Guidebook for Kendal
Sightseeing
A great spot to explore with children and enjoy some awesome views of Kendal and surrounding hills and sunsets.
59 locals recommend
Kendal Castle
SunnysideA great spot to explore with children and enjoy some awesome views of Kendal and surrounding hills and sunsets.
One of our fave local national trust spots. Great walks, woods, playgrounds and cafe. You can park there for free even if you are NOT a member of the National Trust.
74 locals recommend
Sizergh Castle
One of our fave local national trust spots. Great walks, woods, playgrounds and cafe. You can park there for free even if you are NOT a member of the National Trust.
Walk down a street as it looked many years ago at this cosy museum.
16 locals recommend
Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry
KirklandWalk down a street as it looked many years ago at this cosy museum.
Elizabethan house with fancy rooms and impressive topiary gardens. Cafe too probably and lots of plants to buy. Lovely walks across the road along the river too.
77 locals recommend
Levens Hall
Elizabethan house with fancy rooms and impressive topiary gardens. Cafe too probably and lots of plants to buy. Lovely walks across the road along the river too.
Lovely bird watching haven as seen on TV! Nice discovery centre for the children and acres to potter round with those binoculars. Cafe, loos etc...
42 locals recommend
RSPB Leighton Moss
Storrs LaneLovely bird watching haven as seen on TV! Nice discovery centre for the children and acres to potter round with those binoculars. Cafe, loos etc...
Rightly popular forest centre with loads to do. Bike hire, mtb trails, playgrounds, sculpture trail, go ape high rope course etc etc... A full day out and more!
14 locals recommend
Grizedale
Rightly popular forest centre with loads to do. Bike hire, mtb trails, playgrounds, sculpture trail, go ape high rope course etc etc... A full day out and more!
Charming village surrounded by hills with a vibrant collection of shops, cafes and character buildings. Massive second hand bookshop too if it's raining.
30 locals recommend
Sedbergh
Charming village surrounded by hills with a vibrant collection of shops, cafes and character buildings. Massive second hand bookshop too if it's raining.
One of the nicest villages in the main Lakes area. Allan Bank house is very well worth a visit and is awesome for families. National Trust but not as you know it! A full day out & free tea & coffee!
Grasmere station
One of the nicest villages in the main Lakes area. Allan Bank house is very well worth a visit and is awesome for families. National Trust but not as you know it! A full day out & free tea & coffee!
Essentials
Large supermarket for all your needs! Open 24hrs most days.
21 locals recommend
Asda Kendal Superstore
Burton RoadLarge supermarket for all your needs! Open 24hrs most days.
Artisan supermarket and cafe stocking lots of local goodies and treats as well as all main brands too. Clean loos downstairs with baby change facilities.
24 locals recommend
Booths, Kendal
Wainwrights YardArtisan supermarket and cafe stocking lots of local goodies and treats as well as all main brands too. Clean loos downstairs with baby change facilities.
Morrisons
Big supermarket for everything you need. Not 24hrs.
Amazing bread and cakes baked on the premises by award winning baker Simon.
6 locals recommend
Staff Of Life Bakery
Amazing bread and cakes baked on the premises by award winning baker Simon.
Right by the train station. Stock up before you hit the hills. Cafe, clean loos and all that stuff.
36 locals recommend
Booths, Windermere
Victoria StreetRight by the train station. Stock up before you hit the hills. Cafe, clean loos and all that stuff.
Arts & Culture
Swimming pool, children's pool squash, gym etc... Free parking.
8 locals recommend
Kendal Leisure Centre
Burton RoadSwimming pool, children's pool squash, gym etc... Free parking.
Everything you need for a great night out! Cinema, theatre, cafe, restaurant, art gallery, exhibition space, beer garden and live music venue to name but a few of the things they do!
90 locals recommend
Brewery Arts Centre
122A HighgateEverything you need for a great night out! Cinema, theatre, cafe, restaurant, art gallery, exhibition space, beer garden and live music venue to name but a few of the things they do!
