Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail – for younger visitors to Kendal

Situated high on the western side of Kendal – the picturesque market town known as the “Gateway to the Lake District” – Serpentine Woods is a tranquil, wooded area known mostly just by locals. This area of land close to Queens Road and within easy walking distance of the town was originally used for grazing but planted with trees in the late 18th Century and has been popular with Kendalians ever since. The various trees and shrubs that you see grow on a bed of limestone pavement which you can see exposed in some areas. In Spring, the woods are filled with an aroma of wild garlic and, throughout the year, they are home to squirrels and a variety of bird species.

There are lots of different paths that you can take through the area and, although the woodland is relatively small, these total around 3 miles in length. As well as being popular with dog walkers, perhaps the biggest draw is for families with young children who love to take part in the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail.

Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail

Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a circular, well-maintained 1.2-mile (1.9 km) walk. It is accessible to pushchairs, making it suitable for families with young children, particularly those seeking a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and educational fun. It’s a perfect alternative to the more challenging fells of the Lake District, making it an ideal introduction to walking for young children.

Originally created in 1992 (and since revamped), the trail is an interactive and engaging experience designed to captivate imagination and promote learning. Scattered throughout the woods are 26 different items to identify, from an acorn at the start to a zebra at the finish.

And yes, there’s even something for the letter ‘X’…. educationally, the trail helps young children with letter recognition and phonics in an engaging, hands-on manner, whilst also making learning more tangible and memorable.

The various items you’ll encounter have been intricately created by local artists and placed at locations high and low throughout the woods.

A fun-filled morning or afternoon

Even with little legs, this self-guided trail will only take around an hour to walk, unless one or two items prove to be particularly hard to find, but it’s a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon, watching your children’s faces light up with excitement each time they unearth a new object.

Combining this scavenger hunt and educational journey with learning the alphabet and engaging with the natural world is an excellent way to foster a love for nature and learning in young minds, whilst enjoying some fresh air and stunning views over Kendal, not to mention providing the physical exercise that is essential for children’s health and well-being.

A great alternative to the Lake District fells

For families with young children, the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail is a fantastic alternative to the more arduous fells of the Lake District. The manageable 1.2-mile circular route is perfect for little legs and offers a gentle introduction to walking. It’s an excellent way to build children’s confidence and enthusiasm for hiking, setting a foundation for future adventures in the more challenging terrain of the Lake District hills.

Maybe next time they’ll take on some of the easier peaks such as Orrest Head or Gummer’s Howe. And, before you know it, they’ll be scaling Helvellyn, taking on Striding Edge or conquering Scafell Pike!

Practical tips for visiting

To make the most of your visit to the Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail, here are a few practical tips:

1. Timing: There are usually people in the woods at any time during the day, even when it’s raining, but it never tends to get too busy, so you really can go any time and enjoy a relatively quiet experience.
2. Footwear: Wear a sturdy pair of shoes as the terrain can be uneven in places, even though the paths are well-maintained.
3. Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit. While the woods offer some shelter, it’s best to be prepared for all conditions. If there are strong winds, you might of course want to re-consider visiting due to the increased risk of falling trees or branches.
4. Refreshments: There are no facilities within the woods, so bring any drinks or snacks with you, disposing of any litter in the bin provided at the entrance to the trail.
5. Parking: If you choose to drive to the woods rather than walk from the town, there is a small car park just off Queen’s Road, where the trail starts. This tends to be quite busy but there is usually a space or two available.
6. Navigation: Although the trail is well-marked, it’s helpful to have a map of Serpentine Woods – scan the QR code you see below to obtain an online map of the Alphabet Trail​.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the hidden gem that is Serpentine Woods! Entrance to the woodland is completely free of charge and the Alphabet Trail promises an unforgettable experience for families with young children. It combines the joys of nature, the thrill of discovery and the benefits of educational play into one delightful morning or afternoon.