Tucked between some of the most beautiful landscapes in the whole of the UK, Kendal is a homely town in the northwest of England offering its residents a unique blend of history and warm community spirit. From its amenity-rich town centre to its proximity to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Kendal is a great place to put down roots, promising a fulfilling lifestyle for those seeking the perfect balance of contemporary living and countryside charm.
Whether you’re looking for your first home or are wanting to relocate to Kendal, this blog post will provide you with helpful information about the area and uncover the many reasons why Kendal is a fantastic place to live. Russell Armer is the sister brand of Genesis Homes and we have an exclusive Russell Armer development offering a wide range of property styles and sizes in an established residential setting on the outskirts of Kendal, so we’ve come to know the area pretty well.
Read on and let us be your local guide!
Where is Kendal?
Kendal is a charming market town situated in Cumbria in the northwest of England, just six miles from junction 36 of the M6. Often considered the southern gateway to the Lake District, it is nine miles and a 20-minute drive from Windermere on the A591, and only a few miles from Morecambe Bay. Most other lakes are within 45 minutes’ drive, with the exception of the north and western lakes such as Buttermere, Crummock Water and Derwentwater, as are many locations for stunning walks.
The town has excellent road links, fed by the A65 from North Yorkshire to the south, the A590 from Barrow and Ulverston to the southwest, the A684 from Sedbergh to the east and the A685 from Appleby to the northeast. The nearby Oxenholme Railway Station, located 10 minutes’ drive from Kendal Town Centre, is on the West Coast mainline from London to Glasgow and buses link the town to Lancaster and Windermere.
What is the population of Kendal?
At the time of the 2021 Census, the population of Kendal was 28,944.
What is there to do in Kendal?
Kendal is a vibrant town that offers a diverse range of activities, making it an enticing place to live.
Foodies can delight in the town’s culinary scene, which features a variety of cosy cafes, traditional pubs and superb restaurants. For those inclined towards arts, culture and retail, Kendal is home to numerous galleries, theatres and independent shops. The town also hosts an array of events throughout the year, the most significant being the Kendal Mountain Festival attracting outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide.
Over the years Kendal has become recognised as a hub for walkers, hikers and nature lovers in the UK, and built a strong international reputation, thanks to the Kendal Mountain Festival which takes place here every November. This year, during the four-day festival, over 200 live sessions including 300+ speakers, 180+ films, and 80+ activities will be programmed engaging over 30,000 attendees.
Due to its proximity to both the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, Kendal is a fantastic base for adventure lovers. The surrounding area offers a host of outdoor activities including trekking, fell running, kayaking, windsurfing, ghyll scrambling, paddleboarding, rock climbing, abseiling and much more. With all this on your doorstep, it’s clear to see why many lovers of the outdoors choose to live here.
What amenities are there in Kendal?
As well as offering many recreational activities, Kendal is also home to an abundance of other amenities including supermarkets, a library, doctors’ surgeries, 2 secondary schools, 7 primary schools, churches, post offices and sports facilities, all of which are a stones throw from our Meadow Rigg development. Kendal is well equipped to support a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle to those that call it home.
What is Kendal known for?
The town of Kendal is famous for a handful of things.
Kendal is synonymous with its famous mint cake, a glucose-based confection that is well known for providing energy to mountaineers and explorers around the world. Kendal Mint Cake’s greatest moment of fame came in 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay conquered Mount Everest for the first time and had taken rations of Kendal Mint Cake with them.
Additionally, Kendal is the birthplace of the famous children’s television character Postman Pat. In 1978, his author John Cunliffe lived at 32 Greenside and the local Beast Banks Post Office at 10 Greenside became the inspiration for Mrs Goggins’ post office. The post office closed in 2003, but Postman Pat remains an iconic fictional character and is loved by many around the world.
Reasons to live in Kendal:
- Proximity to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks – Kendal is the perfect base from which to explore the nearby Lake District and Yorkshire Dales towns or stroll through their famous landscapes, ideal for those seeking an outdoorsy lifestyle. The opportunities to partake in outdoor and water activities are endless.
- Easy access from the M6 and the West Coast Rail Line – Due to its excellent transport links, Kendal is easily accessible by car from the M6 and train via the West Coast Rail Line. It also offers frequent and reliable public transport, with buses linking the town to Lancaster, Windermere and more.
- Excellent schools – All primary schools in Kendal have a great reputation. The two town secondary schools, Kirkbie Kendal and Queen Katherine, both received ‘good’ Ofsted ratings in 2024 and surrounding secondaries Cartmel and QES are also good.
- Named among the best places to live in the Northwest in 2024 – The Sunday Times has named Kendal among the best places to live in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. It includes 72 locations across the UK, with 6 locations in the Northwest being featured in the comprehensive guide, including Kendal.
- Affordable and contemporary housing – Kendal offers a diverse range of housing options that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a new build home or older property, Kendal is a place where you can find the perfect home to fit your needs.
Choosing where to settle down is a big decision and navigating the complexities of the house buying process can be challenging, but we at Genesis Homes and Russell Armer Homes are here to help you every step of the way. Our Meadow Rigg development is conveniently located on the outskirts of Kendal, comprising of 157 contemporary two, three and four bedroom homes built to high standards. With a LABC 10-year warranty on each and every one of our homes, you can buy with confidence. If you have any questions about our new homes in Kendal, please reach out to our team to discuss your specific needs and let us help you on your journey of buying a property in Kendal.