Kendal, set roughly a mile outside of the National Park is without a doubt a great place to base yourself when visiting the Lake District. Aside from it being a really good base for as many days in the mountains as you can imagine, it’s also a beautiful town with a lot of history, local warmth and amazing amenities that you’ll love spending time in.
Having lived in Kendal from quite some time now, I don’t think I would want to live anywhere else! There are so many things to do in Kendal that you never get bored, plus it’s a really beautiful market town with a quaint view around every corner.
One of the things I love the most about Kendal is the amount of local, artisanal producers, whether that’s local breweries and food producers or crafts people and artists, there is so much to get involved in. When you combine that with the gateway to nature (and the nature that also surrounds us in Kendal) as well as the pretty museums, restaurants and coffee shops, I’m confident to say you’ll have a great stay here.
Below, I’ve put together my personal suggestions of what I think are the best things to do in Kendal town centre, near Kendal and stretching into the Lake District. All with locations, maps and local tips to help you get the most out of your trip.
The great thing about Kendal is that it’s pretty easy to get to with most modes of transport. Below, I’ve outlined how to get to Kendal based on bus, train and car.
Bus: Depending on where you’re travelling to Kendal from, there are a number of buses available. If travelling by public transport and coming from a major city, you will likely find that you will arrive at Oxenholme Lake District Train Station then either need get a bus or a short train ride into Kendal town centre. From Oxenholme, you can take the 563 bus into Kendal. This is run by Stagecoach, so you can look at the timetables and plan your route here.
Kendal is also well served by the 555 bus which runs from nearby Lancaster to Kendal and takes about 40 minutes. This is the same bus that also runs all the way to Keswick through the National Park via Ambleside, Windermere and Grasmere etc. Here is the bus timetable. This is a great bus to take to avoid having to find somewhere to park in the Lakes, especially in high summer season!
Train: Kendal has Oxenholme Lake District Station which is a short journey outside of the town centre (2.4 miles). If you’re travelling from a major town or city, then you will likely arrive at Oxenholme Lake District and there are various different trains each day to London and Glasgow stopping at numerous stages up and down the country on the way. It’s also possible to travel directly from Manchester to Oxenholme too.
Kendal also has a smaller, local train station just off from the town centre, where you can catch a short journey connecting train from Oxenholme to bring you into town. However, you can also use this to take you into the Lake District on the Windermere Branch Line, and stops include Oxenholme, Kendal, Burneside, Staveley, and Windermere.
Car: Of course, one of the easiest ways to get to Kendal is by car, and some of the options just outside of Kendal below do need a car to get to. However, you can enjoy many of the things to do in Kendal town centre by using public transport only. If travelling by car, it does also open up a lot more of the Lake District.
Local tip: If travelling by car, check in advance to see what the parking restrictions are like near where you’re staying. Most of the town centre does not have parking as some of the streets are pedestrianised. Therefore, your hotel may not offer parking, and you may need to use one of the local car parks (which there are plenty dotted around). However, these can get expensive if needing to use 24 hours a day for several days. There are passes that you can buy at the parking machines which allow you to park for a reduced price if staying for a few days. These can get very busy at weekends!
Where to Stay in Kendal
Before we moved to Kendal, we had the pleasure of visiting many times and staying in some fantastic hotels and self-catered places on offer. I’ve also learnt a thing or two about some of the best spots from people coming to visit – Kendal has a lot to offer when it comes to places to stay.
Some of the most immediate options in Kendal town centre are the Shakespeare Inn, which is a small boutique place with warm Cumbrian charm around the back of The Shakespeare pub. The Riverside is another good option at the bottom end of town near, you’ve guessed it, the river.