Brilliant Indy cinema with bar, restaurant, jazz nights and eclectic range of films on show.
64 locals recommend
Zeffirellis
2 Compston RdBrilliant Indy cinema with bar, restaurant, jazz nights and eclectic range of films on show.
Ever changing exhibitions of a wide range of styles in a lovely building overlooking the river Kent. Cafe too. Next to Parish Church.
49 locals recommend
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
KirklandEver changing exhibitions of a wide range of styles in a lovely building overlooking the river Kent. Cafe too. Next to Parish Church.
Everything Else
SPAR Sandylands
37 Sandylands RdThe closest mini supermarket and with an amazing cake counter too!
HSBC
64 HighgateCash point etc...
Barclays Bank
9 HighgateCash point etc...
Lloyds Bank
11 Finkle StCash point etc...
Good, honest local bike shop just like they used to be when I was a lad! Sales, repairs and kit.
Brucies Bike Shop
9 KirklandGood, honest local bike shop just like they used to be when I was a lad! Sales, repairs and kit.
One of the widest churches in England! Lovely spot on the river Kent and close to town and other attractions.
6 locals recommend
Kendal Parish Church
KirklandOne of the widest churches in England! Lovely spot on the river Kent and close to town and other attractions.
Dry ski slope run by volunteers for skiing, snowboarding, tubing parties and all that sort of stuff. On the opposite side of the castle hill from our house.
Kendal Snowsports Club
Canal Head NorthDry ski slope run by volunteers for skiing, snowboarding, tubing parties and all that sort of stuff. On the opposite side of the castle hill from our house.
Usually ok priced fuel from reliable supplier if you don't fancy the supermarket stuff. Next to Kendal Leisure Centre
Shell
Duke StreetUsually ok priced fuel from reliable supplier if you don't fancy the supermarket stuff. Next to Kendal Leisure Centre
Classic indoor climbing wall with massive main wall, lots of smaller ones, self belay systems and bouldering rooms. Great for all ages and you might even bump into Leo Holding or Bonnington! Kit hire
23 locals recommend
Kendal Wall, Lakeland Climbing Centre
Mint Bridge RoadClassic indoor climbing wall with massive main wall, lots of smaller ones, self belay systems and bouldering rooms. Great for all ages and you might even bump into Leo Holding or Bonnington! Kit hire
Main bus station in town for all routes in and out. More local buses may also leave from the main shopping street near Waterstones book shop.
Bus Station (Stand 0)
Main bus station in town for all routes in and out. More local buses may also leave from the main shopping street near Waterstones book shop.
Ace National Trust park on the shores of Lake Windermere. Swim, sunbath, row, paddle, eat, drink, bbq, snooze and generally enjoy the amazing views up towards the head of the lake 10 miles away.
96 locals recommend
National Trust - Fell Foot Park
Ace National Trust park on the shores of Lake Windermere. Swim, sunbath, row, paddle, eat, drink, bbq, snooze and generally enjoy the amazing views up towards the head of the lake 10 miles away.
Tranquil spot South of the main chaos of the Lakes with stunning views across the bay to the fells. Plenty of walks and eateries to chose from.
11 locals recommend
Arnside & Silverdale AONB
Station RoadTranquil spot South of the main chaos of the Lakes with stunning views across the bay to the fells. Plenty of walks and eateries to chose from.
Genteel coastal town where the average age nudges triple figures! Lovely walk along the promenade where you can get a cup of tea at the community run cafe. For full effect come by train via Carnforth.
Grange-Over-Sands
Genteel coastal town where the average age nudges triple figures! Lovely walk along the promenade where you can get a cup of tea at the community run cafe. For full effect come by train via Carnforth.
Public toilets and often a coffee morning or bingo session going on if it's wet out! Easy to find under the big clock tower so makes a good meeting place.
Kendal Town Hall
9a Lowther StPublic toilets and often a coffee morning or bingo session going on if it's wet out! Easy to find under the big clock tower so makes a good meeting place.
