Willow and weir in Kendal
Kendal is a market town located within 30 minutes’ drive of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, making it a perfect base for walkers and sightseers alike. The town is well located because it is only one mile from the border of the Lake District.
The town’s unique blend of history, culture and shopping make it a very popular destination for visitors. It has a long history in the manufacturing industry between the 14th and 19th century, with a high number of mills situated all along the River Kent.
There are attractions for all ages, fascinating museums, modern and historic art and a variety of leisure facilities, all of which can be enjoyed from one of our charming holiday cottages.
A great place of historical interest is the late 12th century Kendal Castle ruins, where stunning views of the town await from the top of the hill. You can learn the history of the castle and the town at Kendal Museum, where there is also a model of the castle showing visitors what it may have looked like in its heyday. Cumbria’s largest parish church is located in Kendal, the Holy Trinity, and has been a place of worship since the 13th century.
River Kent in Kendal
Make a stop at the Museum of Lakeland Life where you can learn how Cumbrian people lived, worked and entertained each other over the last 300 years via an array of displays and artefacts, or visit The Museum of Natural History, which is one of the oldest and longest running in the UK.
For evening entertainment, visit the Brewery Arts Centre with its diverse programme of theatre, music, dance and film. There is also a good range of pubs and restaurants to choose from.
“Famous guidebook author Alfred Wainwright lived in Kendal for fifty years…”
Alfred Wainwright, the author of many famous walking guides, is often associated with Kendal as he lived in the town for 50 years. Several walks in the north of England were established by him, including Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk. His office used to be in Kendal town hall.
Kendal is easily accessible from the motorway network, specifically the M6, and it has a nearby railway station at Oxenholm along the West Coast Main Line. There’s so many interesting places to see and visit within the town along with some stunning countryside to explore in the immediate surrounding area, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lakes.
We have some lovely cottages in and around Kendal. Why not visit our collection to feel inspired?