Kendal Museum
Kendal Museum
4.3
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
Founded in 1796, Kendal Museum's fascinating collections include local and global archaeology, history, geology and natural history.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- HTB2 contributionsThe museum has lots to see, from archaeological finds to taxidermy birds from Africa. Unfortunately we were unable to fully explore the main room as it was overrun with toddlers all swinging off a brass ships bell which made the most awful loud ringing making us jump every minute or so. Not good for anyone wanting to read the carefully written guides and labels and particularly unfriendly for our visitor with autism! Please remove the bell or at least silence it! The museum was like a noisy playgroup, ourselves and another family with older children couldn’t wait to get out of there.Visited February 2025Traveled with familyWritten February 20, 2025
- Sebastiano BCastiglione Delle Stiviere, Italy7 contributionsVisited the museum with my family. Mike the manager guided us across the amenities of this little but rich gem in the heart of Kendal. There's also a cafe and a little shop inside. If you have children they'll love the vast amount of stuffed animals from all over the world. Highly recommended for a quick visit if you're visiting Kendal's city centre!Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 1, 2024
- EleanorTravelNewcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom82 contributionsWonderful little gem hidden away. It was reminiscent of a Victorian curios collection. The staff were friendly and helpful. But the play space really stole the show, with a wonderful rocking horse, doll house, castle, railway and much more. Well worth a visit.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
147 reviews
Excellent
78
Very good
45
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
4
HTB
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
The museum has lots to see, from archaeological finds to taxidermy birds from Africa. Unfortunately we were unable to fully explore the main room as it was overrun with toddlers all swinging off a brass ships bell which made the most awful loud ringing making us jump every minute or so. Not good for anyone wanting to read the carefully written guides and labels and particularly unfriendly for our visitor with autism! Please remove the bell or at least silence it! The museum was like a noisy playgroup, ourselves and another family with older children couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Written February 20, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bertrumted
Manchester, UK6 contributions
Nov 2022
WOW I found this place by accident when getting lost around Kendal centre. I decided as I couldn't find the museum, I was looking for that I would pop inside. The disabled access into the building was good and the staff came straight away to open the door. The museum was an eclectic mix of Kendal life with Geology and an amazing array of stuffed animals, i thought I wouldn't like this room, but I have to say I was amazed at the animals on display, there were what seemed like hundreds of animals from Butterflys, birds, and animals from around the world I particularly liked the stuffed dodo. I would def recommend it to anyone who was looking for something a little different and an hour or more to spare. An amazing model of a ship is held there which was interesting. There's so much I can't do it justice.
Written November 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting the museum and for taking time to leave lovely feedback. We are so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit. We all look forward to seeing you again soon. Many thanks again.
Written November 18, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Can_we_get_some_mayo
Kendal, UK7 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
I've been coming to the museum with my wife and two year old daughter fairly regularly over the last few months. The £5 entry is very reasonable, especially considering this gets you in for the whole year. The display cases are so full of interesting things that you can always find something in them that you missed the last time. Some of the rooms change what's on show from time to time too.
There's plenty to interest adults but also loads for kids to see and do. There are interactive exhibits and a small play area with toys and puzzles. The taxidermy collection is really extensive and a great place to learn the names of animals.
The gift shop has a lot of books and toys and is also a great place to start a rock collection! The staff are lovely and always make you feel very welcome.
There's just so much variety here. One minute you're looking at the terrifying man-trap (yes, that is now my wife's nickname) and the next you're reading about mummification. There's something for everyone here and it definitely has repeat value. Well worth a visit.
There's plenty to interest adults but also loads for kids to see and do. There are interactive exhibits and a small play area with toys and puzzles. The taxidermy collection is really extensive and a great place to learn the names of animals.
The gift shop has a lot of books and toys and is also a great place to start a rock collection! The staff are lovely and always make you feel very welcome.
There's just so much variety here. One minute you're looking at the terrifying man-trap (yes, that is now my wife's nickname) and the next you're reading about mummification. There's something for everyone here and it definitely has repeat value. Well worth a visit.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving the lovely comment! We all love seeing you at the museum. We are also very glad to hear you enjoy your visit every time. We have a series of exhibitions over summer too, so please pop back in to have a browse. Exciting times! We all look forward to seeing you soon. Many thanks.
Written June 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
annemarie599
Mannheim, Germany20 contributions
Aug 2022
I was more than pleasantly surprised by the exhibits and the information that we could gain about the area and history.
I would highly recommend a visit to families with primary school children and of course primary school classes too.
The staff were so very friendly and the atmosphere extremely relaxing.
The coffee bar provided us with a good coffee which we drank outside at a table in front of the main entrance. An extremely interesting & pleasant experience. Thanks.
I would highly recommend a visit to families with primary school children and of course primary school classes too.
The staff were so very friendly and the atmosphere extremely relaxing.
The coffee bar provided us with a good coffee which we drank outside at a table in front of the main entrance. An extremely interesting & pleasant experience. Thanks.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting us and for the lovely feedback. We are delighted to hear that your visit was enjoyable. Many, many thanks again and we look forward to seeing you again very soon.
Written September 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter R
1 contribution
Oct 2022
A small gem of a museum, part of Kendal College, preserving an eclectic mix of collections, passionately accrued by local enthusiasts during the early to mid 20th Century. There are local and civil medals, clothing, school uniforms and artisan implements from the late 19th Century; a large collection of fossils and minerals, all meticulously labelled, from local mines and caves; antiquities of neolithic man, Egypt and Rome; Roman, ;Saxon and Medieval hammered coins; pottery;, man traps and other gruesome metal torture implements from the 18th and 17th centuries. In a lower basement is a substantial collection of taxidermy specimens of mammals and birds from all parts if the world. From a zoological perspective they give an impression of what the live animals, birds and butterflies, would have looked like, many of whom are now rare or extinct. There is even a reconstruction of a Dodo, of which no complete specimen remains. Finally the museum supports local artists with a hall dedicated to holding exhibitions displaying their works. A disfferent artist is featured every fortnight.