Handy local shopping area with curry house, off license, very mini supermarket, hairdressers, bike shop, cash point, cafe and bric a brac shop. Just down from train station.
Wildman Street
Wildman StreetHandy local shopping area with curry house, off license, very mini supermarket, hairdressers, bike shop, cash point, cafe and bric a brac shop. Just down from train station.
Shopping
Giant Store Kendal
Wildman StreetOur closest bike shop for repairs, sales and parts.
A massive but friendly bike store in the nearby village of Staveley. Bike hire also available.
7 locals recommend
Wheelbase Cycles
Back LaneA massive but friendly bike store in the nearby village of Staveley. Bike hire also available.
Endlessly award winning cafe, farm shop, farm tour, milking parlor on bypass out of Kendal. Sip a cuppa whilst watching the cows being milked, honest!
54 locals recommend
Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop & Café
Endlessly award winning cafe, farm shop, farm tour, milking parlor on bypass out of Kendal. Sip a cuppa whilst watching the cows being milked, honest!
Legendary shop for all your road and off road running needs. Specialist footwear fitting as standard and wide range for such a small store. Oozing with heritage!
Pete Bland Sports Ltd
34-36 KirklandLegendary shop for all your road and off road running needs. Specialist footwear fitting as standard and wide range for such a small store. Oozing with heritage!
Always worth a browse for cute kids clothes, designer birthday cards and all that Kath Kitson business! Cafe downstairs too.
Armstrong Ward
8 Wainwrights YardAlways worth a browse for cute kids clothes, designer birthday cards and all that Kath Kitson business! Cafe downstairs too.
Proper and well stocked art shop for all you need before heading off to capture the dramatic landscapes and skies of the area!
Youdells Art Shop
112 KirklandProper and well stocked art shop for all you need before heading off to capture the dramatic landscapes and skies of the area!
Good spot for local souvenirs and advice on where to visit. Now located just off the market square.
Made In Cumbria
25 StramongateGood spot for local souvenirs and advice on where to visit. Now located just off the market square.
High quality outdoor gear shop for everything to keep you warm, dry, safe and happy on the hills. Knowledgeble staff and top brands. Just look for the colourful window displays!
The Climbers Shop
Compston RoadHigh quality outdoor gear shop for everything to keep you warm, dry, safe and happy on the hills. Knowledgeble staff and top brands. Just look for the colourful window displays!
Head straight for the top floor clearance section of this quality outdoor clothing and equipment store for bargains on stuff like merino wool undies and brightly coloured waterproofs.
The Epicentre
Compston RoadHead straight for the top floor clearance section of this quality outdoor clothing and equipment store for bargains on stuff like merino wool undies and brightly coloured waterproofs.
Food Scene
Brilliant vegetarian cafe run by our good friends Alec and Claire. Try the cake tasting plate at your peril!
8 locals recommend
The Rattle Ghyll
Rydal RoadBrilliant vegetarian cafe run by our good friends Alec and Claire. Try the cake tasting plate at your peril!
Pizza chain hangout but handy in town and always vouchers to be had. Ask us to print you a voucher for a discount.
8 locals recommend
Pizza Express
6 Wainwright's YardPizza chain hangout but handy in town and always vouchers to be had. Ask us to print you a voucher for a discount.
One of our fave local places to eat. Good value, good service and easy to find.
29 locals recommend
Deja-Vu Corner 124
124 StricklandgateOne of our fave local places to eat. Good value, good service and easy to find.
Brew Brothers
69 HighgateDoes what it says on the coffee tin! Coffee and cake for all!
Wilf's Cafe
14 Back LnVery popular cafe on the river in this popular local village.
Now called MORE Bakery, great for a quick lunch and coffee before a walk in the hills.
21 locals recommend
More? The Artisan bakery
Back LaneNow called MORE Bakery, great for a quick lunch and coffee before a walk in the hills.
A legendary establishment with big portions for small pennies! Daytime only (I think).
