Museum
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Kendal Museum

4.5
·242 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Kendal's rich history, fascinating wildlife, and striking art in this diverse and accessible museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Museum

Kendal Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Kendal's rich history, fascinating wildlife, and striking art in this diverse and accessible museum.

4.5
(242 reviews)

"A surprisingly rich collection, especially the vast taxidermy downstairs, making it a must-visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Don't Skip the Lower Floor!

The taxidermy collection downstairs is a major highlight for many visitors. Be prepared for a vast and unique display!

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk from Station

Just a 5-minute walk from Kendal train station, making it super accessible for travelers arriving by public transport.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.5 · 242 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Taxidermy Collection

The Grand Taxidermy Collection

Lower Ground Floor

An astonishingly large collection of stuffed animals, insects, and more. Morbidly fascinating and a definite talking point.

Regional History & Archaeology

Regional History & Archaeology

Main Floors

Explore Kendal's past with exhibits on local history, archaeology, and even war memorabilia. Discover the town's rich heritage.

Geology and Rock Samples

Geology and Rock Samples

Dedicated Room

Fascinating displays of rock samples and geological wonders. A highlight for those interested in the earth's natural history.

Art Exhibitions

Art Exhibitions

Gallery Spaces

Discover rotating art exhibitions, often featuring local artists and thought-provoking themes like climate change.

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Planning Your Visit

Don't Miss the Taxidermy!

Prepare for an impressive, albeit potentially morbid, display of taxidermy downstairs. It's a recurring highlight for many visitors, offering a unique glimpse into wildlife. Consider this a must-see, even if you're not typically a museum enthusiast.

Accessibility & Parking

Two out of three floors are wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for many. Paid parking is available nearby, with options for a few hours, which is convenient for a focused visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for a post-lunch visit
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

HIDDEN GEMS KENDAL🌻 Gak nyangka di Pusat kota Kendal ada View secantik ini✨ #hiddengems #explorekendal #traveltiktok #fyp
@ryanf_jr
2.7K likes • 64.1K views

🎯 Don't Skip the Lower Floor!

The taxidermy collection downstairs is a major highlight for many visitors. Be prepared for a vast and unique display! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk from Station

Just a 5-minute walk from Kendal train station, making it super accessible for travelers arriving by public transport. Reddit

“Where the Ice Once Was” Exhibited a part of the ‘Ex Natura’ exhibition at Kendal Museum @kendalmuseum ❄️ Part 1: Acrylic paint on canvas, texture paste 
Part 2: Acrylic paint on canvas, resin     “The IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group lists the polar bear as a vulnerable species, citing sea ice loss from climate change as the single biggest threat to their survival” (Polar Bears International, ...
nicolebishopart
24 likes • 528 views
Butterflies in migration take a look at my journey and installation at Kendal Museum something of a battle and labour of love in partnership with the museum #kendalmuseum #kendalcollege #reimagingproject #taxidermy #decolonialisation #reparations #tactileart #cumbria #museum
laviniaart8
12 likes • 191 views

♿ Wheelchair Friendly Access

Two out of three floors are accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring a good experience for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed

Capture the fascinating exhibits! While some temporary exhibitions might have restrictions, general photography is usually permitted. TikTok

Kendal Castle🇬🇧🤟 probably late 12th Century, is now a ruin, but worth exploring. From here you can get brilliant views over the town. At Kendal Museum is an exhibition telling the story of the Castle, its people , and the life of the town. There are displays showing medieval objects, reconstructions of the Castle, computer displays and there are various activities such as coin rubbing. The Castle ...
abmonsur
6 likes • 52 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Don't Skip the Lower Floor!

The taxidermy collection downstairs is a major highlight for many visitors. Be prepared for a vast and unique display! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Walk from Station

Just a 5-minute walk from Kendal train station, making it super accessible for travelers arriving by public transport. Reddit

♿ Wheelchair Friendly Access

Two out of three floors are accessible for wheelchair users, ensuring a good experience for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Photography Allowed

Capture the fascinating exhibits! While some temporary exhibitions might have restrictions, general photography is usually permitted. TikTok

☕ On-site Cafe & Shop

Grab a coffee or browse for souvenirs at the small cafe and gift shop located within the museum. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(242 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Kendal Museum for its surprisingly rich and diverse collections, particularly the extensive and fascinating taxidermy downstairs. Its convenient location near the train station and reasonable entry fees are also frequently highlighted as major positives. While the taxidermy can be intense for some, the overall experience is described as educational, interesting, and well worth a visit.

