Location: Kendal
Top Things to do in Kendal
Things to do in Kendal, England: The Best Museums
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. Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Immerse yourself in Lake District History at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. Inside you can explore a typical Victorian farmers home from the food in the kitchen, to the elegance of the parlour. Other galleries tell the story of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the industrial history of this beautiful part of the world. Here you can discover the Lake District’s past in farming, mining, tanning, and many other ways that people have made a living amongst the fells. The Museum allows you to discover how people have lived in the Lake District and how the unique landscape has shaped their lives. You can also find out about Arthur Ransome, one of the Lake District’s most famous authors, and colourful characters. And why not stroll down the Victorian high street before you go to find out about the toys, food, and even medicines of the past. The Museum of Lakeland life is a must see for anyone interested in the history of this beautiful area, and with changing exhibitions looking at all aspects of Lakeland Life there will always be something new to discover.
Reviewed By S9879LVlindam
We loved everything about our visit to this local Museum. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful and the shop was well stocked.
2. Quaker Tapestry
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
World famous attraction within the historic market town of Kendal in Cumbria. An award-winning, inspirational exhibition of embroidered panels telling stories of railways, revolutionary ideas and remarkable people. 350 years of social history, beautifully hand-crafted by 4,000 people from around the world. Facilities include, visitor audio guides in several languages, films, subsidiary displays, children's activities, garden, gift shop and cafe. Situated at Friends Meeting House in one of Kendal's finest Georgian buildings next to the River Kent. There is step-free access and a small visitor car park at the Stramongate entrance to the Meeting House. There is a Coach drop-off bay and bus station within 100 metres and Kendal train station within a five-minute walk.
Reviewed By louiselV7098RW - Slough, United Kingdom
Always worth a visit, I try to visit when I'm in Kendal! Staff are very helpful and informative! My favourite panels the scientists, health and the environment! I would recommend a visit!
3. Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 162 reviews
Abbot Hall Art Gallery is a Grade 1 listed building with a national reputation for showing contemporary and historical works with powerful changing exhibitions. Conveniently located in the town centre, Abbot Hall enjoys a pretty riverside setting. Just a stone’s throw from leafy Abbot Hall Park and Kendal Parish Church, it makes for an inspiring day out for all. On permanent display in the period Georgian rooms is a selection of works by Cumbrian born artist George Romney (1734-1802), one of the greatest of all eighteenth-century portrait painters. The centre piece is what many perceive to be his masterpiece, the beautiful The Gower Family: The Children of Granville, 2nd Earl Gower (1776-7). Also on show is The Great Picture which is an impressive triptych commissioned by Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1678) in 1646. It depicts the story of her life-long struggle for, and ultimately succession to, the family inheritance.
Reviewed By drury1997 - Goole, United Kingdom
We came here whilst on holiday and bought a combined ticket that allowed us to see the art gallery and the museum also on site. There was a wide range of art to be seen and we especially enjoyed looking at the work by George Romney and the Scottish colourists, and there was also work by Lucian Freud and Celia Paul. All of the pieces of art work have description placards and there are larger boards in each room to deliver general history of movements or specific artists. We visited the gift shop which was full of books and postcard with some of the art work in the gallery on. The staff we very pleasant. We then went to the cafe for a sandwich and a cup of tea, both of which were lovely. Lots of choice for food and different types of teas and coffees. The staff again were pleasant and friendly. Finally we wondered around the museum and enjoyed looking over the exhibits and readying the information cards. There were several different rooms all packed with different things and each was interesting. Overall, this place is certainly worth a visit and kept us entertained for over three hours.
4. Kendal Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 118 reviews
Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum's fascinating collections include local and global archaeology, history, geology and natural history.
Reviewed By andrewp295 - Kilmacolm, United Kingdom
I went here with my two daughters and two nieces on a very wet day. Because of teh Covid-19 related restrictions in place we understandably had to go around in a pre-ordered way and certain activities were off limits, but this did not affect our enjoyment of the museum at all. So much on display, from geology to social history... and of course the natural history section including a dodo recreated from a genuine skeleton. The staff on duty were exceptionally helpful, including giving the girls a free book on the dodo, as well as very knowledgeable. While a small museum, it would be easy to spend a couple of hours there as the displays are so avried and there is a lot packed into the available space. It's excellent value for money.
5. Old Masters Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
