A weekend in Kendal

The Auld Grey Town, a gateway to the Lakes and the Dales

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Kendal is a grey limestone market town on the edge of the Lake District, known for its yards and ginnels, its castle ruins and its famous mint cake. It is a practical, friendly base, with a railway station, good shops and lower prices than the lakeside villages.

It also has a first-class art gallery, and gardens and historic houses nearby, which makes it a good choice for a break that is not all walking.

Best forHistory lovers, Culture fans, Food lovers, Families

Best time to goSpring to autumn for the surrounding countryside. Kendal's galleries and shops also make it good in wet weather.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereManchester: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Kendal

Plan your weekend in Kendal

Top attractions in Kendal

Abbot Hall Art Gallery

A fine Georgian house with a collection of art, including works by Romney.

Kendal Castle

The ruins of a medieval castle on a hill above the town, with views.

Kendal Mint Cake

A sugary local speciality, historically carried by mountaineers.

Levens Hall

A historic house nearby, famous for its topiary gardens.

Sizergh Castle

A National Trust house and gardens a few miles south of the town.

Best things to do in Kendal

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Windermere lake cruise

Windermere is England's largest natural lake, about 10 miles long. Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Settle to Carlisle railway

The Settle to Carlisle line is one of England's most scenic railway journeys, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley over 73 miles. Allow about 1.5 hours one way.

Scafell Pike walk

At 978 metres, Scafell Pike is the highest mountain in England. Allow 5 to 8 hours.

Best areas to stay in Kendal

Town centre

Central and walkable, with the most pubs and restaurants.

Near the station

Convenient for trains and the Windermere branch.

Countryside around Kendal

Rural stays with views across the fells.

Best hotels in Kendal

These are well-established hotels often recommended for the area, listed in no particular order. They are not paid placements. Check current ratings, prices and availability before you book.

Castle Green Hotel in Kendal

Compare places to stay in Kendal

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Kendal

Spring to autumn for the surrounding countryside. Kendal's galleries and shops also make it good in wet weather.

Seasons that suit Kendal well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Kendal

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Kendal

From Manchester: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From Lancaster: About 30 minutes by car.
From London: About 3 hours by train to Oxenholme Lake District, with a short branch line or bus to Kendal.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Kendal

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in Town centre.
Saturday: Start with Abbot Hall Art Gallery, then Kendal Castle. In the afternoon, head to Kendal Mint Cake.
Sunday: Visit Levens Hall or Sizergh Castle, then head home.

Packing list for Kendal

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

The town is a gateway rather than a main attraction, so plan day trips.
Check opening times for galleries and houses.
Parking in the centre is often pay and display.

Kendal weekend FAQs

Is Kendal worth staying in?

Yes, as a good-value base for the southern Lakes and the Yorkshire Dales. It is cheaper than Windermere or Ambleside.

Is Kendal near Windermere?

Yes. Windermere is about 10 miles away, around 20 minutes by car.

More weekend ideas

Lake DistrictCumbria

England's biggest national park: lakes, fells and cosy villages

WindermereCumbria

England's biggest lake, with a town on its doorstep

AmblesideCumbria

A friendly slate-built town at the head of Windermere

Yorkshire DalesNorth Yorkshire

Green valleys, limestone scars and drystone walls

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks in Yorkshire and the North East · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.