Kendal’s much-loved Summer Trail is well under way, and this year it’s all about wool: the trade that made the town what it is today. The Woolly Wander runs from 27 June through to 6 September 2026, and with over 170 local shops and businesses taking part, there’s never been a better excuse to explore every corner of town.
What is the Woolly Wander?
Organised by Kendal BID, the trail invites families, visitors and locals alike to follow a printed map around the town, spotting trail posters in shop and business windows and completing a series of fun tasks along the way. It’s a lovely way to slow down, discover streets and yards you might not normally wander down, and pick up some fascinating bits of Kendal history as you go.
This year’s theme celebrates Kendal’s roots as a wool trading town, a history that gave the town its motto and its famous “Kendal Green” cloth, once mentioned by Shakespeare himself. Trail-goers can look out for Kendal’s very own archers, the Kendal Bowmen, hunt down golden fleece posters hidden around town, and explore the New Shambles as part of the tasks.
Why it matters for Kendal’s high street
With over 170 shops, cafés, and businesses actively involved, the Woolly Wander isn’t just a fun day out, it’s a brilliant driver of footfall across the whole town centre. Participating businesses display trail posters and, in many cases, offer little “trail treats” to those following the route, encouraging visitors to explore streets beyond the main thoroughfare and discover independent shops they might otherwise walk past.
It’s exactly the kind of community-powered initiative that keeps Kendal’s high street thriving through the summer months, bringing extra visitors into town and supporting local trade at the same time.
How to take part
Grab a trail map and get exploring! Complete the tasks as you go, drop your finished entry at the Booths Kendal kiosk desk, and you’ll be entered into the weekly prize draw. Take your time — with so much ground to cover, it’s the perfect trail to spread across a few visits to town over the summer.
Whether you’re a local family looking for a free day out or a visitor keen to see a different side of Kendal, the Woolly Wander is running right through until early September so there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
Created by Kendal BID and Felltarn, find out more about the Kendal Summer Trail