Amongst the specimens is a small gift shop and cafe, The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The modest entrance fee is valid for the whole year. There is plenty to revisit again, as the range of collections cannot be fully absorbed or appreciated in one visit.
Amongst the specimens is a small gift shop and cafe, The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The modest entrance fee is valid for the whole year. There is plenty to revisit again, as the range of collections cannot be fully absorbed or appreciated in one visit.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting the museum and for leaving such a lovely review. What an amazing, spot-on summary of the museum, too! The kind comment like yours make it all worth it. We look forward to welcoming you back again, soon. Many thanks again.
Written November 4, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jodie C
London, UK72 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The museum is a quirky collection of curios. We spent about an hour here but you could easily stay much longer if you were intent on reading every little plaque. Staff are very welcoming. The taxidermy room was something else alright! Although, as a Canadian, I would challenge the labelling of what is clearly a moose as an 'elk' and the elk labelled as a "wapiti": wapiti being the french word for that particular animal in Canada.
Top tip: You can park all day in the museum car park for only £5. This was by far the best value we found in town.
Top tip: You can park all day in the museum car park for only £5. This was by far the best value we found in town.
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank-you for your lovely review! We're glad you enjoyed your visit. The labelling suggestion has been passed on to our curator; we really value the knowledge that visitors can share with us about our collections. Hope to welcome you again soon.
Written August 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jack B
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Took my 3 year old daughter in as it was nearby to where we were staying. She is often very nervous in new places but she loved it so much that she asked to come back again after lunch.
The puzzles and play area were really accessible and entertaining for her and the staff were very kind and friendly.
A lot of work has clearly been done to make this place more interesting and accessible for children and I hope it is rewarded with the custom it deserves.
I'm certain we'll be back again.
The puzzles and play area were really accessible and entertaining for her and the staff were very kind and friendly.
A lot of work has clearly been done to make this place more interesting and accessible for children and I hope it is rewarded with the custom it deserves.
I'm certain we'll be back again.
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting the museum and for the lovely feedback. It has put a big smile on our faces! It's a great pleasure to hear that your daughter enjoyed the visit. We all look forward to seeing you and your daughter again soon!
Written October 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Journey61081230000
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Something for everyone here - history, geology, archaeology, artefacts galore, Wainright memorabilia, musical slates, and an amazing collection of stuffed animals. Coffee area, chairs for tired legs, welcoming and relaxed staff. Raining outside, the museum didn't just save the day but kept 3 grandchildren happily occupied for two hours. Well done and thanks.
Written August 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you so much for your kind words and review! We're glad to hear that you and your grandchildren enjoyed exploring the museum. We look forward to your next visit!
Written August 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew P
Kilmacolm, UK27 contributions
Aug 2020
I went here with my two daughters and two nieces on a very wet day. Because of teh Covid-19 related restrictions in place we understandably had to go around in a pre-ordered way and certain activities were off limits, but this did not affect our enjoyment of the museum at all. So much on display, from geology to social history... and of course the natural history section including a dodo recreated from a genuine skeleton.
The staff on duty were exceptionally helpful, including giving the girls a free book on the dodo, as well as very knowledgeable. While a small museum, it would be easy to spend a couple of hours there as the displays are so avried and there is a lot packed into the available space.
It's excellent value for money.
The staff on duty were exceptionally helpful, including giving the girls a free book on the dodo, as well as very knowledgeable. While a small museum, it would be easy to spend a couple of hours there as the displays are so avried and there is a lot packed into the available space.
It's excellent value for money.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting us and for the lovely comment! We look forward to seeing you again.
Written May 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsV_00
London, UK340 contributions
Aug 2021
Founded in 1796, this museum is one of the oldest in the UK and pretty historic all on its own without the displays!
We visited Kendal museum during our week's stay in the area. The first day we came we discovered it wasn't open (the website opening hours are not obviously clear unless you book tickets online, then you'll know they are open Thursday - Saturday). We did let the staff know when we went back during opening hours.
In total, we were there about an hour, which is great for having three children in tow (3, 6, 8). The elder ones did the treasure trail which they enjoyed, while the youngest ran amuck followed by her father. What captivated her was the preserved animals/birds/fish; we all loved that room. It was amazing to see all the different animals, a lot of which will may never see in real life.
I didn't take many photos as I was helping the children with their trail, but attached the few photos I have.
We visited Kendal museum during our week's stay in the area. The first day we came we discovered it wasn't open (the website opening hours are not obviously clear unless you book tickets online, then you'll know they are open Thursday - Saturday). We did let the staff know when we went back during opening hours.
In total, we were there about an hour, which is great for having three children in tow (3, 6, 8). The elder ones did the treasure trail which they enjoyed, while the youngest ran amuck followed by her father. What captivated her was the preserved animals/birds/fish; we all loved that room. It was amazing to see all the different animals, a lot of which will may never see in real life.
I didn't take many photos as I was helping the children with their trail, but attached the few photos I have.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for visiting us and for the lovely comment! We are sorry to hear that the opening times wasn't displayed clearly on our website. It is now on the front page, as well as the "Your Visit" tab. We look forward to seeing you again. Many thanks.
Written May 21, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello .
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Just disappointed that quite a few labels missing from the exhibits. Although each exhibit had a reference number, I couldn’t see an index anywhere to look it up.
Written November 28, 2018
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