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4-star hotels in Kendal
Four 4-star hotels and inns around Kendal, from the town centre to the villages on its edge. This shortlist is for travellers who want a known standard of comfort and a base for the southern Lake District.
Staying in Kendal
Kendal is a market town with a compact, walkable centre, a castle, a museum, the River Kent and the shops and markets that go with a long wool-trading history. It is a gateway to the Lake District National Park rather than a park town, and Kendal Mint Cake is the local name most visitors already know. Riverside walks and the castle grounds are reached on foot from the middle of town.
The hotels on this list sit in different parts of the town and its surroundings. Stonecross Manor Hotel and Romneys Apartments & Suites are on Milnthorpe Road, close to the centre at 1.6 km; The Gateway Hotel is on Crook Road at 2.3 km and Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection on Castle Green Lane at 2.7 km. Station Inn and The Glen Guest House are at Oxenholme, by the mainline station, while several others lie further out towards Windermere and the villages. Couples, families and short-break visitors are all served, and train travellers have the easiest time at Oxenholme.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Watermill Inn & Brewing Co
Near Windermere, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA working brewery with its own bar and restaurant makes this a natural base for beer lovers, 8.5 km from Kendal near Windermere. Guests can eat on site, then take a drink by the fireplace or out in the garden and on the terrace. Free parking and free wifi cover the practical side, and 815 guests have rated it 4.6 out of 5.
See Watermill Inn & Brewing CoThe Punch Bowl
Barrows Green, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Spa
- Free car parking
Why stay hereFor families and pet owners, this inn at Barrows Green offers family rooms and welcomes pets, with a games room and mini golf to keep everyone occupied. There is also a fitness centre, a garden and free parking. It sits 4.9 km from Kendal, and the 450 reviews average 4.6 out of 5.
See The Punch BowlThe Red Lion
Lowick Bridge, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Red Lion suits travellers who want a simple, pet-friendly pub stay at Lowick Bridge, 22.1 km from Kendal. Guests eat and drink in the restaurant and bar, and the rooms come with wifi, TV and free parking. Past guests have given it 4.6 out of 5 across 214 reviews.
See The Red LionThe Gateway Hotel
The Gateway Hotel 1 Crook Road, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereClosest of the group to the centre at 2.3 km, The Gateway Hotel works well for guests who want Kendal within easy reach. Family rooms, a garden and a terrace give space to spread out, and there is an on-site restaurant and bar. Free parking and free wifi are included; 752 reviews average 4.4 out of 5.
See The Gateway HotelThe Inn At Grasmere
Red Lion Square, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereAn indoor pool, spa and sauna make this the pick for guests who want to swim and unwind without leaving the building. It stands at Red Lion Square, 22.5 km from Kendal, with a restaurant, bar and room service on hand. Pets are welcome too. The 1,248 reviews give it 4.3 out of 5.
See The Inn At GrasmereGilpin Bridge Inn
Bridge End, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Lounge
Why stay hereA games room, darts and a playground give Gilpin Bridge Inn a sociable, family-friendly feel, 8.0 km from Kendal at Bridge End. The restaurant and bar serve guests on site, and there is a terrace and picnic-friendly grounds. Free parking and free wifi come as standard, with 945 reviews averaging 4.3 out of 5.
See Gilpin Bridge InnStonecross Manor Hotel
Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
- Lounge
Why stay hereAt 1.6 km from the centre, Stonecross Manor Hotel is one of the most central options here. A 24-hour front desk and free parking make arrival straightforward, while the restaurant and bar cover meals. Couples and families will find family rooms and cots available. Its 491 reviews average 4.2 out of 5.
See Stonecross Manor HotelThe Engine Inn
Station Road, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Travelling with pets
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereGuests who want water and countryside on the doorstep should look at The Engine Inn, 21.5 km from Kendal. Canoeing, fishing and water sports are all within its offering, and there is a garden and lounge for quieter hours. Pets are allowed, and the restaurant serves guests on site. It scores 4.1 out of 5 from 365 reviews.
