5 reasons to make Kendal your base for the Lake District

Perhaps most famous for its Kendal Mint Cake, the quaint market town of Kendal in Cumbria is fast becoming the place to stay for those keen to visit the Lake District National Park and surrounding areas.

So what’s its attraction? And why should you make Kendal your base next time you head to the Lakes?

1. Kendal is less than one mile outside the Lake District National Park

Kendal has long been the gateway to the Lake District and one reason for this is that its location in the south of Cumbria is just a mile from the edge of the Lake District National Park itself.

Which makes getting into the Lakes very easy! And those who have visited the Lake District before will be well aware that the popular towns of Windermere and Bowness (as well as Ambleside, Keswick and Grasmere!) are often heaving with visitors during the height of summer.

Great news for tourism. Less great if you’re trying to escape the masses.

By contrast, Kendal is much quieter during the summer months and with its location just 9 miles from Windermere (and about 30 miles from Keswick), it’s a great place to book a holiday cottage so that you can travel out to the Lakes without miles and miles of hold ups.

2. Kendal is just 6 miles off the M6 motorway

Yep – Kendal is very easy to get to!

A former wool town, Kendal is well connected to arterial roads, including the M6 motorway. So it’s easy to access from right across the UK.

Come off at junction 36 and you will be just 6 miles short of the town centre.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to come by train, you can get to Kendal in as little as 2.5 hours from London!

Simply jump on the West Coast Main Line at London Euston and get off at nearby Oxenholme. Or taking the branch line into Kendal itself.

3. Kendal is the perfect location for exploring the South Lakes

For those in the know, Kendal is actually the perfect place to base yourself if you want access to both the Lake District itself and the less populated South Lakes.

Kendal is within easy reach of some of the most beautiful scenery in the South Lakes – and the bonus is that this area is much less well known to visitors.

So if you fancy heading to the coast, you can visit picturesque seaside villages such as Silverdale and Arnside, set in an AONB. Or take the train over the viaduct to the quintessential seaside town of Grange-Over-Sands.

Stay on that train and head to Cartmel (via Cark), where you’ll find award winning restaurant L’Enclume as well as the makers of the best sticky toffee pudding ever.

Kendal also offers easy access to another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Trough of Bowland, famous for the Pendle Witches of the 1600s.

You can also head into the Yorkshire Dales within minutes from Kendal, not forgetting coffee and cake in nearby Kirky Lonsdale…

4. Kendal is full of attractive attractions!

When it comes to looking for things to do in the Kendal area, whatever your preference, you will be spoilt for choice.

The adventurous types will love the many outdoor pursuits in the region, including hiking, caving, mountain biking (and road cycling) plus pot holing to name just a few.

Water sports fans have numerous options available to them in both the Lake District and South Lakes areas, including stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, water skiing and sailing.

And fans of history can explore Kendal’s two castles, its two museums and its many historic buildings and winding passageways.

Prefer some retail therapy? You’ll love Kendal’s many high street and independent shops.

5. Kendal is great in all weathers

Let’s face it, it’s called the Lake District for a reason – and those lakes are kept topped up by the regular rainfall in this area.

So if the weather changes and you find yourself off the hills in search of something else to do, what are your options?

You could take time out to visit the Brewery Arts Centre for either the theatre or cinema as well as some great food.

There’s also a fantastic indoor climbing wall to let off some steam.

Or head out further afield to the butterfly house at the Ashton Memorial in Lancaster, or the Lakeside Aquarium and Lakeland Motor Museum.

Alternatively, you could always make sure you have wet weather gear and just make the most of it?!

Need a hand finding holiday cottage in Kendal, Cumbria?

Why not browse our range of holiday cottages and self-catering accommodation available to rent in Kendal?

Our easy to use search and filter features allow you to narrow down the available cottages, simply by using the filter options on the left, until you find your favourite property.

And should you have any questions about booking a Kendal holiday cottage, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we love helping out with any queries about the cottages and offering you advice before you go ahead and book.

Or if you’d rather put your feet up and have a cuppa whilst we find the perfect place for you, then please contact our concierge service and tell us what you are looking for in your next holiday cottage.

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