Kendal Tourist Information
Kendal is often by-passed by visitors heading for the big-name locations of the Southern Lake District and yet this pleasant old town stands only 9 miles from Lake Windermere and is conveniently placed from which to explore all corners of the Lake District, Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales. It has the distinctive character and close knit feel of a lively market town whose architecture contains some of the best examples of the Victorian period. Many of these are found in “Yards”, approached through narrow alleys and lanes leading off the main street. An interesting mix of shops and stores, many in a pedestrian only area, an indoor market and a twice weekly outdoor market stalls which, when added to big name supermarkets and a recent multi-million pound retailing complex, provides a wide choice of goods and services. From April through to the late Autumn, Kendal and its neighbouring village communities are the centre of a series of colourful annual festivals and events including the hugely successful street entertainment 4 day event of Kendal Mintfest when performers from the world over gather to entertain in locations all over the town. Kendal is home to two of the largest and best sports, arts and leisure centres in the region. Visitors may choose from cinema, music, dance, theatre productions, swimming in a 25 metre pool, squash, badminton or a work-out in a well equipped gymnasium. There's something for all ages and abilities. Many will find much of interest in the museums of of Lakeland Life and Kendal Museum both of which chart the towns development since its time as a Roman settlement to the present day. Kendal can indeed be described as “The Gateway to the Lakes”. Please visit our Kendal Accommodation page to browse owners websites and check events for Kendal and the whole region on our Local Events page. Following the closure of Public toilets in Kendal by South Lakeland District Council, visitors may use the following facilities: Getting there: By Rail: By Bus: By road: Situated on the A6, Kendal is only eight miles from J36 off the M6 motorway. Useful sites: |
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| Kendal Accommodation | Kendal Attractions |
| Kendal Food and Drink | Kendal Transportation |
Attractions in Kendal |
Westmorland Shopping Centre and Blackhall Yard
Includes many local and national retailers
The Museum of Lakeland Life
Abbot Hall, Kendal.
Phone: 01539 722464
www.lakelandmuseum.org.uk
Kendal Museum
Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum's fascinating collections include local archaeology, history, geology and a natural history collection from around the globe.
Phone: 01539 721374
www.kendalmuseum.org.uk
Levens Hall and Gardens
Steeped in history, the building dates from 1350, and the topiary gardens are world famous in their own right.
www.levenshall.co.uk
Sizergh Castle and Gardens
Medieval house extended in Elizabethan times, with handsome gardens.
Phone: 015395 60951
Kendal Leisure Centre
Swimming, Sauna, Fitness, Dry sports, Disability sports, Theatre and Concerts.
Phone: +44 (0)1539 729777
K Village
A unique state-of-the-art shopping, leisure complex, restaurants, cafés and Heritage Centre.
Elephant Yard
Chemists, opticians, clothing, travel, coffee shop, library, bank, jewellers, footwear.
Wainwrights Yard
Clothing, restaurant, supermarket, parking.
1657 Chocolate House
A cosy old worlde tea-room/café in a 1630's building serving over 20 chocolate drinks, hand-made gateaux, savouries and ice-creams.
Kendal Castle
Built in the 12th C. Now in ruins. Easily accessible, wonderful views.
Castle Howe
Earthwork remains of the towns first castle lay on the hillside between Gillingate and Beast Banks. Reached from both sides by footpaths. An estimated date for its construction is 1092.
Castle Dairy
Wildman Street. Dates from the 14th C. Possibly the oldest habitable building in the town.
Quaker Tapestry Exhibition
A journey through Quaker life over the centuries. Gift shop, embroidery workshops, photo gallery, tea-rooms. www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk
Brewery Arts Centre
Cinema, music, dance, theatre. A multi-purpose centre holding year round programmes of films, exhibitions, lectures and theatre.
Number 32, Greenside
Stands at the crest of Beast Banks where the well loved children's television character of Postman Pat was created by the author John Cunliffe.
Kendal Golf Club
An 18 hole course said to have one of the most magnificent and extensive views of any club in England. www.kendalgolfclub.co.uk
Kendal Parish Church (The Holy Trinity)
Parts of which date back to the 13th C. Inside is the sculpture by Josephina de Vasconcellas of “The Family of Man”.
Food and Drink in Kendal |
Paulo Giannis
Fine Mediterranean food & wine.
21a Stramongate, Kendal,Cumbria LA9 4BH
Phone: 01539 730290
Eastern Balti
Kendal's first Balti House, exquisite Indian cuisine, elegant surroundings, vegetarian menu, fully licensed, take away service.
Phone: 01539 724074
Waterside Wholefood Vegetarian Café & Restaurant
A riverside setting a few minutes from the town centre.
www.watersidewholefood.co.uk
Chang Thai Restaurant
54 Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4BD
Phone: 01539 720387
Bridge Street
Contemporary Cuisine, Bridge Street.
Phone: 01539 738855
Infusion Restaurant
Fine Italian Cuisine. 24, Finkle Street
Phone: 01539 720547
Finkles
Extensive a la carte menu. Licensed. Finkle Street.
Phone: 01539 727325
Indian Restaurant & Takeaway
Licensed. 8, Stramongate.
Phone: 01539 723787
Danny’s Restaurant & Café Bar
36 Kirkland
Phone: 01539 722009
Brewery Arts Centre Restaurant
Highgate.
Phone: 01539 725133
Transportation in Kendal |
Gateway Taxis - Courteous, prompt and reliable. Local, long distance and airport destinations.
Phone: 01539 725935
Castle Taxis - Long established Company offering 24 hour service. Distance no object.
Phone: 01539 726233
Kendal Car Centre - MOT. Servicing and repairs on all vehicles. Vauxhall and MG Rover specialists. Used Car Sales.
Unit 2a, Morland Court, Westmorland Business Park, Kendal, LA9 6NS.
Tel: 01539 724455
Fax: 01539 736655