things to do in Kendal

Things to do in Kendal

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Use our guide to discover the best things to do in Kendal

With a lively town centre, independent shops lining the cobbled streets and striking historical landmarks, you are certain to find plenty of great things to do in Kendal. 

Kendall is the perfect place to spend a weekend away with loved ones, boasting a fascinating heritage, colourful market stalls and events all year round.

What to do in Kendal?

First on the list of things to do in Kendal is Sizergh Castle. This historical landmark is an impressive, grand property owned by the Strickland family for over 750 years. The castle represents a mixture of eras, including both medieval and Tudor. Explore the fascinating interior and beautiful gardens at one of the best places to visit in Kendal.

Other popular heritage attractions in Kendal includes the Levens Estate, an Elizabethan country house with immaculate gardens and a park. Kendal Castle awaiting to be explored too, the medieval, ruined fortification dates back to the 12th century, promising to be a festinating day out for all.

Kendal Mountain Festival is an autumn event brimming with culture, attracting photographers, filmmakers and lovers of the outdoors. When you’re not out exploring, why not sample one of several fabulous Kendal restaurants or visit the Hawkshead Brewery to sample some ales? A range of pubs in Kendal also offers welcoming stop-off points during your holiday in the Lake District.

Continue reading to discover the best things to do in Kendal…


Images by: Rbagotlevens; Ian Knox

  • Abbot Hall Art Gallery
    Image Credits: Peter Turner - CC BY-SA 2.0

    Abbot Hall Art Gallery

    Kirkland
    Kendal
    Cumbria
    United Kingdom
    LA9 5AL

    01539722464

    Set in a grade I listed building that was built in 1759 and restored by the Lakeland Arts Trust in 1962, Abbot Hall Art Gallery is home to the nationally significant Lakeland Arts Collection. The gallery boasts an exceptional 18th-20th century fine art collection and runs an exciting temporary exhibition programme every year.

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  • group of friends kayaking on a lake

    Adventure Makers

    3 Vicarage Rd
    Levens
    Kendal
    LA8 8PY

    07796773005

    Adventure Makers create action packed experiences under the guidance of experience and friendly outdoor adventure experts. Whether you fancy reaching new heights with climbing, heading underground caving, or taking the plunge abseiling down cliffs and waterfalls, Adventure Makers can make it happen.

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  • Brewery Arts Centre
    Image Credits: John Salmon(CC BY-SA 2.0)

    Brewery Arts Centre

    122A Highgate
    Kendal
    LA9 4HE

    01539 725133

    Kendal’s central hub of culture and entertainment with a full calendar of comedy, theatre and live music productions.

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  • Carus Green

    Burneside Rd
    Kendal
    Cumbria
    England
    LA9 6EB

    01539721097

    Play a round of golf on this challenging 18-hole parkland course nestled in the heart of the Lake District. With stunning vistas of the breathtaking countryside and fells and with three rivers meandering through the course, there are few more idyllic courses in the country.

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  • Ruins of Kendal Castle

    Kendal Castle

    Kendal Castle
    Sunnyside
    Kendal
    LA9 1DJ

    Visit the ruins of the 13th-century castle and imagine life here centuries ago. From Kendal Castle, you can enjoy magnificent views of the town and the hills beyond, making it more than worth the trip.

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  • golf ball on a green

    Kendal Golf Club

    Kendal Golf Club
    The Heights
    High Tenterfell
    Kendal
    Lake District
    LA9 4PQ

    01539733708

    Head to this par 70, 18-hole golf course surrounded by the hills and magnificent scenery of the Lake District. Kendal Golf Club boasts an excellent reputation for the fine standard of its greens and fairways as well as the limestone drainage that ensures it’s playable all year round.

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  • Kendal Museum Feature

    Kendal Museum

    Station Rd
    Kendal
    LA9 6BT

    01539 815597

    Kendal Museum is a fantastic day out for all the family, with exhibits, a shop, play area and café available. Treat the little ones to a day out here and enjoy an insight into the area’s natural history and archaeology.

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  • woman scaling indoor climbing wall

    KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre

    KendalWall, Lakeland Climbing Centre
    Unit 27
    Lake District Business Park
    Mint Bridge Road
    Kendal
    LA9 6NH

    01539721766

    Open year-round Kendal Wall is the perfect all-weather activity in the Lake District. The climbing centre features a whopping 25m main wall, auto-belays, bouldering, routing roof, training room, dry toolbox, and a kid’s climbing wall.

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  • group of friends kayaking on a lake

    Lakes Outdoor Experience

    Lakes Outdoor Experience
    86 Oxenholme Road
    Kendal
    Lake District
    LA9 7HQ

    07761483364

    Lakes Outdoor Experience offers a range of bespoke outdoor activities, adventure days and mountain skills training courses. Whether you fancy a taster, half-day or full-day excursion, Lakes Outdoor Experience can help.

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  • Levens Hall
    Image credits: Rbagotlevens - (CC BY-SA 4.0)

    Levens Hall

    Levens Hall
    Kendal
    LA8 0PD

    015395 60321

    A grand Elizabethan manor house located just a short distance outside of Kendal with a beautifully sculpted garden and impressive collection of Jacobean possessions.  

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