Where is Kendal?
Kendal is a thriving market town in South Lakeland, Cumbria, known as the “Gateway to the Lake District”. It sits just outside the boundary of the national park, surrounded by fells, rivers, and picturesque countryside. The town’s history as a wool and trading hub is still visible in its beautiful grey limestone buildings and cobbled yards.
Today, Kendal combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With a population of around 30,000 residents, it offers all the amenities of a small town while being minutes away from some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes in both the Lake District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales, making it ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Kendal strikes the perfect balance between town and country living. Its location makes it ideal for those who want access to Manchester or the M6, yet still crave peace, green space, and a strong community feel.
Kendal regularly features on lists of the Best Places to Live in the UK. The town’s community spirit, cultural vibrancy, and gateway-to-nature appeal make it a fantastic place to put down roots, whether you’re a young professional, a family or retirees seeking a new pace of life.
Transport links
Kendal lies just 8 miles from the M6 motorway, connecting easily to Manchester and beyond, so you will find yourself regularly receiving visitors from your Manchester days, filled with envy at your new life.
By train, Kendal Station provides regular services to Lancaster and Oxenholme Lake District, from where you can get you to Manchester in around 1 hour 45 minutes, with some direct services too.
Schools
Kendal is a popular choice for families thanks to its strong range of schools. There are multiple well-rated primary schools, providing excellent options across the town so you won’t ever have to walk far to drop your child off in the mornings!.
As Kendal is a relatively large town, there is also a choice of secondary schools, which gather students from across the area. Kirkbie Kendal School and The Queen Katherine School both have strong reputations and good Ofsted ratings. Sixth form options are available locally, and further education is easily accessible at Kendal College, one of Cumbria’s leading colleges for vocational and academic study.
Amenities
Kendal offers a great mix of independent shops, national chains, and community facilities.
The Westmorland Shopping Centre and K Village retail outlet provide a range of high-street brands, while the historic indoor market, open since 1887, is perfect for local produce and crafts. And, of course, your must-have weekly dose of the world famous Kendal Mint Cake, the hiker’s friend since 1869.
Supermarkets include Morrisons, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Booths – and oh, how we love Booths!
Cafés, bakeries, and restaurants fill the characterful streets of this pretty Lakeland town, perfect for weekend coffee stops or cheeky dinners out.
Healthcare is well catered for, with local GP surgeries, a community hospital, and easy access to larger facilities in Lancaster.
Leisure time
Kendal is an active, social, and culturally rich place to live. The Brewery Arts Centre is the town’s creative hub, hosting theatre, live music, film screenings, and art exhibitions all year round. Each November, the town hosts the Kendal Mountain Festival, which attracts lovers of outdoors adventures and filmmakers from around the world to celebrate outdoor life.
KendalWall, at Lakeland Climbing Centre, is home to one of the tallest indoor climbing walls in the UK – what a fabulous activity to get the kids into! There are also swimming pools, tennis clubs, and plenty of walking trails right from the town centre. Hikers can explore Scout Scar, Cunswick Scar, or the River Kent walk that winds through town.
Plus – all the glories of Windermere are only 15 minutes away!
Contact the Kendal Office or call on: 01539 729711.
Eddie – Friday 31st October 2025. ( I’m working with Simon Leigh at Hackey & Leigh Estate Agents).
