A Guide to the 19 Best Things to do in Kendal in 2023
Kendal’s market town and civil parish are located in the South Lakeland country of Cumbria, England. Known for its grey limestone buildings, the town is nicknamed “Auld Gray Town” there are many exciting things to do in Kendal, and you will have plenty to do and explore.
Kendal lies on the River Kent, surrounded by low hills. It is known as “The Gateway to The Lakes” and is a popular base for discovering the national park.
Its motto, ‘ Wool is my bread,’ comes from the cotton industry, which has been an essential industry in the town for centuries. Today, you will feel the buzz of culture, history and creativity.
In addition to being a popular shopping destination with a bustling shopping centre, the town is known for its festivals and historical sights, such as Kendal Castle. In addition, it is renowned for its Kendal Mint Cake. In our guide, we list our favourite things to do in Kendal and some exciting information about the town.
Where is Kendal?
Kendal is 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Windermere and 19 miles north of Lancaster. Unfortunately, in 1951, the Lake District National Park was created to exclude Kendal. Luckily, it is incredibly close and has the added benefit of being close to the Yorkshire Dales.
You can drive to Kendal from the M6, Junction 36 (8 miles away), or you can get the train on the west coast train line at Oxenholme – The Lake District.
When is the best time to visit Kendal?
It’s difficult to say precisely when the best time to visit Kendal is, as it depends on your preferences and the activities you are interested in during your visit.
Some people may prefer to visit Kendal during the summer when the weather is generally warm and pleasant, and there is a range of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. Others may prefer to visit during the cooler months when the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is more picturesque.
In general, the most popular times to visit Kendal are during the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and a range of outdoor events and festivals occur.
If you plan a trip to Kendal, check out local events and festivals during your visit.
Additionally, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly, as the weather in the north of England can be unpredictable and vary widely depending on the season.
If you wish to visit for a festival, The Kendal Torchlight Carnival is an annual event that is a parade and celebration that includes entertainment for the whole family.
The Kendal Torchlight procession is usually held in the autumn (September) and is organised by a volunteer committee. It is a popular event that attracts visitors from the local area and beyond and is known for its vibrant and festive atmosphere and one of the best things to do in Kendal.
How did Kendal get its name?
Kendal comes from the River Kent and the Old Norse word dalr (“valley“).
The village was known for centuries as Kirkby Kendal: “a village with a church in the valley of the River Kent”.
Car Parks in Kendal
There are a few car parks in the main town, and you can explore on foot. You need to pay daily, and you can pay by card or coins.
Peppercorn Lane Car Park was the one we went for. There is some free on-street parking too, but you will be limited in time in most cases.
19 Best Things to do in Kendal
Kendal Castle and Castle Hill
One of the best things to do in Kendal is to visit Kendal Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from Castle Hill. Most of the fells you will be able to see our famous wainwrights!
The ruins you see were once the manor of the Barons of Kendal and home to the Parr family, whose most notable family member was one of the wives (6th) of Henry VIII.
What we enjoyed about visiting was how they described the castle as much more than a castle on a hill. In addition, they have an audio trail which you can listen to as you walk around to learn more about the castle.
You can listen to the Kendal Castle audio guide here.
When you visit, remember not to climb on the castle’s walls, which are over 800 years old!
Walk along the River Kent
Take a stroll along the River Kent, which runs through the town, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There are some beautiful bridges in Kendal, to walk along and photograph and the fast-flowing water makes you feel at peace.
We recommend walking down the river as one of the best things to do in Kendal and who knows what you might stumble across!
Go on a Town Trail
The town has created three trails to go on as you wander the streets of Kendal. These are Cultural Trails that head along the river to Abbot Hall and the Church. The historical trail to Kendal Castle and the Woodland Trail in Serpentine Woods.
They are easily one of the best things to do in Kendal if you love adventure and learning as you go!
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Head to the Abbot Hall Art Gallery, which houses a collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures by artists such as Turner and Romney. It is arguably one of the UK’s best independent galleries. It is one of the best things to do in Kendal.
It was built in 1759 and was almost demolished, but it became the Art Gallery in 1962! Today there is a shop and cafe and numerous activities you can get involved in.
Please note: it is currently closed for refurbishment.
Go for a hike
Go hiking in the surrounding countryside, which is home to the Lake District National Park and offers a range of scenic trails. The best spots are Howgill Fells and Scout Scar, both nearby. You know us – we are always searching for the perfect walk!
Exploring the surrounding hills is easily one of the best things to do in Kendal.
The Brewery Arts Centre
It would help if you went to the Brewery Arts Centre when you visited Kendal, which hosts a variety of live music, theatre, comedy, and cinema events.
There is also a restaurant and bar at the centre, which is great fun, for a small place to have this fantastic infrastructure is impressive.
It was established in 1979 and is housed in a former brewery building converted into a theatre, cinema, exhibition space, and creative industries hub. The centre also provides space for artist studios, workshops, and community events. The
Kendal Museum
Learn about the town’s local history at the Kendal Museum, which showcases local artefacts and exhibits on the region’s natural history. It is one of the oldest museums in the country!
It was founded in 1875 and is housed in a grade II listed building that was formerly the town’s grammar school.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events and offers a range of educational programs for school groups and the general public. The Kendal Museum is run by a team of staff and volunteers and is a registered charity.
Good to know: it is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and currently costs £5 for adults and £2 for children.
