The bustling town of Kendal is a major gateway town to the Lake District, its nickname of ‘Auld Grey Town’ is due to the distinctive limestone used in so many of its buildings. Historically, this was a major wool producing centre – the famous ‘Kendal Green’ cloth was produced in the workshops that once occupied the towns many yards. Today Kendal is home to a creative arts centre, fascinating galleries and museums, and has a busy shopping district for your guests to enjoy.
Abbot Hall
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s leading art galleries. It is home to a strong Modern British collection and pieces of art are selected to tell stories in conversation with commissioned artists or temporary exhibitions.
A visit to the art gallery can easily be combined with other places of historical and cultural interest in the town to create half and full day itineraries.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm.
Entrance Fees: Group rates available.
Parking for Coaches: Free parking for pre-booked groups.
Contact: Tel: 01539 637936 or email: groupbookings@lakelandarts.org.uk
Website: lakelandarts.org.uk/abbot-hall
Facilities: Café serving light refreshments, toilets and gift shop.
Road Links: J36 of the M6 follow A590/591 to Kendal. SATNAV: LA9 5AL
Kendal Museum
Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK. A perfect stop for a visit to the historic Lakeland market town of Kendal, this fully accredited Museum houses an eclectic collection of curiosities displayed over three galleries.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: Open all year –Thursday to Saturday (9am to 4pm)
Entrance Fees: Groups enjoy 20% off advertised rates. Free admission for the organiser and coach driver.
Parking for Coaches: Drop off point but no coach parking at the actual museum. Phone for advice on options for coach parking.
Contact: Tel: 01539 815597 or email michael.bult@kendal.ac.uk Website: kendalmuseum.org.uk
Facilities: Drinks and snacks available, toilets.
Road Links: J36 of the M6 follow A590/591 to Kendal follow signs for the A6 Shap. The museum is located at the north end of town. SATNAV: LA9 6BT.
Quaker Tapestry Museum
The Quaker Tapestry is a modern masterpiece made by 4,000 people around the world. Delight in the detail of the stunning needlework and craftsmanship involved in the creation of these vibrant embroideries.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: Check website for opening times – closed January.
Entrance Fees: Discounted rates for groups of 15 or more. Free admission for the organiser and coach driver.
Parking for Coaches: Drop off point nearby on Blackhall Road.
Contact: Tel: 01539 722975 or email info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk Website: quaker-tapestry.co.uk
Facilities: Café, toilets and gift shop.
Road Links: J36 of the M6 follow A590/591 to Kendal. SATNAV: LA9 4BH.
Brewery Arts
Brewery Arts
Here to Help...
Brewery Arts has been Kendal’s premier hub for contemporary culture and creativity for over 50 years. Offering cinema, theatre and a rich entertainment programme throughout the year it is the perfect place to unwind in the evening.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: Open all year. Check website for entertainment programme.
Entrance Fees: Check website for ticket prices.
Parking for Coaches: No. Town centre location accessible by foot or public bus network.
Contact: Tel: 01539 725133 or email boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk
Website: breweryarts.co.uk
Facilities: Bar, restaurant and toilets.
Road Links: J36 of the M6 follow A590/591 to Kendal. SATNAV: LA9 4HE.
Cumbria Tourism is the official Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the Lake District, Cumbria and is here to help you find the right accommodation for your customers, locate new experiences, secure guides and more. Our team will also help with introductions to contacts and suppliers who are happy and keen to work with the travel trade. We can also provide the travel trade with free access to our extensive library of images and video footage of which we own the copyright.
For further information email Francine Bult: fbult@cumbriatourism.org or sign up to receive our travel trade e-newsletters at www.cumbriatourism.org/traveltrade.
The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The 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
