Quaker Tapestry Museum is within Friends Meeting House Kendal
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Quaker Tapestry Museum

4.7
·165 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Quaker history and values through stunning, community-created textile art in a uniquely peaceful setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
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Quaker Tapestry Museum is within Friends Meeting House Kendal

Quaker Tapestry Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Quaker history and values through stunning, community-created textile art in a uniquely peaceful setting.

4.7
(165 reviews)

"A moving experience seeing the exhibition with a wonderful peaceful atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate Ample Time

Give yourself 2+ hours to absorb the stories and details in the tapestries and videos. :clock1:

Park Nearby

The museum's car park is small; opt for nearby parking for convenience. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Quaker History Tapestries

Quaker History Tapestries

Vivid textile narratives detailing Quaker values, history, and social justice moments. Simple techniques, profound stories.

Local Tapestry Showcase

Local Tapestry Showcase

Admire intricate works made in Kendal, celebrating local talent and community involvement in textile art.

Peaceful Atmosphere

Peaceful Atmosphere

Experience a uniquely tranquil environment that invites reflection and appreciation for the craft.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Stitch

Discover the rich history and values of Quakerism through intricate textile art. This museum offers a unique, peaceful experience, perfect for those interested in fiber arts, history, or social justice.

Plan Your Visit

Allow a couple of hours to fully appreciate the tapestries and supplementary videos. Consider parking nearby as the on-site car park is small. The adjacent cafe is a great spot for a relaxing break.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Relaxing cafe break
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

if i said that i really tried not to cry at the end- i would be lying. not pictured is me ranting about how powerful i think textile art is and crying more lol. #quilt #quilting #smithsonian #museum @Smithsonian Channel #History #TikTokLearningCampaign
@littleblossomdarling
79.6K likes • 305.3K views

Allocate Ample Time

Give yourself 2+ hours to absorb the stories and details in the tapestries and videos. :clock1:

Park Nearby

The museum's car park is small; opt for nearby parking for convenience. :car:

It should have been lavashipping. #CapCut #ninjago #legoninjago #QuakerPregrain #fyp #shirtlesslegotapestries #mascaratrend #ReadySetLift #kaininjago #coleninjago #skylorninjago #ninjagomasterofspinjitzu #legoninjagomastersofspinjitzu #ninjagokaismith #ninjagoedit #ninjagocolebrookstone #lavashipping #ninjagolava #ninjagolavashipping
@alyxrees
2.6K likes • 13.3K views
Out with the old and in with the new! I’ve been busy taking down the tapestry panels along with collections volunteer Ashleigh during our closure period for our #panelrehang. We @quakertapestry museum look forward to welcoming you back in February with a fresh new look! #TapestryPanel #PanelRehang #MuseumInstallation #FrancescaVine #CumbrianMuseums #VisitKendal #Quakers #QuakerTapestry #LakeDis...
thelondonartcurator
16 likes • 188 views

Enjoy the Cafe

A peaceful cafe is adjacent, perfect for coffee and a break. :coffee:

Fiber Art Inspiration

Great for fans of embroidery, quilting, and textile art. DIY kits available! :thread:

🧵✨ A brilliant visit to the Quaker Tapestry Museum with our amazing Year 2 Fashion & Textile students! From intricate embroidery to powerful storytelling through stitch, the tapestry offered incredible inspiration and sparked thoughtful conversations about craft, community, and creative expression. Seeing historic techniques up close gave us all a fresh appreciation for how textiles can preserve a...
kendalartdesign
11 likes • 840 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate Ample Time

Give yourself 2+ hours to absorb the stories and details in the tapestries and videos. :clock1:

Park Nearby

The museum's car park is small; opt for nearby parking for convenience. :car:

Enjoy the Cafe

A peaceful cafe is adjacent, perfect for coffee and a break. :coffee:

Fiber Art Inspiration

Great for fans of embroidery, quilting, and textile art. DIY kits available! :thread:

Community Craft

See how community efforts create powerful art. Workshops sometimes available! :woman_artist:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(165 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Quaker Tapestry Museum for its unique and moving portrayal of Quaker history and values through intricate textile art. The peaceful atmosphere and the adjacent cafe are frequently highlighted as positive aspects, making it a recommended stop for those interested in fiber arts, history, or a moment of quiet reflection.

"Found this place quite by accident. Glad I did. A peaceful little cafe included, where you can relax and get a nice coffee. Reasonably priced with a menu that should suit most. If I'm ever back in the area, I'll certainly visit again."

Bruno Casalucra

"Lots of beautiful embroidery or tapestry that showcase the values and history of Quaker culture. Simple techniques with outstanding results. If you’re a fan of fiber arts, embroidery, history, or religion you’ll probably find this small collection interesting."

Lisa Kieffer

"A very interesting museum encapsulating Quaker history in a series of tapestries, supplemented by some videos. Spent a couple of hours there. Pretty much all in one big room. Very small car park; best to park nearby. Very pleasant cafe immediately adjacent."

Geoff Buck

What People Like

Moving tapestry narratives
Peaceful atmosphere
Adjacent cafe

What People Dislike

Small car park

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located in Kendal. While there's a small on-site car park, visitors often find it easier to park in nearby public car parks. Public transport options to Kendal are also available, with the museum being a short walk from the town center.