See The Engine InnGrange Boutique Hotel
Kents Bank Road, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereA Jacuzzi, sauna and sea views set Grange Boutique Hotel apart, 18.0 km from Kendal. Kitchen and kitchenette facilities, including a dishwasher and microwave, suit longer self-catering stays, and pets are welcome. Free parking and free wifi are provided. Its 174 reviews average 3.7 out of 5.
See Grange Boutique HotelCastle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection
Castle Green Lane, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Spa
- Parking
Why stay hereCastle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection pairs an indoor pool and spa with a steam room, fitness centre and massage, 2.7 km from the centre. Air conditioning, a restaurant, bar and room service cover comfort and dining, with a 24-hour front desk and concierge for guests. Early reviews give it 4.6 out of 5.
See Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier CollectionGrange Hotel
Station Square, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereAn indoor pool, spa, sauna and Jacuzzi make Grange Hotel a spa-focused choice at Station Square, 17.1 km from Kendal. A restaurant, bar, room service and 24-hour front desk handle the essentials, and family rooms are available. Free parking and free wifi are included; its first guests rate it 4.0 out of 5.
See Grange HotelHillside Bed & Breakfast
4 Beast Banks, Kendal, United Kingdom
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA small bed and breakfast 0.8 km from the centre, Hillside puts guests within a short stroll of Kendal. Rooms are non-smoking and come with wifi, a TV, hairdryer and toiletries, so everything needed for a straightforward overnight stay is in place.
See Hillside Bed & BreakfastStation Inn
Oxenholme, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereStation Inn at Oxenholme, 4.0 km from the centre, offers family rooms, a garden and a playground, with darts in the bar. The restaurant and bar serve guests on site, pets are allowed, and there is free parking and free wifi. Housekeeping and luggage storage round off the stay.
See Station InnRomneys Apartments & Suites
72 Milnthorpe Road, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereApartments and suites with kitchen, oven, microwave and dishwasher make this a good fit for longer stays or families, 1.6 km from Kendal. Balconies, a patio and terrace add outdoor space, and the property is wheelchair accessible. Free parking and free wifi are included, with a restaurant and bar on site.
See Romneys Apartments & SuitesThe Glen Guest House
The Glen Oxenholme, Kendal, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA guest house at Oxenholme, 3.8 km from the centre, The Glen suits visitors who want family rooms, a garden and free parking. Rooms are non-smoking and come with wifi, a TV and hairdryer, and pets are allowed. Terraces and golf nearby add to the options for time outdoors.
See The Glen Guest House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Guest rating | Reviews | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watermill Inn & Brewing Co | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 815 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 8.5 km |
| The Punch Bowl | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 450 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 4.9 km |
| The Red Lion | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 214 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 22.1 km |
| The Gateway Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.4 | 752 | Yes | – | – | Yes | 2.3 km |
| The Inn At Grasmere | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 1,248 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 22.5 km |
| Gilpin Bridge Inn | ★★★★ | 4.3 | 945 | Yes | – | Yes | – | 8.0 km |
| Stonecross Manor Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.2 | 491 | Yes | Yes | – | – | 1.6 km |
| The Engine Inn | ★★★★ | 4.1 | 365 | – | – | – | Yes | 21.5 km |
| Grange Boutique Hotel | ★★★★ | 3.7 | 174 | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 18.0 km |
| Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection | ★★★★ | 4.6 | 8 | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 2.7 km |
| Grange Hotel | ★★★★ | 4.0 | 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 17.1 km |
| Hillside Bed & Breakfast | ★★★★ | – | – | – | – | – | – | 0.8 km |
| Station Inn | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 4.0 km |
| Romneys Apartments & Suites | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | – | 1.6 km |
| The Glen Guest House | ★★★★ | – | – | Yes | – | – | Yes | 3.8 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
The Punch Bowl has family rooms, a games room, a playground and a pool bar, and The Gateway Hotel, Stonecross Manor Hotel and Station Inn also list family rooms. The Glen Guest House adds family rooms in a quieter Oxenholme setting. The Punch Bowl is the strongest all-round choice for children, with 450 reviews at 4.6.
