We’re often asked how we choose the locations of our new build homes. One common query we receive about our Nancy Meadows new build development is, “Is Kendal in the Lake District?”
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about where Kendal is. Learn about the town’s transport links and find out why it’s a great destination for homebuyers looking for a good balance of work and play.
Is Kendal in the Lake District?
Technically, Kendal is NOT in the Lake District!
But because of how close Kendal is to the Lake District boundary, it’s commonly mistaken to sit within the national park.
Here’s Kendal on the map:
Between the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Lake District National Park, Kendal is in the rural county of Cumbria. It’s also just north of Lancaster, accessed from junctions 36 and 37 of the M6.
How far is Kendal from the Lake District?
Kendal town centre is roughly one mile away from the Lake District National Park boundary.
Here’s how far Kendal is from some of the popular Lake District towns:
*All times and distances are approximate and may be subject to traffic, travel delays, and road closures.
Getting around: Travel links from Kendal into the Lake District
Kendal has excellent transport links into the Lake District, with Windermere just 15 minutes away by road, bus, or train. The rest of the National Park easily reachable by car, bus, or a mix of the two.
To get from Kendal to the Lake District, you can:
- Drive. The A591 takes you straight from Kendal into the heart of the Lake District, with Windermere just a 15-minute (9-mile) drive away. It’s the quickest and most flexible option, especially if you’re planning to explore further afield to Ambleside, Grasmere, or beyond.
- Hop on the bus. The 555 and 599 Stagecoach services run regularly from Kendal Bus Station in the middle of town, taking you through Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere (with the 599 continuing on to Bowness). A North West Explorer ticket gives unlimited bus travel across the Lake District for the day, which is worth it if you’re planning to hop between towns.
- Get the train. Kendal railway station sits on the Lakes Line, the branch line running from Oxenholme to Windermere (the only town in the Lake District with a train station), making it a scenic and low-hassle way to reach the lake itself in around 15 minutes. For connections further afield, Oxenholme is Kendal’s closest mainline station.
Kendal also sits close to the M6, making access to the wider northwest and further afield very easy.
The benefits of living outside the Lake District National Park
Buying a home in Kendal offers reasonable house prices without the premium a national park location adds.
Let’s take a look at this benefit (and others) in more detail:
- Affordability. Living inside the national park carries a premium price tag, alongside restrictions for home improvements and development. Living in Kendal offers more affordable homes with the same excellent access to the Lakes.
- Local amenity prices. Local shops, restaurants, cafés, and services in Kendal offer reasonable and more consistent pricing compared to the tourist locations within the park.
- Commuting links. With excellent public transport links and motorway access, commuting from Kendal to Lancaster, Carlisle, Manchester, or into Scotland is very straightforward. It’s a particularly scenic route too!
- Easy access to nature. The Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are both just a short drive away, meaning outdoor enthusiasts are spoiled for choice!
- Vibrant arts scene. From community events to classes for adults, Kendal has a thriving arts scene. The local, year-round residents of Kendal maintain a busy cultural calendar with live music, theatre, sports events, and gatherings.
Recommended reading: 5 North West commuter towns for hybrid workers.
FAQs about Kendal
Why is Kendal known as the gateway to the Lakes?
All main roads into the national park come through or past Kendal, which is why it’s known as the southern gateway to the Lakes.
Most visitors to Windermere will arrive via the M6 and exit at Kendal before joining the A591 which heads west into the national park.
While you can skirt around the south of the Lake District on the A590 before heading north, it’s more direct to arrive via the motorway. Journeying through Kendal is the easiest way to get to the most popular Lake District towns and villages.
Fun fact: At the top end of the Lake District National Park, Penrith is known as the northern gateway to the Lakes!
What is it like living in Kendal?
Living in Kendal offers a great balance between town convenience and countryside living.
Kendal is a thriving market town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Residents benefit from a wide range of independent shops, eateries, and attractions alongside excellent schools, healthcare facilities, and everyday amenities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Kendal is surrounded by incredible natural landscapes with fantastic walks, cycling routes, and water sports all just a short drive away. Whether it’s a weekend hike or an evening paddle, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature all within easy reach.
Kendal is well connected with direct rail links to major northern hub cities and excellent road access with easy access to the M6 for commuting across the northwest. Offering a relaxed pace without compromising on convenience, living in Kendal appeals to families, professionals, and retirees.
Explore new build homes in Kendal
Buying a new home in Kendal won’t put you in the Lake District National Park, but you’ll still have easy access to nature, outdoor pursuits, and beautiful scenery.
Not to mention, being on the outskirts means a quieter day-to-day life without the hustle and bustle of tourists during peak seasons!
If you’re considering a new home in Kendal, take a look at Nancy Meadows. This new build development sits on the edge of Kendal, offering a rural lifestyle with all the convenience of a town location.
Get in touch with our local sales team to find out more about new build homes in Kendal.