Festive Events
Make Your Own Tudor Pomander
Step back in time at Kendal Museum and create your very own Tudor-inspired pomander!
Friday 19 December 2025
2:00 – 3:30pm
The session begins with a short illustrated talk exploring the history of pomanders, their uses, and their connections to Tudor life. You’ll then craft your own using traditional ingredients such as oranges or lemons, cloves, cinnamon, ribbons, and more.
What’s Included:
-
Introductory talk on the history of Tudor pomanders
-
Guided pomander-making session
-
Free mince pie and hot drink
-
All crafting materials provided (fruit, cloves, cinnamon, ribbons, etc.)
Tickets:
-
Adults: £12
-
Under 18s/Students: £6
(Please note: no under 12s.)
Join us for a wonderfully atmospheric festive workshop blending scent, craft, and history!
PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately the venue is accessible only via a staircase, so is not suitable for wheelchair users. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Book your tickets HERE
Finds ID Days
Kendal Museum Finds Morning
Book an appointment with your local Finds Liaison Officer to discuss identifying and recording your finds.
Friday, March 13th, 2026 from 10 am – 11:20 am
Have you found something that may be archaeological? You may be a metal detectorist, field-walker or mudlark, or just someone digging in the garden. We can examine your finds, as long as they are portable (something you can carry) and have been found, rather than purchased.
Appointments are 20 minutes and we can:
-
Take in objects for identifying and recording
-
In some cases, ‘spot-record’ a maximum of 5 items
-
Return objects that we have borrowed
-
Provide information on recording with the Portable Antiquities Scheme
We also have a few 5 minute pick-up only slots.
For more information or to book a slot, please CLICK HERE
Lunchtime Talks
Lunchtime Talks at Kendal Museum: A Gothic Novelist on Tour in the Lake District
A Gothic Novelist on Tour in the Lake District: Ann Radcliffe’s momentous 1794 encounter with the landscapes of the Lakes + Book Signing
Join Dr Penny Bradshaw, Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria, for an engaging talk on Ann Radcliffe’s 1794 tour of the Lake District. As one of the most celebrated Gothic novelists of her time, Radcliffe’s journey offers a fascinating insight into early tourism and its influence on literary responses to landscape.
The talk will highlight key moments from her travels—including her ascent of Skiddaw, reflections on Kendal, and the dramatic crossing of Lancaster Sands—exploring how these experiences paved the way for Romantic approaches to place, later shaped by poets like Wordsworth.
Dr Bradshaw is a specialist in regional Romanticism and the author of a new edition of Observations during a Tour to the Lakes (Hobnob Press, 2024). Signed copies of her book with be available for purchase after the event.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday December 13th, 1:00 – 2:00PM
Venue: Kendal Museum
Price: £10 General Admission, £6 for under 16s/students
PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately the venue is accessible only via a staircase, so is not suitable for wheelchair users. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Book your tickets HERE
Free Activities
Hands On History
Join us for our Hands-on History event, where you can touch, feel, and learn about real artifacts from our handling collection. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with the past in a hands-on way, guided by our knowledgeable staff. Perfect for curious minds of all ages!
Bring your family, friends, and your curiosity – we can’t wait to share the wonders of our collection with you.
Date: Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday
Time: 9am – 4pm
Cost: Free for members, £5 / £2 for non-members (includes annual membership) under 5s free.
No need to book – just show up!
Kids Activities
There’s plenty for children to explore at Kendal Museum; they can get creative with fossil rubbings, play a tune on the slate lithophone, be inspired by the local landscape in the Kendal & Westmorland Gallery, and discover evolution in the World Wildlife Gallery.