Yes, there is a small car park directly at the museum. However, it can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to have a backup plan for parking in one of Kendal's public car parks if needed. Reddit

Kendal is accessible by train and bus. From the town center, the museum is a pleasant walk. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stops near the museum.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, and the museum sometimes undergoes rehangs or closures for updates. It's always best to check the official Quaker Tapestry Museum website or their social media for the most current opening times before your visit. Instagram+1

Admission fees are generally reasonable, reflecting the size and nature of the museum. Check the museum's official website for the latest ticket prices and any potential concessions.

For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check the museum's policy, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Reddit

The museum strives to be accessible. Information regarding accessibility, including wheelchair access and facilities, can typically be found on their website or by contacting them directly.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum features a series of large, intricate tapestries that visually narrate the history, values, and significant events of Quakerism. You'll also find supplementary videos and displays, including local tapestry works. Reddit

Most visitors find that a couple of hours is sufficient to explore the tapestries, watch the videos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

While the primary focus is on viewing the tapestries, the museum offers a deeply engaging experience through its storytelling. DIY tapestry making kits are also available in the shop, allowing for a hands-on creative outlet. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage upon arrival or ask a member of staff. Often, non-flash photography is permitted for personal use.

The museum is renowned for its incredibly peaceful and reflective atmosphere, making it a calming escape for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a pleasant cafe located immediately adjacent to the museum, offering a nice spot to relax with a coffee and a bite to eat. Reddit+1

The cafe typically offers a selection of coffees, teas, cakes, and light meals, catering to most tastes. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum galleries. However, you can usually enjoy your own refreshments in designated areas or at the adjacent cafe.

📸 📸 Photography

The tapestries themselves are the main photographic subjects, showcasing intricate details and vibrant storytelling. The peaceful ambiance also lends itself to atmospheric shots. Remember to check photography rules. TikTok

Policies on photography can vary. While flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the textiles, non-flash photography for personal use might be allowed. Always look for signs or ask staff. TikTok

The museum is laid out to allow good viewing angles of all the tapestries. Consider capturing close-ups of the stitching detail as well as wider shots of the entire panels.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Quaker Tapestry Museum offers a unique visual storytelling experience that can engage older children and teens. The large, colorful tapestries depicting historical events and social justice themes can spark conversations about history and values. While not a typical 'play' museum, the intricate details and the 'making of' aspect can be fascinating. Consider purchasing a DIY tapestry kit from the shop for a hands-on takeaway activity. Reddit

Parking can be a consideration, so planning your arrival and potential nearby parking is advisable. The adjacent cafe provides a good spot for a family break. For younger children, the visual nature of the tapestries might hold attention for shorter periods, but the overall peaceful environment is conducive to a calm outing.

🎨 Art & Craft Enthusiasts

For anyone passionate about fiber arts, embroidery, quilting, or textile history, the Quaker Tapestry Museum is a must-visit. The museum showcases incredible craftsmanship and the power of stitch to convey narrative and emotion. You'll see a range of techniques and the dedication involved in creating these monumental works. InstagramReddit

Beyond admiring the tapestries, the museum shop often sells DIY kits, allowing you to try your hand at similar techniques. Keep an eye out for any calligraphy or textile workshops that might be hosted at or near the museum, as these offer a deeper dive into creative expression. Instagram

🤔 History & Culture Buffs

The Quaker Tapestry Museum provides a compelling visual journey through the history of Quakerism, highlighting key figures, events, and the movement's commitment to social reform. It's an excellent resource for understanding the values that have shaped Quaker communities and their impact on society. Reddit

Beyond the Quaker narrative, the museum also celebrates local textile artistry, offering insight into the craft traditions of the Kendal area. The supplementary videos and displays add layers of historical context, making it a rich experience for those interested in cultural heritage and the evolution of artistic expression. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Quaker Storytelling

The Quaker Tapestry Museum is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and values of the Quaker movement through the medium of textile art. Unlike traditional museums, its core exhibits are a series of large, vibrant tapestries, each meticulously hand-stitched by a community of volunteers. These panels don't just depict historical events; they visually narrate the core principles of Quakerism, such as peace, equality, and social justice, making complex ideas accessible and emotionally resonant. Reddit

Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving and inspiring. The sheer scale and detail of the tapestries, combined with the peaceful atmosphere of the museum, create an environment conducive to reflection. The use of simple techniques to achieve such powerful storytelling is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, highlighting the profound impact of collective effort and artistic dedication. Reddit

Beyond the main exhibition, the museum often supplements the visual narrative with videos and displays that offer further context. They also showcase local tapestry works, celebrating the ongoing tradition of textile art within the community. This blend of historical narrative and contemporary craft makes the Quaker Tapestry Museum a compelling destination for anyone interested in art, history, or the enduring power of community-driven projects. Instagram

Visiting Kendal: Beyond the Tapestry

While the Quaker Tapestry Museum is a significant draw, Kendal itself offers a charming backdrop for a visit. Known as the 'Gateway to the Lakes,' this historic market town in Cumbria boasts a rich heritage, evident in its medieval streets and architecture. Visitors can explore Kendal Castle, wander through the historic yards, or enjoy the scenic River Kent. Instagram

For those interested in crafts and local produce, Kendal hosts various markets and independent shops. The museum's location also makes it a convenient stop for those planning to explore the wider Lake District National Park. The nearby Farfield Mill, for instance, is another hub for textile arts and crafts, offering a complementary experience. Instagram

When planning your trip, consider combining your museum visit with a stroll through Kendal's town center. The availability of a pleasant cafe adjacent to the museum Reddit+1 and the general welcoming atmosphere of the town make it an enjoyable day out or a relaxing stopover.

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