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.
We have a dedicated children’s area in the museum with dressing up clothes, toys, games, books, and even an historic rocking horse! There is seating close-by for parents to enjoy a coffee, while little ones are kept entertained.
For older children, we design seasonal Kendal Museum themed trails and worksheets – involving questions and activities that lead the children (and adults!) on a hunt for answers around our galleries. It’s a great way for families, groups or young ones independently to engage in all areas of the museum.
Lunchtime Talks
Lunchtime Talks at Kendal Museum: The Axe Factor
The Axe Factor: The Neolithic Stone Quarries of Great Langdale
Join Dr Kate Sharpe of Durham University to learn about the fascinating history on our doorstep!
Six thousand years ago, the Central Lake District was the focus of an intensive production process with a UK-wide distribution network. A very particular type of stone, which outcropped around high fells, was much sought after by Neolithic communities. They quarried, shaped and polished it to create valuable axe-heads that were traded throughout Britain and Ireland.
Drawing on evidence from archaeology and ethnography, this talk will explore aspects of this phenomenon, from the practicalities of mounting quarrying expeditions to the rituals and social dynamics that may have been involved.
Event Details:
Date: August 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Venue:Â 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 Pinch of the Past: Culture, Craft, and Commerce in the Kendal Snuff Industry
A Pinch of the Past: Culture, Craft, and Commerce in the Kendal Snuff Industry
Discover the rich history of Kendal’s snuff-making heritage in this engaging museum talk with Nic Jenzen-Jones.
Explore how the town became a pivotal centre for snuff production in 18th-century Britain, driven by its strategic location on historic packhorse routes and access to imported tobacco.
Delve into the cultural significance of snuff-taking and its role in local commerce, highlighting the enduring legacy of companies like Gawith Hoggarth.
This talk offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of culture, craft, and commerce in Kendal’s industrial past.
Event Details:
Date:Â August 9th, at 1:00 PM
Venue:Â 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: Walney Channel Seagrass Restoration
Cumbria Wildlife Trust: Walney Channel Seagrass Restoration
Join Cumbria Wildlife Trust at Kendal Museum for an engaging talk on the restoration of seagrass meadows in the Walney Channel. Discover how these vital underwater habitats support marine life, enhance coastal resilience, and play a crucial role in combating climate change.
Through restoration trials and community involvement, the Trust is working to restore these ecosystems to their former health. The talk will highlight the importance of seagrass and how local communities can contribute to its recovery.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about and support marine conservation efforts in our region.
Event Details:
Date: August 23, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Venue:Â 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
Guided Tours
Kendal Museum Highlights Tour
Step into the past with a guided tour through one of England’s oldest museums.
Join us at Kendal Museum for an expertly led tour that brings our remarkable collections to life. From Victorian discoveries to ancient civilisations, our guides will take you on a captivating journey through time.
Tour Highlights:
-
Victorian Naturalism
See how 19th-century collectors brought the natural world to Kendal. Our beautifully preserved taxidermy and geological specimens offer a glimpse into a time when science, exploration, and curiosity shaped museum culture.
-
EgyptologyÂ
Discover artefacts from Ancient Egypt, including original objects that reveal the rituals, beliefs, and daily life of a civilisation thousands of years old.
-
Roman Artefacts
Explore Kendal’s Roman past through pottery, tools, and relics from Cumbria’s Roman settlements—uncovering the stories of everyday life on the empire’s edge.
-
Local History
Trace Kendal’s evolution from medieval market town to industrial hub. Learn about local trades, traditions, and the people who shaped the region.
 Tour Details:
-
Date:Â August 28, 2025 at 11:00AM
-
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
-
Pre-booking recommended (spaces are limited)
-
Private or group tours available on request
-
Venue: Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal LA9 6BT
Price: £10 General Admission, this includes annual museum membership and a hot drink at the end of the tour.Â
Book your tickets HERE
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.
