Location: Kendal
Top Things to do in Kendal
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Kendal, England
Kendal /ˈkɛndəl/, anciently known as Kirkby in Kendal or Kirkby Kendal, is a market town and civil parish within the South Lakeland District of Cumbria, England. Historically in Westmorland, it is situated about 8 miles (13 km) south-east of Windermere, 19 miles (31 km) north of Lancaster, 23 miles (37 km) north-east of Barrow-in-Furness and 38 miles (61 km) north-west of Skipton. The town lies in the valley or "dale" of the River Kent, from which it derives its name, and has a total resident population of 28,586, making it the third largest settlement in Cumbria behind Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness.
Restaurants in Kendal
1. Kentmere Horseshoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By eswheeler8 - London, United Kingdom
A tough walk but well worth it for the views and enjoyment. We were lucky to have great weather and visibility meaning it was even better. We did it on a Saturday and while we struggled for parking in the small town of Kentmere (get there early to get a spot!) the walk definitely didn't feel busy, far from it. Would recommend lots of sun cream and water if you have a sunny day!
2. Reticule Fabrics
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
An eclectic selection of beautiful quilting fabrics along with haberdashery, embroidery, wool felting supplies and much much more. A wide range of courses to suit all abilities are offered in our Studio.
3. The New Union
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By simoninthelakes
What a great pub The New Union has become under the new landlord. Four cask ales that change every few days, craft keg beers too, and more ciders than you can shake a stick at. There's always something going on at The New Union. Before the lockdown it was Quiz Night, Music Night, Vegan Food Night, Craft Afternoon, Whisky Tasting, Thai Food Night, the list goes on... During lockdown it was Online Whisky Tastings, Online Music Sessions, Cask Beer Take Away (contactless through the window!!), Full Online Shop, the list goes on again... After lockdown, it's pop-up Fish 'n' Chip Fridays, pop-up Burger Night Saturdays, socially distanced picnic benches in the car park, new benches on the covered decking, and now a full "Traditional Pub Grub" food offering Monday to Thursday with a new chef, extra staff and carefully chosen social distancing adaptations inside. The list still goes on... Phil never stops innovating, and puts customer service at the top of every new idea. I could not be more pleased that The New Union is my local ????
4. Fell Bar
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By U9186OTrayb - Kendal, United Kingdom
We've visited this Bar on numerous occasions and never been disappointed.Our last visit continued this trend.A friendly welcome,knowledgeable staff,good company and great beer....what more can you ask for. If you've never spent a couple of hours in here,you are missing out. We will be returning after the Lockdown....and wish continued success. Ray and Margaret.
5. Hawkshead Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 637 reviews
Hawkshead Brewery - The most successful Craft Brewery in The Lake District. Based in the heart of the UNESCO English Lake District, brewers of bold, innovative beers since 2002. Internationally, one of the most respected craft brewers, with highly innovative range of award winning beers. Our beer range is eclectic and includes thirst quenching session beers, big hopped pale ales, deep dark stouts and sours, available in Cask, Keg, Bottle and Can. Brewery Tours available daily at 1pm, please call to book your place.
Reviewed By CAP100 - Coventry, United Kingdom
We visited the hawkshead beer festival in July as a party of 4. This beer festival is held twice yearly in the village of Steverley in Cumbria, and in my opinion is a must do event for real ale drinkers with over 80 different beers on tap. We had a fantastic day at the festival, and managed to sample over 20 different beers, some nice and some not so nice!!. There were live bands playing throughout the day, adding to the chilled atmosphere. There was also various food stations around the venue selling a variety of cuisines. Great day out, this is the second time we have been and will try and return in 2019.
6. The Antiques Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Brucestewart - Livingston, United Kingdom
We were staying for a week in a cottage just outside Windermere and one day decided to visit Kendal. My wife loves buying vintage items for our house and garden and said that we must visit the Antiques Emporian. It proved to be a bit of an Aladdin's cave of items for sale and she bought a couple of items on our first visit. There was however something that she wasn't sure about buying but after a couple of days of thinking about it back we went to get it. Luckily it was still in stock. I tried my best to negotiate a price reduction just as they do on 'Bargain Hunt' and other antiques programmes on the TV but there is a house rule that there is no negotiation on items priced at £20 or below, and as it was priced at £18, that was the price that had to be paid. My wife was happy with this however as from a look on sites such as ebay the item she bought usually sells for around £25. Well worth visiting if you have the time to spare.
7. Kendal Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
A beautiful living church serving the community of Kendal. Full of history and stories of the people of Kendal. A place to explore, rest and be inspired. Kendal's oldest building and one of the widest churches in the country. Guided tours available this Sept / Oct.
8. Lake District National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Guided walks in the Lake District National Park
Reviewed By JenPCornwall
Driving through the national park en-route to Scotland....awesome terrain, fabulous lakes and views and just for the driving experience over the passes on the minor roads it was well worth the journey from CORNWALL!! If you are looking for a family holiday where every member can find something of interest and you can't make it to Cornwall then this is the place for you!
9. Factory Tap
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By shiokchua - London, United Kingdom
Would recommend the Factory Tap for drinks with your friends :) Drinks are reasonably priced and the staff is so friendly. I appreciated the pub's efforts in social distancing and taking the necessary measures during these Covid times. Do note they do not serve food, unless on food nights. They do have some nuts and crisps to snack on :)
10. Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By firtreecott
We were made very welcome by a member of staff at the car park and then by another who was manning the cameras allowing us to see the young ospreys on the nest through their telephoto lens. The boardwalk was easy for people of all abilities and the moss itself was very interesting with loads of insect and bird life as well as unusual plants.
