Lake Windermere is the nearest major lake to Kendal, situated approximately 8 miles (about a 15-20 minute drive) to the west. As England's largest natural lake, it is highly accessible via the A591 road. Other nearby, smaller water bodies include Kentmere Reservoir, located north of the town.
Kendal is the perfect base from which to explore the nearby Lake District towns or stroll through the world famous landscapes that surround us. Did you know Kendal is just 8 miles from the shores of the famous Lake Windermere?
There are 7 Kendal lakes to pick from. Find the perfect places to go with your kids and get out on your next adventure! All the lakes we list are rated according to the ages they are suitable for, facilities and whether they are suitable for rainy days or best when the sun is shining.
Bustling Kendal is a major gateway town to the Lake District, its nickname of 'Auld Grey Town' due to the distinctive limestone used in so many of its buildings.
The distance between Buttermere and Kendal is 40 miles. The road distance is 38.9 miles. How do I travel from Buttermere to Kendal without a car? The best way to get from Buttermere to Kendal without a car is to bus which takes 1h 39m and costs £35 - £45.
Where did Taylor Swift visit in the Lake District?
Taylor Swift visited the Lake District, particularly around Windermere and Bowness, reportedly with Harry Styles in 2012, finding inspiration in the landscapes for her song "The Lakes" from the Folklore album, referencing Romantic poets like Wordsworth and areas like Windermere peaks and Beatrix Potter World. She loved the area's natural beauty, which offered an escape, with lyrics mentioning "take me to the lakes where the poets went to die" and "those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry".
Kendal is known for Kendal mint cake, a glucose-based confectionery reputedly discovered accidentally by Joseph Wiper during a search for a clear glacier mint.
You all know that Windermere is England's largest lake, but were you aware that it has 18 islands? The largest is the privately owned Belle Isle (40.0 acres) opposite Bowness, which is around a kilometre in length.
Is Kendal a good place to stay in the Lake District?
Staying in Kendal is both convenient and great value. The town offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming guesthouses and boutique hotels to family-friendly stays and self-catering apartments. Its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Lake District.
1. Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds. Famed across the world for its open-air swimming lakes, Hampstead Heath is the perfect place to go on a warm day – or a cold one if you're brave and own a wetsuit. A brisk walk up to the summit of Parliament Hill should quickly banish any chills though!
The cleanest wild swimming spot in the Lake District is Ullswater. Renowned for its crystal clear waters, Ullswater is a pristine wild swimming spot in the Lake District.
Famous residents in Windermere (Florida) include athletes like Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter, and Ken Griffey Jr., musicians such as Mark Tremonti, and actors like Wesley Snipes, while notable visitors to Windermere, UK, have included Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Brad Pitt, drawn by the scenic Lake District. Many celebrities favor Windermere for its luxury homes and privacy, especially in the exclusive Isleworth community near Orlando, Florida, or for its tranquil beauty in England's Lake District.
In my opinion Keswick is the nicer of the two. The town centre in Keswick is largely pedestrianised, whereas Ambleside will have cars going through it all day. There's plenty of walks from the door, and Derwentwater is going to be a very short walk if you stay in town.
Kendal is situated to the south of the Lake District, six miles from junction 36 of the M6 motorway. It is just nine miles to Windermere lake and only a few miles from the sea.
Kendal has two main market days: the general outdoor market runs every Wednesday and Saturday, while the popular Farmers' Market is held on the second and last Friday of each month in the Market Place, featuring local produce, crafts, and food. While the outdoor stalls are active, the Indoor Market Hall is currently closed for major redevelopment as part of the Heart of Kendal project.
