and around Castle Howe is generally considered easy and manageable for most visitors. The motte, which is the artificial mound, has steps built into it for easy access to the summit. It's a short, rewarding ascent, making it ideal for those looking for a brief outdoor experience. While the main path is straightforward, some areas might have slight inclines. It's very suitable for beginners or those seeking a leisurely stroll.

Yes, Castle Howe is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. The site is maintained as a pleasant green space, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for children to explore. Dogs are welcome, but please ensure they are kept on a lead, especially around other visitors and wildlife. The manageable difficulty and open space make it a great spot for a family outing or a walk with your canine companion.

Castle Howe is conveniently located off Gilling Gate and Beast Banks, making it easily accessible on foot from the centre of Kendal. Kendal has a train station with connections to the national rail network, and numerous local bus services operate throughout the town. From the town centre, it's a short walk to the site. While there isn't dedicated parking directly at Castle Howe, several public car parks are available within Kendal town centre, a short walk away. Consider parking at one of these and enjoying the stroll through town to the castle site.

Yes, many hikers enjoy incorporating Castle Howe into circular walks around Kendal. Its strategic position makes it a natural point of interest for routes exploring the town's heritage and green spaces. While specific named routes may vary, you can easily create your own circular walk by starting from Kendal town centre, visiting Castle Howe, and then extending your walk to include other local attractions like the River Kent or even the ruins of Kendal Castle across the valley. You can find various Kendal walking routes that feature Castle Howe on komoot, which can help you plan your visit and explore the surrounding area.

The intro mentions that the best time to visit is often during drier weather, and that it's particularly beautiful during spring and autumn. To avoid larger crowds, consider visiting early mornings or later afternoons, especially on weekdays. Weekends, particularly during good weather in summer, can see more visitors. For a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer people, alongside beautiful foliage changes.

From the summit of Castle Howe, you can expect panoramic views over Kendal town. These vistas stretch across the rooftops of the historic market town, offering a unique perspective of its layout. You can also glimpse the distant ruins of the later Kendal Castle across the River Kent, providing a historical comparison. The elevated position on a hillside spur allows for expansive views of the Kent valley and the surrounding Cumbrian landscape.

As Castle Howe is situated very close to Kendal town centre, you'll find a wide array of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and accommodation options within easy walking distance. After your visit, you can descend into town to enjoy a meal, a refreshing drink, or find a place to stay. Kendal offers everything from traditional pubs and cozy cafes to hotels and guesthouses, catering to various preferences and budgets.

Castle Howe holds immense historical significance as it is considered Kendal's original castle. Fortified around 1092, it was established as a Norman motte and bailey castle, serving as a strategic garrison and administrative center for the Barony of Kendal. It represents the earliest known fortification in the area, predating the stone-built Kendal Castle. Although abandoned in the 12th century, its earthworks remain a Scheduled Monument, offering a tangible link to the Norman conquest era and the town's foundational history.

Beyond its historical earthworks, Castle Howe features a prominent 1788 obelisk atop the motte. This monument commemorates the centenary of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and was designed by local architect Francis Webster. Additionally, an information panel and map are available at the base of the motte, providing visitors with historical context and details about the site's past. The site itself, with its distinct motte and triangular bailey, is a notable example of Norman earthwork fortifications.

Exploring Castle Howe itself, including the ascent to the summit and taking in the views, is a relatively quick activity. Most visitors find that 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to appreciate the site. However, if you choose to incorporate it into a longer circular walk around Kendal or spend more time reading the information panels and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, your visit could extend to 1.5 to 2 hours.