Culture Guides
Destination Guides
Seasonal Guides
Kendal Museum, Station Rd, Kendal, LA9 6BT – Visit Now
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 Rd
- Kendal
- LA9 6BT
- View map
- Website: kendalmuseum.org.uk
- Telephone: 01539815597
- Facebook / Twitter
Related Guides
Restaurants in Cumbria
Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.
Literary places in Cumbria
If it was good enough for Wordsworth and Wainwright, then Cumbria surely has much to offer the literature lover who strayed off the M6. From Kendal in the south to Carlisle in the north, we sniff out the best bookish shenanigans.
Music Venues in Cumbria
When the sun goes down and you’ve had your fair share of Cumbria’s great outdoors, head to the area’s music venues to catch folk and jazz sessions, as well as regular performances by touring musicians. We recommend some of our favourites.
Theatres in Cumbria
For striking performances in the truly beautiful setting of the Lake District – check out our pick of theatres in Cumbria.
Things to Do in Cumbria
Think of Cumbria and what springs to mind? A rural retreat complete with hearty hikes…
Staycation ideas for local holidays in the North
Looking for a staycation holiday in the North of the the UK? There are countless excellent destinations and hotels to choose from. Here are our recommended choices.