Sizergh Farm Shop
One of the best things to do near Kendal is to drive to the beautiful Sizergh Farm shop. If you love farm shops, you should make the trip.
They sell cakes, scones, plenty of British cheeses, and Kendal Mint Cake. There is also a place to get fresh milk or watch the cows being milked (usually around 3:30 pm). Very cool!
Relax at the park
Relax in one of the town’s many parks and gardens, such as the Kendal Castle Park or the Sedbergh Road Recreation Ground. Abbot Hall Park is also famous as it is by the River Kent and has a large children’s play area.
Eat something delicious
Try some local cuisines at one of the town’s restaurants or pubs. For example, Kendal is known for its Cumberland sausage and mint sauce, a traditional dish made with spicy and mint sauce.
We decided on Marra, a cosy Italian spot with yummy food and a good beer on tap. We walked in and were greeted by friendly staff.
Explore the many ‘yards.’
In the centre of Kendal, around the high street, there are many alleyways known as ‘yards’ to either side. These were once used for local people to shelter from the Anglo-Scottish raiders known as Border Reivers.
Today, one of the best things to do in Kendal is to explore these yards. Most have green signs from Kendal’s Civic Society, where you can learn what the ‘yard’ was used for. They are worth a read.
Try the Famous Kendal Mint Cake
Kendal is known for Kendal mint cake, and one of the best things to do in Kendal is to try some. It reminds Rachel a lot of her childhood.
Joseph Wiper discovered a glucose-based confectionery while searching for a clear glacier mint.
With numerous expeditions to summits (including Everest and K2) and both poles of the Earth, its popularity is mainly due to Ernest Shackleton’s 1914–1917 Trans-Antarctic Expedition marketing it as an energy food and supplying it to his great-nephew.
It is worth buying for one of your next walks in the Dales!
Kendal Parish Church
In Kirkland, you will find the 13th-century Parish Church. It is one of the widest in the country, with five aisles and is well worth a visit as it is easily one of the best things to see in Kendal.
The church is free to enter and welcome if you want to join a service. There are 32 stained glass windows, three chapels and plenty of memorials. It is a great place to feel at peace, and we particularly liked all the welcoming signs saying ‘Come on In’.
Sizergh Castle
Sizergh Castle is a historic house and garden located near Kendal (around a 10-minute drive).
It is a grade I-listed building and is owned by the National Trust. The castle was built in the 13th century and has been modified and extended over the centuries. Gardens and parkland surround it.
The castle is open to the public at certain times of the year and is known for its collections of art, furniture, and other historical objects, as well as its gardens and natural surroundings.
You have to pay to enter and park (unless you are a National Trust member), and there is a great little cafe here, too, and access to plenty of countryside walks.
Museum of Lakeland Life
One of the best things to do in Kendal is to visit the Museum of Lakeland Life. It has won a few awards and shows the Lake District’s customs and unique way of life.
The museum is housed in a 19th-century warehouse that has been converted into exhibition spaces.
The museum also has a research library and an education centre and offers a range of educational programs and events for visitors of all ages.
Please note: it is currently closed for refurbishment.
Lakeland Maze Farm Park
Lakeland Maze Farm Park is a family-friendly attraction located in the village of Milnthorpe, near Kendal, Cumbria, England. It is a working farm that offers a range of visitor activities, including a giant outdoor maze, a smaller indoor maze, a petting farm, a playground, and a café.
The farm park is open seasonally and is suitable for visitors of all ages. It is a popular destination for families, school groups, and tourists and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Visit Bowness Bay Brewing
Bowness Bay Brewing is a microbrewery located in Kendal, Cumbria, England. It was founded in 2014 and produces a range of craft beers using traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients.
The brewery has a range of core beers available all year round and a selection of seasonal and limited-edition beers. In addition to its brewing operation, Bowness Bay Brewing has a taproom called the Barrel House and a beer garden open to the public and serves a selection of its beers!
It is one of the best things to do in Kendal due to the quality of the beer and the quality of the staff at the taproom. They let us taste the beers before deciding and were extremely friendly and kind.
Levens Hall
Levens Hall is a historic house, and gardens is a grade-I listed building owned by the Levens Estate.
The hall was built in the 16th century and has been modified and extended over the centuries. It is surrounded by gardens and parkland, including a topiary park and a lake and visiting is one of the best things to do in Kendal.
The hall is open to the public and is known for its collections of art, furniture, and other historical objects, as well as its gardens and natural surroundings.
Quaker Tapestry Museum
The Quaker Tapestry Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Quaker movement and its main attraction with more than 40 embroidered panels that tell the story of Quakerism from its origins in the 17th century to the present day.
The tapestry was created by a group of volunteers over 15 years ago and is considered a unique and essential textile art.
In addition to the tapestry, the museum has a range of exhibits and displays that explore the history and beliefs of the Quaker movement, as well as its role in social reform and peace activism.
We hope you enjoy your visit to Kendal. It is surrounded by stunning landscapes, has a rich and exciting history, and has many historical sites and landmarks to explore, such as Sizergh Castle, Kendal Museum, and Levens Hall.
The vibrant food and drink scene is fantastic. Kendal is home to several breweries, including Hawkshead Brewery and Bowness Bay Brewing, as well as a range of pubs, restaurants, and food markets that offer local and international cuisine.
There are many things to do in Kendal and the surrounding area, and a friendly and welcoming community makes it a great place to visit for all ages. We will be back time and time again – that’s for sure.
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Photo Credits: averagelives.com