Some smaller options are the Sonata Guest House, which has 4 stars and offers a warm welcome plus its conveniently located for everything the town has to offer. A little further out of Kendal, if you don’t mind a very short drive in is the Castle Green Hotel which has a spa and swimming pool. It’s quite a grand spot, so the views are beautiful and leafy! A little walk in and out of town also gives you the option of Romney’s Kendal – a quiet pub with a few cosy lodges and snugs that you can rent out.
There are also other options like the Travelodge just off from the town centre, as well as the Premier Inn, but it’s always better to support smaller hotels where possible. Likewise, there are plenty of options on sites like Airbnb too.
The 12 Best Things to do in Kendal
What makes Kendal so different is that it’s got the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to the Lake District National Park that you can easily head out for the day to explore then come back in the evening to eat and drink at some of the local award-winning restaurants.
Likewise, it’s such a buzzing town that there’s enough to see and do even if you want to keep it local and spend some time enjoying the cafes and local producers as well as everything that Kendal itself has to offer. There really is something for everyone here – and I feel passionate about all Kendal has to offer. I can’t wait to show you some of our town’s highlights below!
Walk Along the River Kent
A walk along the River Kent is such a picturesque thing to do and in fact, I think it’s one of the best things to do in Kendal for families as it’s a pretty flat walk with a lot of things to see and interact with. A walk along the River Kent can be as short or as long as you want it to be too.
You could do a short section from around Stramongate Bridge to Kendal Parish Church (which is a personal favourite and something we often do in the evening). Or you can also walk a much further trail all the way from Kendal to Staveley, which is about 10km (and a beautiful trail) then either get the bus or train back to Kendal.
If you do this, before you head back, I’d highly recommend checking out the Hawskhead Brewery for perfect pints and More? Artisan Bakery for some of the most incredible ciabatta sandwiches/burgers and chips you’ll ever try!
If you walk the section of the River Kent from Stramongate to Kendal Parish Church, you’ll likely see so much wildlife on the river. We’ve often seen otters – which is always amazing! Along, you get to see pretty local buildings with stunning views out all around you.
I’d really recommend checking out Abbot Hall and the Peace Garden before walking around near Kendal Parish Church by taking a right from the trail toward the end (I’ve provided a walking map below to follow for this route). There are some really beautiful buildings and yards you can walk around here. Be sure to also take a look at the sculpture that has been added outside the church which celebrates Kendal’s local history combined with its future plans of river protection.
Walk Up to Kendal Castle
No trip to Kendal would be complete without a walk up to the castle ruins that sit above the town. In my opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Kendal to get amazing views out over the surrounding fells and town below you. It also lets you see some of the leafy, picturesque streets with towering houses set off from the road – it really is a beautiful walk in all regards.
The castle today just sits as ruins – but is originally 12th century. The medieval fortification also has a moat around it, which allows the castle to sit prominently above the town. As you walk around, there are signs that explain in detail some of the life that the castle has had, alongside the various take over and conquering stories it’s seen over its long history.
On a clear day, it’s a great place to head up to toward the end of the day, and I always love to go up here toward sunset as the views out are stunning. You can even see toward Kentmere and in the direction of the Langdales when there’s really good visibility.
It’s a relatively short walk from the town centre, and there is a steep section to get up to Kendal Castle toward the end, and then down the steps to come back off the hill, but nothing too unmanageable. My personal favourite route is to go up along Castle Street to get up to the castle. Then come down through Abbot Hall and through town to return. Here’s my walking map for Kendal Castle:
Enjoy the Numerous Local Breweries
One thing that often surprises people about Kendal is that it is a hub of micro (and not so micro) breweries serving craft beer a plenty. If you go and look in some of the local shops like Booths or any of the farm shops and delis in the Lake District, you’ll also likely see some of the different beers on display to buy and take home.
