Kendal Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Kendal Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Kendal packs in more history and culture than you'd expect from a small Cumbrian town. Start at Kendal Castle (LA9 7BL, open daily, free entry), the former home of Katherine Parr's family. The ruins offer fantastic views across the town and fells beyond - worth the uphill walk!

The Quaker Tapestry Museum (LA9 4BQ, open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm) houses 77 embroidered panels telling the story of Quaker influence worldwide. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and costs £8.50 for adults.

Abbot Hall Art Gallery (LA9 5AL) is currently closed for renovation but will reopen in 2025 with its impressive collection including works by Turner, Constable and Romney.

The Museum of Lakeland Life (LA9 5AL, open Wed-Sun 10:30am-4pm) shows how Cumbrians lived and worked over the centuries. Kids love the recreated Victorian shops and farmhouse kitchen.

I recommend walking the "Kendal Yards" - the narrow alleyways leading off the high street. These historic passages were once bustling with trade and each has its own story. Pick up a map from the tourist information centre.

Pet Friendly

Many Kendal cottages welcome dogs and the town makes an excellent base for pet holidays. The Brewery Arts Centre (LA9 4HE) allows well-behaved dogs in their outdoor seating areas, perfect for a coffee after a morning walk.

Kendal's riverside path offers a 2-mile flat walk ideal for older or less mobile dogs. For more adventure, Scout Scar (15 minutes drive) provides panoramic views and firm paths where dogs can run off-lead safely.

The Punch Bowl Inn at Crosthwaite (LA8 8HR) welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves excellent food. They even provide water bowls and treats.

Pets Corner in Wainwright's Yard stocks high-quality food and accessories if you forget anything. The staff can advise on local vet services too.

We've found Kendal particularly good for dogs as the limestone terrain means paths dry quickly after rain - your cottage hot tub will stay cleaner without muddy paws!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Kendal

The Brewery Arts Centre (LA9 4HE) is Kendal's creative hub. This converted 18th-century brewery houses cinemas, theatres, art galleries and excellent eating options. Their programme includes everything from arthouse films to comedy nights. The Warehouse Café serves great coffee and homemade cakes. We've spent many rainy afternoons here when the weather wasn't suitable for hot tub use!

Sizergh Castle (LA8 8AE, National Trust) sits just outside town. This medieval house has been home to the Strickland family for over 750 years. The gardens are spectacular, particularly the rock garden and lake. Inside, the inlaid wood panelling in the Inlaid Chamber is among the finest in Britain. Open Wed-Sun, 10:30am-4pm. Adults £14, children £7.

Levens Hall (LA8 0PD) boasts the world's oldest topiary garden, with fantastical shapes first cut in the 1690s and still maintained today. The Elizabethan house contains fine furniture, paintings and the earliest English patchwork. The Morocco Room features leather wall coverings from Córdoba. Open Sun-Thu, 10am-4pm. Adults £14.50, children £6. The on-site Potting Shed Café makes excellent scones.

Is Kendal a good base for exploring the Lake District?

Yes! Kendal sits just outside the national park boundary, making accommodation prices lower than central Lakes locations. Windermere is only 9 miles away (15 minutes drive), while Ambleside and Grasmere are within 30 minutes. The M6 motorway is easily accessible and Kendal's amenities mean you're never stuck for shopping or dining options. Plus, returning to your hot tub after a day in the busier tourist spots feels wonderfully peaceful.

What's the best time to visit Kendal?

Kendal works year-round. Summer brings longer days for fell walking, while autumn colours are spectacular. Winter offers quieter attractions and cosy pubs with roaring fires. The Kendal Mountain Festival in November attracts outdoor enthusiasts from worldwide. Spring sees lambing in surrounding farms and wildflowers on the fells. Hot tubs are brilliant whatever the weather - nothing beats watching snow fall while you're warm in the bubbles!

Where can I park in Kendal?

Most cottages provide private parking, but town centre options include the Westmorland Shopping Centre (LA9 4LU, £1.20/hour) and Library Road (LA9 4QB, £1.50/hour). The Sandes Avenue car park (LA9 7BL) offers longer-stay parking at £3.50 for 4 hours. All council car parks are free after 6pm.

Are there good restaurants in Kendal?

Absolutely! The Moon Highgate (LA9 4EN) serves outstanding modern British food using local ingredients. Comida (LA9 4TP) offers excellent Spanish tapas. For casual dining, Baba Ganoush (LA9 4DZ) does fantastic Middle Eastern food. The Brewery has several eating options under one roof.

Can I get around without a car?

Yes, though a car gives more flexibility. Regular buses connect Kendal with Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick. The 555 service runs through the heart of the Lakes. Oxenholme station (2 miles from town) sits on the West Coast Main Line with direct trains to London, Glasgow and Manchester.

What should I pack for my Kendal cottage stay?

Bring walking boots and waterproofs regardless of season - Lake District weather is famously changeable! Swimming costumes for your hot tub, of course. Binoculars for wildlife spotting and a good camera. Most cottages provide towels, but check with your specific property.

1. Visit Lake District - Kendal Guide
2. Brewery Arts Centre - Events and Tickets
3. National Trust - Sizergh Castle
4. Levens Hall and Gardens
5. Romney's Kendal Mint Cake - Official Site