Half term is the perfect excuse to explore somewhere brilliant! And Kendal and the surrounding Lake District deliver in spades. Whether you’re after fresh air, a bit of history, creative sessions or free family fun, there’s something on every day this week. Here’s your guide to making the most of it.
What’s On This Week 🗓️
Viking Living History Day — Kendal Museum 🛡️
On Friday 23rd May, the brilliant Nordan-Jorfors reenactment group takes over Kendal Museum for a Viking Living History Day. Step back in time and discover how Vikings really lived, fought and traded through hands-on interactive presentations and authentic historical artefacts. A fantastic and memorable half-term experience for curious kids and adults alike.
📍 Kendal Museum | Book on Eventbrite
Creative Half Term at Abbot Hall 🎨
Running throughout the week, Abbot Hall is offering family activities including the refreshed Art Trail and a Creative Space where families can draw self-portraits and try their hand at art inspired by the collection. A lovely, calm activity for all ages and a wonderful excuse to explore one of Kendal’s finest buildings.
📍 Abbot Hall, Kendal
Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail — Sizergh Castle 🎮
Pokémon fans, this one is for you. Sizergh is the only location in Cumbria hosting the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trail this half term. Explore the estate to find 10 different Mega Evolution Pokémon hidden around the grounds, completing physical or creative challenges at each point. A brilliant way to get kids moving outdoors without them even noticing. Standard National Trust admission applies.
📍 Sizergh Castle, near Kendal | Check details on the Sizergh Facebook Page
Active & Indoor Days Out 🏃
Kendal Leisure Centre Holiday Club
If you need a day sorted for energetic kids aged 5–11, Kendal Leisure Centre is running multi-activity sports and games holiday clubs on 26th, 27th and 29th May. A great option to keep little ones active and social.
Book on the Better Holiday Activities page
Rainy Day Cinema at Brewery Arts 🎬
For an inevitable rainy afternoon, Brewery Arts in the heart of Kendal has family-friendly cinema releases showing all week. A brilliant independent arts venue — check what’s on and book ahead online.
See what’s showing at Brewery Arts
Climb or Zip — Adventure for Bigger Kids 🧗
If you’ve got adrenaline-seekers in the family, Kendal and the Lakes have you covered. The Lakeland Climbing Centre is one of the finest indoor climbing centres in the country.
Free & Classic Kendal Activities 🌳
Even without the special events, Kendal is packed with brilliant things that don’t cost a penny:
Serpentine Woods Alphabet Trail — A firm family favourite. This 1.2-mile circular woodland walk is dotted with sculptures, one for every letter of the alphabet, hidden among the trees. Takes about an hour, sheltered by a woodland canopy whatever the weather. Pick up the trail map from the Tourist Information Centre for just 50p. (Start from Queens Road, Kendal) Download the Trail Map.
Kendal Castle — Climb up to the 13th-century ruins for panoramic views across Kendal and towards the Lake District fells. Free to visit, open all year. A proper adventure for the kids and genuinely impressive for adults too. Download the free Castle Audio Trail to bring the history to life. (Castle Hill, LA9 7DJ)
River Kent Walk — The riverside path between Miller Bridge and the A6 bridge is a lovely easy stroll with plenty of wildlife to spot. Combine it with the castle for a great half-day out.
The Famous Yards — Wander off the high street and explore Kendal’s network of historic yards, dating back to Norman times. Collin Croft is the best preserved — look out for the Civic Society plaques that tell each yard’s story.
Quaker Tapestry Museum — Open every Wednesday 10am–4pm until 26th August, free entry. The 77 extraordinary hand-embroidered panels are well worth an hour of anyone’s time, and the Garden Café is open too. (Stramongate, Kendal)
Browse & Refuel 🛍️☕
Half term is a great excuse for a proper explore of Kendal’s brilliant independent shops and cafes.
Kendal is just half an hour from the M6 and has its own train station with regular services from the west coast mainline. It’s a town that rewards slow exploration — so park up, get your boots on and enjoy half term at its very best.
Tag us in your adventures @visit_kendal 📸