8 locals recommend
Union Jack Cafe
15 KirklandA legendary establishment with big portions for small pennies! Daytime only (I think).
Delicious whole food and vege dishes at this handy cafe in town right on the river. Outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine and killer hot chocolates. Good choice of healthy food.
17 locals recommend
Waterside Cafe and Food Bistro
Delicious whole food and vege dishes at this handy cafe in town right on the river. Outdoor seating to enjoy the sunshine and killer hot chocolates. Good choice of healthy food.
Pretty delicious Thai restaurant which has been Michelin recommended recently. Take away too I think.
Sawadee Thai Restaurant and Takeway
54 StramongatePretty delicious Thai restaurant which has been Michelin recommended recently. Take away too I think.
Ancient building housing a fresh and funky eatery run by students at Kendal college. Winner of various awards it is worth checking out. Close to Kendal train station.
The Castle Dairy
26 Wildman StAncient building housing a fresh and funky eatery run by students at Kendal college. Winner of various awards it is worth checking out. Close to Kendal train station.
The finest chip shop in all of Kendal we think. Small seating area for a romantic dinner or close to the river for a bench with a view. Get your fine wine at the off licence opposite too!
Fryer Tux
169 HighgateThe finest chip shop in all of Kendal we think. Small seating area for a romantic dinner or close to the river for a bench with a view. Get your fine wine at the off licence opposite too!
One of the best Indian restaurants in Kendal. Eat in or take away. Spend enough and you might score a free Cobra or Kingfisher!
10 locals recommend
Mumbai
8 StramongateOne of the best Indian restaurants in Kendal. Eat in or take away. Spend enough and you might score a free Cobra or Kingfisher!
Closest Indian restaurant to our house and OK quality but nothing special. Decent choice if you can't face the extra five minutes walk to the Mumbai!
Eastern Balti Restaurant - Kendal
22 Wildman StClosest Indian restaurant to our house and OK quality but nothing special. Decent choice if you can't face the extra five minutes walk to the Mumbai!
Entertainment & Activities
Old school style museum packed with collections ranging from a full size Polar Bear to Wainwrights pipe! Free entry too! Just across the road from Kendal train station.
21 locals recommend
Kendal Museum
Station RoadOld school style museum packed with collections ranging from a full size Polar Bear to Wainwrights pipe! Free entry too! Just across the road from Kendal train station.
Decent pub near to the mainline train station. Big garden in the summer with adventure playground and sometimes a bouncy castle too. Nice for chips and a beer on a summer's eve...
8 locals recommend
The Station Inn
Decent pub near to the mainline train station. Big garden in the summer with adventure playground and sometimes a bouncy castle too. Nice for chips and a beer on a summer's eve...
Great spot for a family walk to follow the Alphabet Trail. Really close to town but hilly!
12 locals recommend
Serpentine Woods
Great spot for a family walk to follow the Alphabet Trail. Really close to town but hilly!
River side park area great for learning to ride a bike! Long established putting green at the southern end by the footbridge crossing over into town.
Gooseholme Park
Saint George's WalkRiver side park area great for learning to ride a bike! Long established putting green at the southern end by the footbridge crossing over into town.
A good hour drive from Kendal but an amazing day out. Bike hire, walking trails, amazing playgrounds, Go Ape ropes course plus much more! Suck in the clean air at England's highest forest (I think!)
67 locals recommend
Whinlatter Forest Park
Whinlatter PassA good hour drive from Kendal but an amazing day out. Bike hire, walking trails, amazing playgrounds, Go Ape ropes course plus much more! Suck in the clean air at England's highest forest (I think!)
Busy tourist town with waterfall walks, caving, Gil walking and the usual cafes, chippys, gift shops and pubs. Awesome open air swimming pool in summer by a great playground.
13 locals recommend
Ingleton
Busy tourist town with waterfall walks, caving, Gil walking and the usual cafes, chippys, gift shops and pubs. Awesome open air swimming pool in summer by a great playground.