"Lovely little museum art gallery filled with oddities fossils and semi precious stones. Downstairs is the real treat, quite simply the largest collection of taxidermy i have ever seen in one place..........somewhat morbid but very interesting nonetheless."

David griffiths

"Kendal Museum is a wonderful spot to explore, and the best part is how close it is — just about a 5-minute walk from the train station. It’s easy to get to, and once inside, you’ll find a surprisingly rich collection.

The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits, from war memorabilia and wildlife displays to fascinating collections of coins, art pieces, and much more. Each section offers something different, making it enjoyable for both history lovers and curious visitors alike.

For anyone visiting Kendal, this museum is definitely a must-go. It’s convenient, varied, and gives a deeper look into both local and wider history."

Rakesh

"They should rename this museum to the taxidermist museum as there is a heck of a lot of stuffed animals, insects shown on the lower ground floor. Two of the three floors are accessible to wheelchairs users. The entrance fees are reasonable at £5 per adult and can be used as a year pass should you wish to torment your vegetarian friends on return visits. There is a small cafe and gifts shop plus an accessible WC. Parking is paid and displayed at £2 for 3 hours.
The room with all the different rock samples was my highlight but quite a tight squeeze for wheelchair users. Also, if I remember correctly, the Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in England."

H L D

What People Like

Vast taxidermy collection
Convenient location
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Taxidermy intensity for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kendal Museum is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Kendal train station, making it easily accessible for those arriving by public transport. If driving, there is paid parking available nearby. Reddit

Yes, there is paid parking available near the museum. Expect to pay around £2 for 3 hours, which is generally sufficient for a visit. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is very centrally located and a pleasant short walk from the main town center, making it easy to combine with other local attractions. TikTok

If you're staying in Kendal, walking is likely the easiest and most pleasant way to reach the museum, especially given its proximity to the train station and town center. Reddit

Kendal has a bus station that is also within walking distance of the museum, offering further public transport convenience for visitors. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kendal Museum typically has standard opening hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date Kendal Museum opening times before your visit, as these can vary seasonally. TikTok

Admission fees are reasonable, often around £5 per adult. They may offer options for year passes if you plan on multiple visits. Reddit

Yes, the entrance fee often allows for a year pass, so you can revisit the exhibits as many times as you like within a year. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, it's worth inquiring about potential concessions for students, seniors, or group bookings. Reddit

Generally, advance booking isn't required for Kendal Museum, but for special exhibitions or peak times, it's a good idea to check their website. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum boasts diverse exhibits including a vast taxidermy collection, regional history, archaeology, geology, and rotating art displays. InstagramReddit

Yes, children often find the taxidermy and wildlife displays fascinating. The museum also has interactive elements and historical artifacts that can engage younger visitors. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the unique exhibits. However, always check for any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas or temporary exhibitions. TikTok

Two out of the three floors are wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for visitors with mobility challenges. Reddit

The museum hosts various art exhibitions, often featuring local artists and themes related to nature, history, or social issues, such as climate change. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Kendal Museum has a small cafe on-site where you can grab refreshments and snacks. Reddit

The cafe typically offers light refreshments, coffee, tea, and snacks, perfect for a short break during your visit. Reddit

Being in the town center, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants within easy walking distance of the museum for a more substantial meal. TikTok

Generally, eating is restricted to designated cafe areas. It's best to consume your own food outside the museum or at the cafe. Reddit

While specific options can vary, most cafes offer standard choices like sandwiches and pastries, with some potentially catering to dietary needs. Inquiring at the counter is recommended. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted throughout Kendal Museum, allowing you to capture its diverse exhibits. TikTok

While general photography is allowed, always be mindful of any specific signage, especially in temporary art exhibitions, where flash photography or full recording might be prohibited. Instagram

The extensive taxidermy collection, intricate geological samples, and visually striking art installations are popular subjects for photographers. InstagramReddit

Tripod use might be restricted, especially in crowded areas or during special exhibitions. It's advisable to check with museum staff if you plan to use one. TikTok

The museum's location in Kendal offers opportunities to photograph the surrounding architecture and townscape, especially if you're interested in urban exploration. TikTok

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