Sketch and Stroll: guided art tour at Abbot Hall

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Person sketching inspired by our Charmaine Watkiss: Legacy themed guided art tour at Abbot Hall.
Lakeland Arts

Sketch and Stroll: guided art tour at Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Cumbria Until 5 July 2025 Tickets from £0.00 — Book now

Some people feel a deep connection to visual art by looking at it, some become connected from reading about the context of a work or learning about the artists themselves. Sometimes however, the best way to experience anything is to get hands on with it yourself. This is the approach being taken by Abbot Hall in their Sketch and Stroll tour. You will be led through the gallery taking inspiration from the artworks as you sketch your way around the Hall’s renowned pieces. 

The tour is open to all abilities of artistic skill. Whether you’re a complete novice who’s driven by fascination and curiosity or you’re a seasoned artist looking to meet like minded people and find some inspiration there’s plenty of chance to chat and learn from the people around you as well as discover something new in each piece you stop by. 

The tours are led by an artist guide who will be on hand to offer artistic tips and advice as well as try to encourage you to find alternative creative ways of connecting with Abbot Hall’s displays rather than just copying what you see in front of you. The guides are always keen for people to leave having created something they feel proud of and inspired by. 

Every monthly sketch and stroll will focus on a particular area of the Gallery allowing you to attend more than once knowing it’ll always be different. In the first half of the session you’ll be mark making and gathering inspiration from, as well as responding to, current displays. After this you’ll move into the Creative Space Cafe where you can work into the pieces in more detail whilst chatting and communally being creative. 

Abbott Hall is one of the jewels in Kendal’s heritage crown. After being built in 1759 and serving as the home of Colonel George Wilson. It was passed into public hands in 1897 and has been a haven of art and tranquillity for everyone’s benefit since. 

Sketch and Stroll: guided art tour at Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Cumbria Until 5 July 2025 Tickets from £0.00 Book now

Accessibility

  • Relaxed

Performances

Date
Time
Session Features
7 December 2024
10:30am

Accessibility Features

Relaxed

1 February 2025
10:30am — 12:00pm
1 March 2025
10:30am — 12:00pm
5 April 2025
10:30am
3 May 2025
10:30am
7 June 2025
10:30am
5 July 2025
10:30am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Where to go near Sketch and Stroll: guided art tour at Abbot Hall

Traditional green and beige tram in blackpool
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Heritage Tram Tours

Embark on a unique and educational journey along the famous Blackpool Tramway, on board the best of the iconic Heritage Trams.

Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Sandcastle Waterpark

Bring the whole family together for a day of fun, thrills and exciting aquatic adventures at Sandcastle Waterpark.

© Merlin Entertainments 2024
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
Blackpool Tower Eye

Experience one of the country’s most well-known landmarks in a whole new way. Brave the glass SkyWalk, head to the 4D cinema, or soak up the views at Bar 380.

Blackpool Tower Circus
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Circus

Visit the oldest permanent circus in the world, showcasing some truly jaw-dropping stunts from contortionists, acrobats and trapeze acts.

Pendle witch scaring visitors at Blackpool Dungeons
Blackpool
Tourist Attraction
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon

With interactive shows and an impressive drop ride, you’re guaranteed thrills, screams and entertainment at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon.

activity 1
Event venue
Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery

Frankie’s Paint-It Pottery is a friendly place to relax and exercise your creative muscles by having a go at pottery painting.

hotel 4
City Centre
Hotel
Shankly Hotel

A glamorous tribute to Bill Shankly in hotel form, where else will you find a place where luxury meets fun in such style?

What's on:

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.