Glamping rental Kendal - 2 glampings

Kendal: The Auld Grey Town That Will Steal Your Heart

Tucked into the rolling green hills of Cumbria in North West England, Kendal is a historic market town that sits on the banks of the River Kent, just 8 miles south-east of Windermere and roughly 19 miles north of Lancaster. Often called "The Gateway to the Lakes," Kendal sits just outside the boundary of the Lake District National Park, making it a strategic and scenic base for outdoor lovers and culture seekers alike. With a population of around 29,500, it is the administrative centre for the Westmorland and Furness district and one of the largest towns in Cumbria. Its coordinates (approximately 54.33\u00b0N, 2.74\u00b0W) place it in the maritime west-coast climate zone, meaning mild winters, comfortably warm summers, and rainfall spread throughout the year. Whether you visit in midsummer or midwinter, the green landscape around Kendal rarely disappoints.

Why a Glamping Holiday Near Kendal Is a Brilliant Idea

Kendal is not just a pretty stopover; it is a destination in its own right. Here is why a glamping stay near this Cumbrian gem deserves a spot on your travel list:

• Perfectly positioned: Right on the doorstep of the Lake District, Kendal connects you to world-famous lakes, fells, and villages without the crowds that sometimes swamp central Lakeland towns. You can head to Windermere, Grasmere, or Ambleside in minutes, yet retreat to a quieter corner at the end of the day.
• Rich in history and character: The town's striking grey limestone buildings have earned it the nickname "Auld Grey Town." Its roots stretch back to Roman times, with a fort at the site known as Watercrook dating from around AD 90. The medieval wool trade shaped its streets, its yards (narrow alleyways) and even its Latin motto: Pannus mihi panis, meaning "Cloth is my bread."
• A vibrant cultural scene: Kendal hosts several internationally acclaimed festivals, including the Kendal Mountain Festival each November, which draws over 18,000 people and features around 200 events spanning adventure films, speakers, and art. The Brewery Arts Centre is a lively hub for live music, theatre, cinema, and exhibitions throughout the year.
• A foodie's haven: From artisan bakeries and micro-breweries to farm shops, local food producers, and a regular farmers' market, Kendal is a treat for anyone who likes to eat well. The famous Kendal Mint Cake alone has a story worth exploring.
• Accessibility: Kendal is well connected by road, with easy access from the M6 motorway (junctions 36 and 37). It also has a railway station on the Windermere Branch Line, with the mainline Oxenholme Lake District station only 2.4 miles away, offering direct connections to London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

More Than Meets the Eye: Kendal's Highlights

A Castle With a Royal Rumour

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, the ruins of Kendal Castle date back to the late 12th century. It served as the seat of the Barony of Kendal and is most famously associated with the Parr family. A persistent legend claims that Catherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, was born here, though historians consider this unlikely since the castle was already in disrepair by her time. Regardless, the panoramic views from the castle grounds over the town and surrounding fells are genuinely breathtaking and well worth the walk.

The Sweet That Climbed Everest

Kendal Mint Cake is not actually a cake at all. It is a sugar-based confection flavoured with peppermint oil, invented by accident in 1869 when a batch of glacier mints went wrong overnight in the workshop of Joseph Wiper. This happy mistake became the fuel of choice for some of the world's greatest expeditions. Romney's Kendal Mint Cake was carried to the summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, and it also travelled to the Antarctic with Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914. You can still buy it at local shops in town and taste a piece of exploration history.

A Parish Church That Rivals York Minster

Holy Trinity Church, Kendal's parish church, is one of the widest parish churches in Britain. York Minster itself is only about three feet wider. The nave dates back around 800 years, though the site has held a place of worship for much longer. Inside, the Parr Chapel houses the shaft of a standing cross dated to approximately 850 AD.

Quaker Heritage

In the 17th century, Kendal became an important centre for Quakerism. George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of Friends, preached here, and the town's Quakers were actively involved in social reforms, including the abolition of slavery and the promotion of education. The Quaker Tapestry, a remarkable series of 77 embroidered panels created over 15 years by more than 4,000 people from 15 countries, was housed in the Friends Meeting House in Kendal. Note: the Quaker Tapestry Museum closed in December 2025, with plans being developed for future displays.

