Kendal Museum

Ian Jones, Food and Drink Editor
Kendal Museum
Visit Kendal

Kendal Museum treats the guest to an impressive collection of artefacts, both historical and natural. The collection includes pieces from all over the world and from the beginning of time to the present, but the real interest lies in the fascinating local history of the region.

The Kendal and Westmorland Gallery houses arrowheads, pottery and other treasures from the Neolithic through Roman times and up to the present day. You can marvel at the precision of prehistoric stone-age axe heads, and learn about later inhabitants of the region, such as the Romans who maintained their lonely frontier fort nearby – leaving behind a well-preserved Bacchus statue and a collection of shoes and coins – or the Viking settlers who left one of their boats in Kentmere tarn. The modern history of the famous Cumberland and Westmorland Yeomanry in the world wars is represented by a full-size horse and rider. This exhibit allows your family can learn about artefacts in context, understanding the daily lives of people living long ago.

The Lakeland Natural History Gallery, currently sited at Brockhole, takes an even deeper dive into the past, with stuffed animals including otters, ospreys, herons, and an impressive eagle, plus stacks of information about the geological history of the region, its climate and its flora and fauna. This is also a great exhibit for teaching your kids about climate change and wildlife preservation. Brockhole is also a great jumping-off point for walks and outdoor adventures.

The third exhibit, the World Wildlife Gallery, features a kaleidoscope of animals from every continent. Thylacines, Musk Oxen, Springboks and many others give a panorama of the global ecosystem. There is an especial focus on birds, with over a thousand specimens on display. These include the extinct Huia from New Zealand, and the possibly extinct Eskimo Curlew and Ecuadorian Turquoise-throated Puffleg hummingbird.

Station RdKendalLA9 6BT View map
Telephone: 01539815597 Visit Now

What's on near Kendal Museum

Of Mice and Men at Octagon Theatre Bolton
Until
TheatreBolton
Of Mice and Men at Octagon Theatre Bolton

This gut-punching tale – with themes of loyalty, migration and prejudice – still strike a chord with a contemporary audience. Check out this new large-scale production of Steinbeck’s iconic story.

from £15.00

Where to go near Kendal Museum

The Joshua Tree
Kendal and Sedbergh
Restaurant
The Joshua Tree

The Joshua Tree is a family-run, homely bistro and restaurant housed in a sixteenth century building, specialising in coffee and exquisite fish and meat dishes.

Fell Bar Brewery
Kendal and Sedbergh
Bar or Pub
Fell Bar Brewery

Fell Bar is an outlet for the Fell Brewery and a great independent venue in itself, with a broad range of connoisseur-level craft beers.

Comida
Kendal and Sedbergh
Restaurant
Comida

Spanish inspired restaurant serves up Iberian classic dishes such as Spanish Omelette and Chorizo, plus many intriguing wines.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

DaDaFest’s 40th anniversary line-up, contemporary reimaginings and outlandish fringe, check out our top theatre picks for spring onwards.

A woman with black curly hair sings on stage in front of a red curtain
Cinema in the North

David Lynch, International Women's Day and Manchester Film Festival are amongst our cinematic highlights this March.

the artist
Music in the North

The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.
Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Poet Imtiaz Dharker. Photo by Ayesha Dharker
Literature Events in the North

It's like the Woolies pick'n'mix counter this month in live literature land – so much choice, we're not sure where to start digging in.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.