Things to do in Kendal

Kendal is a wonderful market town perfect for a break away from home.

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What does Kendal have to offer?

Kendal has a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. With its majestic castle and cobbled streets, Kendal is a popular destination in Cumbria that you are sure to fall in love with. Whatever you’re into, from superb food and drink, discovering quirky gifts or just absorbing the atmosphere of this beautiful market town, there is something for everyone.

Kendal Castle and culture

Kendal castle ruins harks back to more turbulent times and offers the chance to take a trip through history. Home to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth wife, the castle has an audio guide to walk you through its tales, as well as great views over Kendal town centre and surrounding countryside.

Visit Kendal castle to discover snippets of history at every turn, whether it’s imagining the shepherds bringing their flocks in over the cobbles or uncovering the secrets of the mediaeval chapel. A trip to the Lakeland Museum is an opportunity for history buffs to learn about the more recent history and discover how the local people work, live, and celebrate in this unique landscape.

things to do in kendal
things to do in kendal

Art and exhibitions

Kendal is home to several galleries and exhibition spaces, including the award-winning Abbot Hall art gallery. Housed in the Grade I  listed villa on the banks of the River Kent, the gallery offers a programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing a wide range of works by national and international artists. One of the main highlights of Abbot Hall art gallery is its vast collection of George Romney’s work – one of the most prominent 18th century portrait painters.

The Factory creative hub is also well worth a visit, where many local crafts people, poets and musicians work their magic. Situated in one of Kendal’s most impressive post-industrial sites, The Factory is an innovative collection of open studios. Here, you’ll find some of the region’s best fine art, screen printing, sculpture, ceramics, glass design, weaving, and more.

 

Kendal live

If you’re a fan of live music, comedy, film, and theatre then the internationally renowned Brewery Arts Centre is the place to be. This world-class arts venue hosts a vibrant programme of theatre, live music, comedy, cinema, dance, free exhibitions, workshops, and various festivals all year long. What’s more, the Brewery Arts Centre has a family-friendly bar and restaurant, with the food and drink menus featuring locally sourced, seasonal produce. From stone-bake pizzas to more traditional dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy before or after the show.

 

things to do in kendal
things to do in kendal

Family fun

Holidays are fab for families and you’ll find lots for you and your little ones to enjoy. Active types will enjoy the climbing wall, snowsports centre or the Lakeland maze farm park, while history lovers will love the interactive exhibition space at Kendal Museum. You’ll find a superb programme of creative activities at the Brewery Arts centre too, and the Quaker Tapestry Museum holds regular focused events for younger children with dressing up and fun activities.

One of the best things about Kendal is its wonderful countryside and there are so many spaces for nature lovers to enjoy time together. You’ll find secret picnic spots, cool play areas and plenty of places where your youngsters can let off steam.

Shop til' you drop

Kendal’s range of shops might surprise you – as well as familiar high street names, you’ll find a wonderful variety of independent shops. There are style driven boutiques, quirky vintage shops and of course Kendal is home to the most famous sheep in the Lake District – the wonderful Herdy and you’ll find their flagship store right in Kendal town centre.

Kendal is a great place to discover some wonderful local makers too. With such wonderful surroundings, it’s no surprise that this part of the world is an inspiration for painters, poets, sewers and woodsmen as well as all manner of other crafts. Several makers have their studios in town, and you’ll find their goods in many of the independent shops.

Moreover, Westmorland Shopping Centre is home to several major stores and sells everything from clothing and shoes to homeware, toys and more.

things to do in kendal
things to do in kendal

Gorgeous grub

One of the best things about staying in a luxury Lake District self-catering cottage is being able to rustle up a tasty feast using great local ingredients. The Lake District is famous for superb local produce, including Cumbrian sausage, tasty puds and of course the famous Kendal Mint Cake. You’ll find lots of shops selling our wares, as well as the local markets for delicious food fresh from the field.

If you want a change from cooking, you’ll find some super places to eat in Kendal too. There’s everything from proper pubs to chic bistros and a great choice of international cuisine. Rest assured there are cafes and delis too for when you want something lighter. And it goes without saying that there are places to snap up some delicious fish and chips as well.

Leisure Facilities at Silverdale Holiday Park

Enjoy complimentary access to our 5-star leisure facilities at Silverdale Holiday Park during your stay in one of our nearby holiday cottages, where you’ll find a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, including our indoor swimming pool, family fun play areas and live entertainment.

You can also take advantage of our bowling lanes, gym, ice cream parlour, spa facilities, and much more.

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things to do in kendal

Explore Kendal Today

With so many wonderful things to do, Kendal is a lovely place to explore with its mix of culture and countryside. From the bustling town centre to the wide open green spaces, the area is truly something special and you’ll find lots of reasons to come back year after year. Whether you’re searching for a romantic getaway, family holiday or just need some time out to explore and enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll find plenty of reasons to visit Kendal.

Why not start planning your break today? Contact us today to find out more about our holiday cottages in the area.

Places to Visit

Places to Visit

Silverdale & Arnside

This pair of charming coastal villages offer exquisite natural surroundings alongside independent shops, food outlets and plenty to explore; all just a stone’s throw from our cottages.

Enjoy some of our favourite spots in Silverdale, including views of Morecambe Bay from Jenny Brown’s Point, or discover wonderful keepsakes at Wolf House Gallery.

Between the two villages you climb the heights of Arnside Knott, which offer sweeping views of the area. Let’s not also forget charming shops and food outlets in Arnside, along with Levens Hall just a 10 minute drive from Arnside.

Lancaster, Morecambe & Carnforth

Nearby towns and cities such as Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth are great places for days out during your stay!

Explore the historic city of Lancaster, with must see places including: Lancaster Castle, Maritime Museum, Williamson’s Park and the Ashton Memorial.

Discover the history of Carnforth’s rail at the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre or walk the promenade in Morecambe. Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth are also great for a spot of shopping or a bite to eat!

The Lake District

There are endless discoveries to be made in the Lake District, with Windermere approximately just a 40 minute drive from our cottages which is perfect for days out in the Lake District!

Take in the charm of Windermere and Bowness, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and water activities including Windermere Lake Cruises.

If you have little ones, why not visit The World of Beatrix Potter?

Of course the true passtime in the Lake District is walking, with enough routes to last a lifetime including the famous Wainwright’s Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.

Further Afield

If you’re not afraid of a slightly longer journey to explore even more of the fantastic places in and around our region, why not venture to some of favourite spots below!

Ingleton Falls (approx 18 miles)
Fantastic sights and a splendid walk through Ingleton Waterfalls will make for memories that last a lifetime!

Malham Cove (approx 35 miles)
Spot Peregrine Falcons nesting in this geographical wonder, famously used as a location to film Harry Potter.

Farleton Knott (approx 9 miles)
Offering views across Silverdale, Morecambe Bay, Lancaster and the Lake District – Farelton Knott is a magnificent walk within easy reach from the M6.

Scorton (approx 22 miles)
South between Lancaster and Preston, the village of Scorton is wonderful place to stroll and enjoy at a slower pace. Be sure to pop into local garden centres and Wyresale Park.