Let's Go Culture in Westmorland & Furness - Kendal

Known locally as the ‘Auld Grey Town’ due to the distinctive limestone used in many of its historic buildings, Kendal is steeped in heritage and packed with cultural treasures.

Kendal’s medieval roots are still visible today - the town grew up around a high street lined on both sides by fortified alleyways known as burgage plots, where the local populace would take shelter during the inevitable raids by Scottish raiders known as Border Reivers.

Over time these plots became industrial ‘yards,’ full of workshops for weaving, dyeing and shearing as Kendal became a major centre for the wool trade. Today some of the town’s oldest buildings have been revitalised as art galleries, museums and creative hubs – celebrating world class art, music and theatre.

Kendal Museum

Kendal Museum

Discover more of the town’s social history with a visit to Kendal Museum on Station Road and enjoy a contemporary art exhibition in its People’s Gallery. The Museum and Gallery are open Thursday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Find out more about Kendal Museum

Quaker Tapestry Museum

Quaker Tapestry Museum

South Lakeland has many connections with George Fox, who was the founder of the Quaker movement. The historic Kendal Friends Meeting House on Stramongate is now home to the Quaker Tapestry Museum, which houses an internationally renowned tapestry project featuring 77 panels telling the story of Quakers through the ages.

Find out more about Quaker Tapestry Museum

Abbot Hall in Kendal

Abbot Hall

Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a beautifully restored Grade I-listed Georgian building overlooking the River Kent. The gallery holds an exceptional collection of 18^th - 21^st century fine art, and hosts a regular series of major temporary exhibitions.

In Abbot Hall’s riverside grounds, which are adjacent to Kendal’s beautiful Parish Church, you will also find a Barbara Hepworth sculpture.

Find out more about Abbot Hall

Brewery Arts, Kendal

Brewery Arts

An evening of comedy, cinema, live theatre or music is a great way to round off your day, so be sure to visit Brewery Arts. This dynamic arts centre is also home to an exhibition space, as well as a bar and restaurant – enjoy a meal before taking in a show.

Find out more about Brewery Arts

There’s always something going on in Kendal: a packed year-round programme of events, theatre, exhibitions and festivals awaits. 

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Download a printable PDF of this Cultural Itinerary

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus