- Recommended
Abbot Hall
Main town museum and gallery in a riverside Georgian house, with changing exhibitions, local history and a notable art collection.
Trains from Bradford to Kendal run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:18, the last at 20:55. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 59m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 59m |
First train 6:18 |
Last train 20:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Kendal — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kendal trip today.
Main town museum and gallery in a riverside Georgian house, with changing exhibitions, local history and a notable art collection.
Compact family museum telling the story of Kendal’s mint-cake maker, with original equipment and exhibits on local industrial heritage.
Volunteer-run museum with aircraft, vehicles and wartime objects, offering a local perspective on military and transport history.
Pleasant riverside green space beside Abbot Hall, ideal for a short walk, picnics and views towards the River Kent and castle hill.
Popular woodland and hill walk on Kendal’s edge, with sculpture trails, open views and routes suitable for a longer local ramble.
Long-distance scenic route crossing Kendal, good for a riverside or upland stroll and for linking several of the town’s highlights.
A peppermint sugar sweet invented in Kendal in the 19th century. It became famous as a quick energy source for walkers, climbers and expedition teams.
A Cumbrian sausage made with local pork, herbs and spices. It is a regional staple, often served with mash, gravy or in a breakfast.
A traditional Lake District and Cumbrian pudding of suet pastry with currants or dried fruit, usually steamed and served warm.
Popular independent bakery and café known for artisan bread, pastries, brunch and coffee. Good for a casual daytime meal in the town centre.
Relaxed riverside restaurant and brewery tap serving freshly brewed beer, burgers, pizzas and hearty mains in a modern casual setting.
Well-known Kendal restaurant serving Indian and Bangladeshi dishes in a smart, friendly setting popular for curries and grilled specials.
Moderate for the UK. Kendal is usually cheaper than major tourist cities for hotels and meals, but Lake District demand can raise weekend and peak-season prices.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up or add a little for taxis. Tipping in cafés is optional.
The most popular day trips by train from Kendal are Windermere, Oxenholme, Lancaster, Preston and Carlisle. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Kendal on Omio.

Windermere is best known as a base for exploring England’s largest lake and the wider Lake District. The town has a lively Victorian centre, while nearby Bowness-on-Windermere connects visitors with the water and fell views.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:21, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 12 km distance in 15m.

Oxenholme is a small Cumbrian settlement best known for its station linking Kendal with the wider Lake District. Close to rolling countryside and the market town of Kendal, it feels quiet, practical and distinctly rural.
The earliest train runs at 06:17, the last at 23:01.

Lancaster is known for its castle, Georgian architecture and ties to the House of Lancaster. Its compact centre, River Lune setting and student energy give the city a historic yet easy-going feel.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:59, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 29 km distance in 18m.

Preston is a Lancashire city known for its industrial heritage, lively student population and the Harris Museum. Its centre blends Victorian character with modern shops and cafés, while riverside parks soften the urban feel.
The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 23:01.

Carlisle is a Cumbrian border city known for its Roman past, medieval castle and centuries of Anglo-Scottish history. Its compact centre blends historic streets with a practical market-city character.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 22:01. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 42m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bradford to Kendal by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kendal, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bradford to Kendal trains use the Bradford Forster Square to Kendal station pair. Use this guide to compare Bradford and Kendal train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bradford Forster Square has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Forster Square.
ATMs are available at Bradford Forster Square.
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Forster Square.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Parking, WC.
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Forster Square: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and ramps are available. Lift available 06:00 - 19:00 Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday, however there is an alternative accessible route without having to use lift, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Bradford Interchange has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Interchange.
ATMs are available at Bradford Interchange.
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Interchange.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bradford Interchange: Parking, WC.
Available at Bradford Interchange: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Interchange: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail, Accessible public telephones: in the interchange, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Kendal has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Kendal.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kendal: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Kendal: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kendal: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access from the station building, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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