The Yards of Kendal

The town centre is structured around a main high street with narrow, fortified alleyways known as "yards" branching off to either side. These date back to times when local residents needed to shelter from Border Reiver raiding parties. Today, these atmospheric passages are home to independent shops, cafes, and hidden courtyards that give Kendal a character quite unlike any other English market town.

Five Things to Do That the Guidebooks Often Miss

1. Walk Scout Scar at golden hour: This limestone escarpment just west of Kendal is one of the best-kept secrets of the area. A short, steep climb from the car park on Underbarrow Road brings you to the famous "Mushroom" shelter at the summit, where a panoramic view unfolds across the entire Lakeland skyline, from Scafell Pike to the Howgills, and down to Morecambe Bay. On a very clear day, you might even spot Blackpool Tower in the distance. The whole walk can take under an hour, yet the reward rivals far more strenuous Lake District hikes.
2. Explore Sizergh Castle and its extraordinary gardens: Just 4 miles south of Kendal, this National Trust medieval manor has been home to the Strickland family for over 780 years. The highlight is the Inlaid Chamber, which features some of the finest Elizabethan wood panelling ever created for an English country house. The gardens include the largest limestone rock garden in the National Trust, with ferns, wildflower meadows, and a mirror lake. The 1,600-acre estate features wetland, ancient woodland, and a wealth of wildlife.
3. Follow the old Lancaster Canal towpath: The Lancaster Canal was built as far as Kendal in 1819, but sections were later made unnavigable by the construction of the M6. While the canal itself has partly been built over, the towpath remains as a peaceful footpath through and beyond the town. Look for the old canal agent's cottage and the ticket office near the original basin for a glimpse into Kendal's trading past.
4. Discover the Serpentine Woods and the Alphabet Trail: On the western edge of town, the Serpentine Woods sit on limestone pavement beneath a canopy of deciduous trees. A winding trail with a sculpture for every letter of the alphabet runs through the woods, making it an entertaining detour for families and art lovers. In spring and early summer, the adjacent slopes of Kendal Fell are a haven for butterflies and orchids.
5. Spend an evening at the Brewery Arts Centre: Housed in a former brewery, this is Kendal's cultural heart. It hosts a packed programme of independent cinema, live music, comedy, theatre, art exhibitions, and talks. It is a genuine community hub where locals and visitors mix easily, complete with a bar and restaurant. Check what is on during your stay.

Getting to Kendal: Easier Than You Think

For visitors arriving from overseas, Kendal is approximately 223 miles north-west of London and roughly 114 miles south of Edinburgh. Manchester Airport is one of the most convenient international entry points, with Kendal reachable in around 90 minutes by car or via a train connection through Lancaster or Preston to Oxenholme Lake District station. From London, direct trains on the West Coast Main Line reach Oxenholme in around 2.5 hours. The 555 bus service runs from Lancaster through Kendal and all the way to Keswick, passing through Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere, which can be a great car-free way to explore the Lake District once you are here.

When to Visit

Kendal has something to offer year-round. Summer (July and August) brings average highs of around 19\u00b0C (66\u00b0F) and long daylight hours for outdoor activities. Spring and autumn reward visitors with quieter trails, changing colours, and festival season: the famous Kendal Mountain Festival takes place every November, and the Westmorland County Show, one of the largest one-day agricultural shows in England and founded in 1799, is a September highlight. Winter, with average highs around 6\u00b0C (43\u00b0F), offers a cosier experience: think log fires, hearty Cumbrian food, and frosty walks along the River Kent.

A Town That Gives You More

Kendal is one of those rare places that genuinely has something for everyone. History, nature, food, art, adventure, and quiet contemplation all coexist within a few square miles. It is a town where you can climb a castle ruin in the morning, sample locally brewed beer at lunch, walk along a limestone escarpment in the afternoon, and catch a live band or an indie film in the evening. And with all that the surrounding Lake District has to offer just minutes away, a glamping break in or near Kendal puts you at the centre of one of England's most beautiful regions.

Book a glamping now and give yourself the gift of slow mornings, fresh Cumbrian air, and a holiday that blends outdoor adventure with historic charm in a way that only Kendal can deliver.