The Best Hotels in Kendal

Kendal Hotels

Nestled within the splendour of the Lake District, Kendal is synonymous with outdoor pursuits and the famous Mint Cake which fuels the area’s intrepid explorers. In every direction, hills and lakes beckon, and whether your sport is serious mountaineering, kayaking or simply walking and picnicking, there is no better place to do it. The town itself is also a delight, with attractive limestone buildings, a medieval castle and interesting museums. A multitude of shops and restaurants creates a lively atmosphere.

Things to see

In the Victorian era, Kendal was a centre of inventions and innovations, which can still be seen today. The maze of narrow streets and lanes in Kendal city centre retains an industrious atmosphere, with independent shops selling signature footwear and clothing. A multitude of shops are geared towards outdoor adventure, so you can stock up on essentials for your Lake District expeditions. Nearby, the town’s 12th century castle ruins are fun to explore and you still get a sense of its grandeur. On a clear day, you can see the hills and mountains for miles around. The museum next door is a thoroughly absorbing place, which shows the town’s links with Everest, and plenty more of its history. Then it’s time to get out into the Lakes. At the Bowness-On-Windermere resort, the Lakes’ most popular destination, there are dozens of activities available, from sailing and windsurfing, to abseiling and ballooning.

Hotels in Kendal

You’d be hard-pushed in Kendal to find a hotel which isn’t full of historic atmosphere, architectural beauty and local hospitality. There are luxury hotels fit for medieval royalty, budget inns built from local stone and self-catering lodges with lake views. Stay in one of the luxury hotels in Kendal and you’ll be treated to a suite with a lavish 4-poster bed, beautiful traditional furnishings and modern perks like flat screen TVs and Ipod docks. Leisure facilities include heated indoor pools and spa tubs. In the discount hotels, rooms are simple but comfortable, with complimentary buffet breakfast, WiFi and parking included.

Where to stay

The centre of Kendal has a few mid-range hotels available in beautiful historic properties, and this is a great place to stay if you want the amenities and liveliness of a vibrant Cumbria town. It’s also the ideal base from which to explore the southern Lake District. For the full Lakes experience, stay in one of the hotels at Bowness-On-Windermere – a wide choice of luxury and mid-range accommodation is available, right on the lakeside. If you’d rather get away from the busy tourist centres, there are numerous hotels dotted about between Kendal and Windermere, which make the perfect tranquil retreat.

How to get to Kendal

The Lake District, including Kendal, has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK. There are particularly good train services – from London Euston, the journey can take as little as 3.5 hours on a direct train to Glasgow. For Kendal, the nearest station is Oxenholme, 2 miles away. Taxis can take you the rest of the way. The closest international airport is in Manchester, located about 2 hours away. Hiring a car is really the best option if you want to explore the Lakes, because public transport in an area this vast and rural is not always an option.