Festive Events
Festive Night at the Museum
Join us at Kendal Museum for a fun, festive exploration of the exhibits after dark!
Friday 5 December 2025
5:30pm – 8:00pm
Join us for a magical evening as the museum opens its doors after dark for a special festive celebration! Wander through the galleries, explore our fascinating exhibits, and soak up the atmosphere with gentle traditional carols playing throughout the building.
What’s Included:
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Complimentary mince pies and seasonal treats
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One free hot drink for every visitor
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Exclusive after-hours access to explore the museum
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Background music featuring classic carols and historical festive tunes
Tickets:
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Adults: £10
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Children: £4
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Members: £5 adults / £2 children
Be sure to join us for this perfect start the festive season – we look forward to welcoming
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
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:
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Introductory talk on the history of Tudor pomanders
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Guided pomander-making session
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Free mince pie and hot drink
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All crafting materials provided (fruit, cloves, cinnamon, ribbons, etc.)
Tickets:
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Adults: £12
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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
Lunchtime Talks
Lunchtime Talks at Kendal Museum: Egyptology in Kendal
Egyptology in Kendal: Kendal’s Collections and Community
Join Janet McWilliam of Carlisle & District Egyptology Society for a captivating journey into Kendal Museum’s collection of Ancient Egyptian objects. This talk will explore the fascinating origins and meanings behind key artefacts in the collection, revealing how they connect Kendal to the rich world of ancient Egypt.
We’ll also delve into the lives of John Garstang and John Rankin, whose contributions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped shape the museum’s Egyptology collection. Learn about their roles in the early days of British archaeology in Egypt and how their legacy lives on in Kendal today.
To accompany the talk, a fun and educational “I Spy” sheet will be available to help attendees identify and engage with the objects during their next visit to the museum.
Event Details:
NEW DATE: Saturday December 6th, 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
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 historical artifacts from our 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 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.