Things to do in Kendal

Kendal has always been known as the ‘Gateway to the Lakes’, and it has plenty to offer families. From sports, to the arts, to festivals, here’s our top recommendations for things to do in Kendal.

Where is Kendal?

Kendal lies in the very south of the Lake District, and is 1 mile outside the National Park Boundary, (leading to the ever popular debate about whether it can count itself as ‘The Lake District’ or not). Whichever side of that argument you sit, there’s no arguing that Kendal is well connected for plenty of Lake District fun, and has lots to offer in it’s own right.

A market town that originally grew around the wool trade, Kendal became famous for it’s Kendal Mint Cake. It has so much more to offer than just sweet treats however, and along with it’s rich history, you can find plenty of things to do.

There is something for everyone in Kendal, whatever you’re into. For a small-ish town, it punches well above it’s weight in terms of family activities. Here are our favourites:

1. Brewery Arts Centre

The Brewery, is, as the name suggests, a hub for all kinds of arts. With a cinema along with a theatre, there is plenty of choice for things to go and see. You’ll also find creative activity days, art, drama and music sessions, exhibitions, and a restaurant with a great weekday pizza deal. So plenty to keep everyone busy!

The theatre and cinema screenings are updated and can be booked, along with all creative sessions on the Brewery Arts Centre website here.

2. Visit Kendal Castle

Although it’s a ruin, it’s definitely a ruin worth visiting! Kendal castle dates back to the 13th Century, and was once the home of Katherine Parr, one of Henry VIII’s wives. You can walk up to the castle from the town centre, or the housing estate behind the castle hill. It’s all free to access.

After the (fairly steep) walk up the hill, the entrance to the castle shows how it would have looked in the past. Then you enter the castle area, and you can explore the ruins. It’s also lovely to walk right around the outside perimeter of the castle, looking over where the moat was once full of water.

If it’s a nice day, it’s a great place to stop and have a picnic, and outside the castle grounds is plenty of space for a run around.

3. RagTag Arts

Ragtag is both a community arts hub, and a scrapstore, which is the MOST fun with children. Set in Kendal town centre, Ragtag hosts art clubs and is always busy working with the community to create amazing art for various events and festivals.

It’s also a place to while away a couple of hours on a rainy day. When we visited we found a table, ordered hot chocolates, and bought a couple of the crafting packs for sale in the cafe area (all bargainous and made out of repurposed materials). Then once we’d finished, I let the kids fill a basket in the scrapstore next door (this costs £7), and they had the best time! Plus we had loads of crafting materials to take home.

Find all of Ragtag’s details here.

4. Explore Serpentine Wood

Serpentine Wood is in Kendal itself, sitting high on the west side overlooking the town. You can get to it by walking up from the town centre, or you can park on Queens Rd for a short time.

The wood has plenty of paths, and you can follow the Alphabet Trail that leads right round the whole wood and finishes in the centre. The trail starts just off Queens Road, and by the gate you’ll see a QR code to download the map (or you can just look at the map at the entrance and try to remember it!).

We’ve written more about a trip to Serpentine Wood here.

5. Attempt the Kendal Summer Trail

This is a lovely activity! Every summer, local businesses take part in a summer trail around Kendal. Pick up a map from one of the pick up points, then follow the challenges on the map as it leads you all around the town. There’s a different theme every year, and you spot and tick off different letters or characters in the shop windows. Lots of businesses even offer ‘trail treats’ if you go in with the map! We’ve done the trail, and I would definitely recommend taking a little bag for any treats you might pick up. Enjoy!

Full details for this years Summer Trail will be on the Visit Kendal website here.

6. Kendal Snowsports Club

Run entirely by volunteers, Kendal Snowsports Club offers lessons in all different types of skiing, along with snowboarding. They also run open sessions and freestyle sessions, both suring the week and on weekends.

If you’re visiting the area and want to join in with a session, you’re able to go along as a non member, hire gear if you like and get out on the slope. A popular session for families is on a Sunday morning, where everyone can practice their skills and have fun together. No booking is necessary.

All sessions and details are on the Kendal Snowsports website.

7. Walk up Scout Scar

Scout Scar is a limestone cliff that lies just outside Kendal. It’s possible to walk there, or you can easily drive to the designated car park. The limestone landscape is distinctive and interesting, and the views from Scout Scar across the Lake District fells are outstanding.

Obviously you have to be VERY careful and aware as the walk is along a cliff, but this walk is the perfect length for little legs if you walk from the car park to the ‘mushroom’, where you can stop for a rest and a snack.

I’ve written more about the Scout Scar walk here.

8. Visit Low Sizergh Barn

Low Sizergh barn sits just outside of Kendal to the south, and is a working farm with a farm shop and lovely cafe. A farm trail leads you through the fields surrounding the farm, and takes you through a willow tunnel, through woodland and over streams.

Visit the farmshop to get a trail map with all the characters for you to find (and maybe a takeout flat white for the adults). The walk starts at the tractor next to the car park, which is very popular for climbing on.

We’ve written more about a visit to Low Sizergh Barn here.

9. Visit Outside-In

Outside-In is a gorgeous, semi-soft play where children can explore and parents can enjoy a coffee. Created in the style of a town, with lots of parts based on Kendal landmarks, it gives a young children the safety to play freely while their parents relax. Outside-In is perfect for younger children, but is ok for children up to 10 so older siblings are always welcome.

You can visit the Outside-In Website here.

10. Visit Kendal Museum

Kendal Museum is a brilliantly eclectic mix of local nature and history, and world wildlife. It is entertaining, and a great way to spend a couple of hours. We loved the crystals, and of course the famous polar bear!

Find out about opening times and collections on the Kendal Museum website here.

11. Try Kendal Mintcake

Ok, it’s a cliche, and it is SO MUCH sugar, but I haven’t met a child yet who doesn’t like Kendal Mint Cake! We have it only VERY occasionally, and the deal is that we can only eat it during or after a walk.

You can buy Kendal Mint Cake from most food retailers in Kendal. We recommend Booths Supermarket.

12. Join in with a Festival

Kendal has more than it’s fair share of festivals. You can choose from:

Kendal Mountain Festival, which has a couple of events that are family friendly along with plenty of stalls at their Basecamp.

Westmorland County Show, which takes place in September just out of Kendal and showcases the best from local farmers and producers.

Kendal Family Festival, which takes place in July and includes live music, entertainment, food and drinks.

Kendal Comic Art Festival, a weekend of fun around the town for all who appreciate Comic Art.

Kendal Torchlight Carnival, which takes place in September and features an evening procession through the town, along with family friendly events in the town all weekend.

Check exact dates and times on the websites linked to make any plans. These festivals are all annual but dates change each year.

Things to do in Kendal

Where is Kendal?