Kendal Castle
Cumbria, England
Photo: Anglovirtual, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Dr John Wells, CC BY 4.0 ยท Anglovirtual, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Westmorland & Furness Council
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Kendal, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Free hilltop ruin, Katherine Parr association
Pinpoint
Kendal LA9 7DJ, UK
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check with the operator before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A free hilltop ruin overlooking Kendal, traditionally linked to the Parr family and said to be connected to Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and surviving wife. No visitor review data is available for this listing, so treat the practical details below as general guidance rather than confirmed advice.
At a glance
Who to know
Katherine Parr · linked to Henry VIII's sixth and surviving wife
Worth the trip
The hilltop position - even as a ruin, the views over Kendal and the surrounding fells are the main reason to make the climb.
Before you go
No visitor reviews were available to draw practical advice from - as an unstaffed hilltop ruin, expect no facilities on site and a walk up from the town.
What visitors say
Kendal Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 848 Google reviews
Reviewers enjoy the short but steep walk up to these free hilltop ruins overlooking Kendal, rewarded with great views over the town and surrounding fells.
Several highlight the informative boards dotted around the site that explain its history.
A common note is that the path can be steep and slippery in wet weather, so sturdy footwear is advised.
“Went there on a good day, so I could appreciate the stone work that was done in the 1400, fascinating indeed.”- Mbonisi Mtunzi, visitor review
History
12th century
A Norman motte-and-bailey castle was built on the west side of the town when Kendal was known as Kirkbie Strickland. Later rebuilt, the castle became associated with the Parr family, who inherited it through marriage and held it as the seat of the Barony of Kendal. By the late 12th century it represented significant local authority, though by the time of Katherine Parr it had fallen beyond repair.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The parking is not very big but enough space there and it was not too busy.” - Akash Kumar
- Terrain & accessibility
- “It was a bit of a steep hike but not too difficult even for an out of shape adult.” - Akash Kumar
Common questions about Kendal Castle
Where is Kendal Castle?
Kendal Castle is in Cumbria, England, at Kendal LA9 7DJ, UK.
Is Kendal Castle free to visit?
Yes - Kendal Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Westmorland & Furness Council. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Kendal Castle?
The hilltop position - even as a ruin, the views over Kendal and the surrounding fells are the main reason to make the climb.
Is Kendal Castle a ruin or still intact?
Kendal Castle is a ruin - Free hilltop ruin, Katherine Parr association.
