Built-up area in Westmorland and Furness, England
| Coordinates: | 54.326, -2.742 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 51 92 |
| Population: | 29,147 |
| Dialling code: | 01539 |
Kendal is a historic market town in the unitary authority of Westmorland and Furness in England, sitting at the head of the valley of the River Kent. It acts as a gateway to the southern fells of the Lake District, is tucked beneath outcrops such as Kendal Fell, and enjoys easy access to the estuary of Morecambe Bay, giving it a compact town centre with ready links to walking, cycling and waterways.
Long associated with woollen and textile trades, the town’s heritage shows in sites like Kendal Castle and Abbot Hall, while modern Kendal is known for Kendal Mint Cake and the annual Kendal Mountain Festival; its economy now blends tourism, independent shops, light industry and public services, with a strong community feel rooted in its historic market-town identity.