There are some really cool places to go and check out and they all have a very unique atmosphere, and I think that enjoying a local beer is quite possibly one of the best things to do in Kendal for adults. Here are some of my personal favourites that you should absolutely add to your list to check out:
The Fell Bar
Address: 3 Lowther Street, Kendal, LA9 4DH
The Fell Bar is probably my favourite as I think it personally has the nicest selection of in-house beers and has a lovely, warm feel to it. The staff are extremely friendly too. At present, around the weekend, they also have Jim’s Pizza as a pop up on the top floor. Their food is exceptional, and they offer some great veggie and vegan options too – the perfect partner to an amazing pint. The only caveat about The Fell Bar is that it is pretty small with no outdoor seating, so it does get busy!
The Factory Tap
Address: 5 Aynam Road, Kendal, LA9 7DE
The Factory Tap is a great place to go sit outside with a beer from a selection of local breweries on a sunny day. In fact, they have a beer garden out the front and out the back with ample seating indoors too. The Factory Tap also has a food van outside the pub which has pop up food suppliers on different days of the week – one such is local café Marra, who on certain nights do pizza from the van. Sometimes you’ll also find bao buns, Nepalese food and other amazing treats. One of my favourites to unwind in the sun (yes, we do get some of that in Kendal!).
Lakes Brew Tap Room
Address: Mintsfeet Rd South, Kendal, LA9 6ND
Lakes Brew Co. is possibly one of the biggest brewers in Kendal, and you’ll see their beers in a lot of bigger supermarkets and local shops alike. At various times, they also open up their tap room, usually once a month, with special beers and some of their favourites – there’s always something different to try when they open up and its always great fun! Their website has their tap room weekends listed so you can plan in advance and if your trip happens to coincide, I’d recommend going down. They always have a food pop up too, which is always tasty – especially Bao Selector!
Gan Yam Brew Co
Address: Unit 3, Benson View, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Kendal, LA9 6NZ
Like Lakes Brew Co. above, Gan Yam Brew is another brewery that opens up its taproom on a monthly basis to the public, and this place is really worth checking out. At some points, they also have small all day music festivals and various events, so it’s well worth checking out their website to see if any of these coincide with your trip.
Eat at Kendal’s Incredible Cafés and Restaurants
One of the best things to do in Kendal is eat! There are just so many good places that you will not run out of suggestions for a lazy brunch or an evening meal. I’ve been really impressed with the food on offer from local producers, often using really well sourced ingredients. There really is something for all tastes. Here are some of my favourite restaurants and cafes in Kendal that you’re absolutely going to want to check out (please note I haven’t added opening hours as these do change, so always best to check in advance!):
Comida (food)
Address: 90-92 Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE
Comida is by far one of the most interesting and exciting restaurants in Kendal – they offer tapas and have a wide selection to suit veggie and vegan needs too. Their menu is always delicious, and they are always busy so booking in advance is essential. On a weekend, they also offer an amazing brunch – this is one of my favourite spots and well worth checking out! They’ve also recently expanded to covering evening food at 98 Highgate pretty much just next door too.
Baba Ganoush
Address: Unit 4, Berrys Yard, 27 Finkle Street, Kendal, LA9 4AB
Down the unassuming Berrys Yard just off Finkle Street is Baba Ganoush, one of my favourite places to eat in Kendal time and time again. It’s a morning and lunch spot, and it gets very busy at lunch time so plan accordingly. They have a range of hot food and salad plates that can go with it. Their menu is always changing, but I would really recommend the mushroom Rueben – it’s absolutely delicious!
Marra
Address: 46 Branthwaite Brow, Kendal, LA9 4TX
Marra is a wonderful little café set just up Branthwaite Brow hill that serves coffee, pizza, piadina and romana flatbreads. They also do the most amazing breakfast flatbreads that will set you up well for whatever you plan to do that day! The upstairs café is pretty small, but they somehow always seem to manage to find a seat for you!
Café Olive
Address: 3 Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4BH
Café Olive is Turkish inspired and does amazing meze plates and you can make your own selection from what they have on offer. I love this little place and it’s perfect for lunch. They also have a wide selection of naturally vegan and vegetarian options so there’s something to suit all tastes.
