Things to do in Kendal
Make the most out of your trip to Brettargh Holt Mansion. There’s a variety of things to do in Kendal, Levens and the surrounding area. Here’s a selection of our favourite activities for you to try out during your stay.
Wonderful walks
Three Peaks Challenge - Scafell Pike
Wasdale is 'Britain's Favourite View', the birthplace of British mountaineering, an iconic farmed landscape and a popular gateway to England's highest mountain Scafell Pike, part of the Three Peaks Challenge.
Bowness to Cockshott Point
This is a pleasant 2km circular route with some gentle slopes around the busy waterfront area of Bowness and the quieter shoreline around Cockshott Point. One for all the family.
Orrest Head
A 3.5km round trip summits the fell Orrest Head. The occasionally challenging route winds its way up through Elleray Wood, with 120m of ascent to take you to a high point of 238m where adventurers are rewarded with 360º views over Windermere and the central fells.
Levens Deer Park
Follow the deer from the mansion back to their home in Levens Deer Park, venture down the path to the original Gatehouse where the start of the walk begins. Landscaped some 300 years ago at the same time as the Levens hall gardens, Levens Deer Park is home to both the black fallow deer and a herd of rare-breed Bagot goats, Britain’s oldest breed of goat with a documented ancestry.
The Helm & Natland Circular
The Helm is situated near Oxenholme, south east of Kendal. It offers stunning 360 degree views of the Lake District fells and Morecambe Bay. It has interesting geology as it’s formed of Silurian ‘Helm Member’ rock, the youngest of the Windermere Group rocks, formed 420 million years ago.
Day trips
Ambleside
At the northern end of Windermere is the popular market town of Ambleside, perfectly located in the heart of the national park. Surrounded by majestic Lakeland fells. Now a major tourist spot with shops, restaurants, cinema.
Cartmel Village
The Medieval village of Cartmel has a rich heritage, and varied list of activities for visitors to partake in. Home of the popular racecourse, the famous sticky toffee pudding shop and l'enclume, a Michelin starred restaurant
Sizergh Castle
This imposing house stands proudly at the gateway to the Lake District and has been home to the Strickland family for more than 800 years. There’s plenty to explore on the 1,600-acre estate, including wetland, woodland and orchards – look out for fritillary butterflies, deer and rare hawfinches. If you’d rather relax in gardens, wander through the orchards, rock garden or stumpery or stroll along the herbaceous border and fruit wall – there's something new to see in every season.
Cruise Lake Windermere
The largest natural lake in both the Lake District and in England, and is fed by numerous rivers. Windermere lake is 10.5 miles long, one mile wide and 220 feet deep. A great place for boating and water sports activities. Enjoy a relaxing journey aboard a scenic sightseeing cruise– ranging from quick trips to all-day exploration. You can also embrace the freedom of being your own captain with a popular motor boat and row boat hire.
Kendal Castle
Built around 1200, the stone castle was built to replace the wooden motte and bailey on the opposite side of the river at Castle Howe. This 13th century castle, built on a drumlin (a glacial hill), was the seat of power and administration for the barons of Kendal for over 200 years, most notably the Parr family.
Family friendly
Go Ape
Grizedale Forest in Cumbria offers family friendly adventures. High ropes to climb, 3km of soaring ziplines, and nature walks.
The Chocolate Factory
A chocolate factory and workshop for all the family to enjoy. Treat the kids with the this fun and interactive trip out in the lovely village of Hawshead.
Low Sizergh Barn
Low Sizergh Barn is a family-run, organic dairy farm and award-winning farm shop near Kendal, Cumbria. Housed in a 17th-century stone barn, it features a highly-rated café, gift galleries, and a free farm trail, offering visitors an authentic look at sustainable, regenerative Cumbrian farming
Lakeland Maze and Farm Park
Fun for all the family. Whatever the weather. Our maize maze, farm animals and activities are perfect for groups and parties looking for a fun trip out.
Levens Hall And Gardens
Levens Hall and Gardens is a historic, privately owned estate in Cumbria, England, famous for its magnificent Elizabethan mansion and for holding the Guinness World Record for housing the world's oldest topiary garden.
Food & drink
.avif)
L’enclume
A highly acclaimed, three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Cartmel run by celebrated chef Simon Rogan. Housed in a former 13th-century blacksmith's workshop (the name is French for "the anvil"), it is famous for its hyper-seasonal, farm-to-table tasting menus supplied by its own local farm.
The Cavendish Arms
A highly regarded, historic 16th-century coaching inn located in the picturesque village of Cartmel, on the edge of the English Lake District. The inn emphasizes regional Cumbrian cuisine with a menu featuring traditional pub favorites like steak and ale pie, roaring log fires, and a cozy atmosphere.
Levens Kitchen
a highly acclaimed, award-winning restaurant and bakery located at the historic Levens Hall and Gardens in Kendal, Cumbria.
The Black Labrador
You will receive a warm welcome in this cosy traditional country pub nestled in one of the best kept secrets of the Lake District, the beautiful Lyth Valley.
Hare and Hounds
It’s a proper village pub, full of character, with a mean cocktail list, local cask ales, great craft beers and delicious comfort food. Run by Ash and Becky Dewar, who bought the pub in 2013 and have been lovingly taking care of it ever since, The Hare and Hounds welcomes everyone – kids, muddy boots and dogs included.
Rogan and Co
Rogan & Co is a relaxed, one Michelin-starred neighbourhood restaurant in the village of Cartmel, owned by celebrated chef Simon Rogan. It offers a casual dining experience featuring hyper-local farm-to-table British cuisine, using exceptional ingredients harvested from Simon Rogan's own nearby farm.
The Plough
The kitchen focuses on seasonal, locally sourced Northern produce, drawing inspiration from Cumbria, Yorkshire, and Lancashire, Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and is highly renowned for its hearty Sunday roasts. The bar is a cozy, dog-friendly space equipped with crackling log fires, offering local ales, wines, and cocktails.
Langdale Chase
Standing on the shores of Windermere, Langdale Chase has been welcoming visitors since 1891. Following a careful and sensitive restoration, you will discover a new era of laid back luxury and style. Do as much as you wish, or, of course, kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing.
.avif)
Heft
A Michelin-starred restaurant and 17th-century inn in High Newton, just a short drive from Levens. Run by local chef Kevin Tickle and his wife Nicola, it offers a highly praised tasting menu alongside a cozy, dog-friendly pub serving ales, small plates, and traditional pies.