The Punch Bowl · Stonecross Manor Hotel · The Gateway Hotel · Station Inn · The Glen Guest House
Closest to the centre
Hillside Bed & Breakfast at 4 Beast Banks is the nearest, 0.8 km from the centre, and Stonecross Manor Hotel and Romneys Apartments & Suites are both on Milnthorpe Road at 1.6 km.
Hillside Bed & Breakfast · Stonecross Manor Hotel · Romneys Apartments & Suites
For train travellers
Station Inn and The Glen Guest House are both at Oxenholme, the village with Oxenholme Lake District railway station on the West Coast Main Line. Station Inn has parking, a restaurant and a playground; The Glen Guest House is quieter and also provides free parking. Both avoid a car journey from the station to your bed.
With a pool or spa
The Inn At Grasmere lists an indoor pool, sauna and spa alongside 1,248 reviews at 4.3, and Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection has an indoor pool, spa, steam room and fitness centre. Grange Hotel also has an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and spa.
The Inn At Grasmere · Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection · Grange Hotel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Kendal is accessible by road via the M6 motorway, with junctions 36 and 37 serving the town. Oxenholme Lake District railway station, about 2 miles from Kendal town centre, is on the West Coast Main Line with direct trains to London, Glasgow, and Manchester. Bus services connect Kendal with nearby towns and villages, including Windermere and Ambleside. Within Kendal, the town centre is compact and walkable, with local bus services providing access to the surrounding areas. Taxis are available, and cycling is popular on quieter routes. Kendal has several pay-and-display car parks in and around the town centre, including at Beezon Road, Blackhall Road, and South Lakeland House, and parking is also available at some hotels for guests.
When to go
The best time to visit Kendal is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the days are longer, ideal for exploring the Lake District. Summer can be busy, especially in July and August, so May, June, and September offer a balance of pleasant conditions and fewer crowds. Winter can be cold and wet, but the town is less crowded and still has its attractions open.
Questions, answered
Which hotels offer free parking?
Free car parking is listed at Watermill Inn & Brewing Co, The Punch Bowl, The Red Lion, The Gateway Hotel, The Inn At Grasmere, Gilpin Bridge Inn, Stonecross Manor Hotel, Grange Boutique Hotel, Station Inn and The Glen Guest House, among others. Romneys Apartments & Suites also includes free parking.
Can I bring a dog?
Pets are allowed at The Punch Bowl, The Red Lion, The Gateway Hotel, The Inn At Grasmere, The Engine Inn, Grange Boutique Hotel, Grange Hotel, Station Inn and The Glen Guest House. Check the individual property when you book, as policies can differ by room.
Which hotel is closest to Kendal town centre?
Hillside Bed & Breakfast at 4 Beast Banks is the closest on this shortlist, 0.8 km from the centre. Stonecross Manor Hotel and Romneys Apartments & Suites on Milnthorpe Road are next, both 1.6 km away, and The Gateway Hotel is 2.3 km out.
Which is the top-rated hotel here?
Watermill Inn & Brewing Co, The Punch Bowl and The Red Lion all score 4.6 out of 5, from 815, 450 and 214 reviews respectively.
Which hotels have a pool or spa?
The Inn At Grasmere has an indoor pool, sauna and spa. Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection has an indoor pool, spa, steam room and fitness centre. Grange Hotel has an indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and spa. The rest of the shortlist does not list these facilities.
Which hotels are best for families?
The Punch Bowl has family rooms, a games room, a playground and a pool bar, and it is 4.9 km from the centre. The Gateway Hotel, Stonecross Manor Hotel, Station Inn and The Glen Guest House also list family rooms. Romneys Apartments & Suites adds kitchens and family rooms if you prefer self-catering.
Do any hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Watermill Inn & Brewing Co, The Inn At Grasmere and Stonecross Manor Hotel, and breakfast in room is offered at The Inn At Grasmere, Stonecross Manor Hotel, Castle Green Hotel In Kendal BW Premier Collection and Grange Hotel. Most of the inns also have a restaurant.