Podda and Wren
Address: 4 Elephant Yard, Kendal, LA9 4QQ
Podda and Wren is a really friendly little coffee shop serving artisan coffee and vegan cake. It’s a really great spot for your morning cup if you’re going to be spending your day in town. In summer, they also have specials, like peanut butter iced mocha, which I particularly recommend!
Local food trucks and pop ups
There is always a food truck or a pop up going on somewhere in Kendal – you’re most likely to find these at the breweries dotted around town – so head to The Factory Tap or Lakes Brew when the tap room is open, and you’re bound to find something amazing to try! Likewise there is a farmer’s market in town once a month (check online by Google searching to find dates as these do change).
Look Around Kendal’s Many Museums to Learn About the Rich Local History
If you want to learn more about Kendal and the surrounding area, then I’d really recommend going and checking out some of the local museums and art galleries in the town. Better still, they’re some of the best things to do in Kendal in the rain and if you’re into your Wainwrights, you may be interested to know that Kendal Museum was even curated by Wainwright himself for a while.
There are plenty of places to check out, so I’ve listed them below for you – even if you can spare a couple of hours, I think you’ll be happy you took a look:
Kendal Museum
Address: Station Road, Kendal, LA9 6BT
Opening times: Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 4pm
What to expect: Archaeology, local history and an art gallery.
Quaker Tapestry Museum
Address: Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4BH
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 10am-5pm
What to expect: An amazing place to see a large collection of tapestry panels (77) that illustrate the history of Quakerism. It was made by over 4000 people and is a real celebration of culture and life!
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Address: Kirkland, Kendal, LA9 5AL
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 4pm
What to expect: Large collection of George Romney’s work, who was a prominent 18th century portrait painter. As well as changeable collections through the year. Check out their website to find out what’s on in advance.
Head to Lakeland Food Park to Try Locally Produced Artisanal Products
Address: Lakeland Food Park, Crook Road, Kendal, LA8 8QJ
No trip to Kendal when you’re heading out to the Lakes for the day would be complete without going over to Lakeland Food Park first. It’s one of my favourite places to go at any time as there are so many incredible artisan producers in here, you’ll want to buy everything. I think it’s without a doubt one of the best things to do near Kendal, Lake District.
One of my favourites is Rinaldo’s Coffee – a local coffee roaster which in my opinion offers the best speciality coffee for miles around (if not the country, and I’ve tried a fair few places). They have an in house roastery offering a wide selection of beans to take away to brew at home and have won many Great Taste awards for their products.
They have an in-house espresso bar too – and their baristas know how to make a good cup. They’re also friendly too – since we’ve moved to Kendal, they have welcomed us with open arms and always with a smile. You honestly won’t be disappointed if you visit, this spot is perfect for that caffeine fuel up on your way out.
On from Rinaldo’s is Lovingly Artisan, one of the best bakeries you will ever stumble across. This award-winning place use locally sourced, ancient grain wherever possible and are even in the process of setting up their own grain plantation, making it even more local and delicious.
They have a whole range of beautiful sourdoughs that are perfect for sandwiches and toasting (I use their bread every single day). Their tomato focaccia is pretty special too and makes a great snack if you’re heading out on a walk. Their coffee bear claw is to die for too. Whatever you buy at Lovingly Artisan you won’t regret it.
There’s also Ginger Bakers who offer amazing cakes and sweet treats alongside The Wagtail Kitchen who offer great bakes and pies. The 2 Sisters @ Plumgarths Café sits on the side of the Plumgarth Farm Shop is great for local produce and sit-down food.
Visit Sizergh Castle and Lower Sizergh Barn
Address: Sizergh, Kendal LA8 8DZ
You’ll start to realise a theme in and around Kendal of great food producers and Sizergh Barn is no exception here. Set near to Sizergh Castle, Lower Sizergh Barn has an excellent farm shop selling produce from local artisanal makers. Expect to see cakes, sauces, chutneys and many more. You also have a fresh counter serving pies, meats and other items that are well worth trying.
Just on from here on the other side of the road is Sizergh Castle which is well worth visiting too and a great thing to do in Kendal in the rain. The castle is impossibly beautiful, and unlike Kendal Castle, is still very much fully functioning, intact and has a rich spread of gardens. Whilst this is a great thing to do in the rain, the sunshine makes this place really stand out too.
In the house you’ll also find items from 26 generations of the Strickland family who called this place home, and you can also walk around the 1,600-acre estate. The café here is also very nice and there’s an accessible trail around which is only 1.5km and well worth doing. They have more information about this at the castle itself.
Enjoy the Views from Scout Scar
Whilst everybody heads out into the Lake District, you will find more locals than anyone else at the top of Scout Scar, but I personally think the views from the top of Scout Scar are amazing and well worth checking out. Scout Scar is a limestone ridge that’s just outside of Kendal town centre with uninterrupted views out to the surrounding fells – and in one direction you can see out to the coast and on the other, out into the Lake District National Park.
What’s great about Scout Scar is that to get up to the top of it, there are no stiles and a very, very short uphill (less than a couple of minutes). From there, the walk is pretty flat, and you can do as much or as little as you like. It’s a really good one to do at the start or the end of the day to tack on to see the views when you’re coming back from somewhere and we will often do this walk after we’ve finished working for the day.
The parking is free, but it is suggested that you leave a donation for the National Park Authority to help maintain the area, if you can. Here’s the walk I use for Scout Scar – in my opinion, this is one of the best things to do near Kendal for amazing views:
Enjoy a Show, Talk or Film at the Brewery Arts Centre
Address: 122A Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE
The Brewery Arts Centre is a hub of all things creative and a great asset to Kendal. In my opinion, going and checking out a show, talk or film here is one of the best things to do in Kendal indoors – and a perfect option if it’s raining too!
You can expect to see live bands here throughout the year and in the summer, the Brewery Arts will often put on Summer Sundays, which is out in their garden/courtyard section, and you can watch bands for free. They also often have comedy nights, theatre and film showings, so there really is something for everyone.
Their dining room is also excellent and a great place to eat before enjoying a show there in the evening as they regularly have offers on beforehand. They serve great pizza and also serve Wagtail Pies from nearby Lakeland Food Park.
Head for an Outdoor Swim Near Kendal
One of the best things about Kendal is how much access it has to the many lakes, tarns and rivers all around. If you’re into outdoor swimming, then you will love Kendal and, in my opinion, (though I might be biased as this is one of the reasons we moved to the area) going outdoor swimming is one of the best things to do near Kendal.
You are spoilt for choice really. My favourite spot is to go to Rayrigg Meadow which is on Windermere. This is about 15 minutes by car from Kendal town centre so is a super short journey. Once you’re at Rayrigg Road car park, you can walk down to the lake shore and it just offers the most beautiful entry to the lake, jetties to jump off and is a designated swim spot. The view out to the Langdales is always one of my favourites and a perfect spot to head down to for some peace and quiet first thing in the morning. You can find Rayrigg Meadow based on this Google Maps location (what3words: ///magpie.permanent.agent) and there’s also more information on the facilities in my best places for wild swimming article.
Another great swimming spot near Kendal is in Staveley along the river. If you park up near the Hawkshead Brewery and walk across to the bowling green, you will then take a left and see a sign for the riverside path. If you follow this (which will go off to the left again) until you get to where there is an orange life ring, look down to the left and you’ll see a small beach area.
This is one of my favourite places locally to swim from as this spot on the river is quite calm and gets quite deep. The water is also really cold as the trees keep it in shade and you just have this really idyllic peaceful setting – well worth it! Here is a map of the walk to the river spot:
Visit Levens Hall
Just outside of Kendal, Levens Hall is a really pretty stately home to go and spend some time looking around and enjoying the gardens. On a sunny day, this place is absolutely breathtaking and one of the nicest days out you can have.
What makes Levens Hall special is that it’s home to the oldest topiary gardens in the world, which are so weird and wonderful to look at and enjoy. Inside the privately owned house features truly stunning Elizabethan architecture which was built around the 13th century Pele Tower. The surroundings are gorgeous too.
At certain times of the year, particularly in summer, Levens Hall also hosts various wellness experiences in the gardens, such as yoga, which you can find out more about here. There’s also a café and a shop to enjoy too. You do have to pay to enter the house and gardens, but I think it’s well worth it (more information on ticket prices here).
Make the Most of the Lake District National Park
One of the best things about Kendal is how close it is to the Lake District National Park, and it’s likely that for a lot of people, one of the main reasons for staying in Kendal or coming through is to access the National Park. Kendal is ultra convenient as some of the best hikes in South Lakes and Central Lakes are between 20-40 minutes drive away.
This allows you to make the most of everything around you from amazing hikes to incredible swimming spots, places to canoe and paddle as well as endless mountain biking trails. Some of my favourite things to do nearby are the Rydal Caves hike and the Tarn Hows walk/Black Crag which I’ve written guides on. These also include lots of different options for things to explore in those areas too.
Whilst South and Central Lakes are the most accessible, it also isn’t too far to visit other areas of the Lake District either, including Keswick and the Western Lakes, such as Buttermere Infinity Pool and are all easily accessible within an hour and a half’s drive.
Is Kendal Worth Visiting?
I may be biased, but I think Kendal is well worth spending some time in if you’ve visiting the Lake District. It’s such a lovely, warm town full of history and a vibrant makers scene that you’ll love what’s on offer.
Kendal makes a great base for exploring some of the most iconic areas in the Lake District, from Windermere and Ambleside to Grasmere and beyond. Aside from this, you will find people passionate about food and drink as well as pretty scenes and stunning views out onto the fells all around you.
I hope this guide I’ve put together gives you a few suggestions outside of the ordinary and gives you a perspective of some of the not so well publicised spots or places to think about that you don’t see every day. These are mostly places I go to regularly (except for the museums and stately homes, which are a bit of a one-time only thing unless there’s something different on). I’m sure you’ll love them too!
FAQ’s
Is Kendal a Good Base for the Lake District?
Kendal is a great base for exploring the Lake District, as it’s just a couple of miles out of the National Park boundary. Places like Windermere are about 15 minutes drive away, whereas Ambleside is about 25 minutes with Grasmere Rydal and places beyond being about 30 to 40 minutes away. What’s more, you will sometimes find accommodation a little cheaper in Kendal unlike places like Ambleside and there are plenty of food and drink options to keep you going for a long time!
Is Kendal a Nice Town to Visit?
With it’s mix of old cobblestone and slate buildings, pretty streets, historical centre, surrounding fells and warm food and drink scene, Kendal absolutely is a nice town to visit. You will be warmly welcomed here!
Which is Nicer, Kendal or Keswick?
I may be biased, but I think Kendal is nicer than Keswick. I just think that with Kendal being bigger, it has more to offer in terms of places to eat and drink and nice shops to look around too. Keswick feels like it runs out very quickly and I don’t think aesthetically, the town itself is as pretty (or has as many pretty parts) as Kendal.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kendal and the Lake District?
Kendal is a great place to visit all year round, as is the Lake District. You’ll find something going on in Kendal all year round and the Lake District is beautiful at any time of year. Of course, summer offers something really special with long days. The winter offers something more cosy and there is still a lot to do even if it rains – and the Lake District is lovely on a moody day too. One thing to bear in mind is that seasonally, some cafes and restaurants are closed some days mid-week so when planning just take this into account.