Abbot Hall Kendal
Abbot Hall is a Georgian, Grade I Listed Art Gallery on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal, a historic market town known as the gateway to the Lake District. Overlooked by the ruins of Kendal Castle, the gallery sits next to Kendal Parish Church, creating a scenic and historically rich setting.
Easily accessible on foot from Kendal station or a short drive from Oxenholme Lake District station, Abbot Hall boasts two floors of fine art. The collection spans historic, modern, and contemporary works, featuring celebrated artists such as Dame Barbara Hepworth, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, George Romney, Bridget Riley, Joan Eardley, Charmaine Watkiss, Lucian Freud, Stanley Spencer, and many more.
A Historic Home for the Arts
Part of the Lakeland Arts charity, Abbot Hall receives funding from Arts Council England and is dedicated to preserving and promoting visual culture. Hosting temporary exhibitions, creative events, and community activities throughout the year, it remains one of Britain’s finest small art galleries.
Visitors can relax at the coffee bar, which serves light lunches, cakes, and hot drinks, or browse the gift shop for prints, original artwork by local artists, and an expertly curated selection of books. The setting inside the elegantly proportioned rooms of this Grade I listed building enhances the experience.
Among the gallery’s historical portraits is a striking painting by John Bracken, depicting Lady Anne Clifford, a significant historical figure in Cumbria’s heritage.
2025 Exhibitions at Abbot Hall
Abbot Hall’s 2025 exhibition lineup presents a compelling mix of historic, modern, and contemporary works, reflecting a diverse narrative of people and place.
Exhibiting artists range from 17th-century painters to modern visionaries. Highlights include pieces by George Romney, Dame Barbara Hepworth, Lucian Freud, and Charmaine Watkiss.
The ground floor galleries are designed to be interactive and engaging, encouraging visitors to reflect, question, and connect with the artworks. For a more in-depth experience, the Abbot Hall digital guide, available on the Bloomberg app, provides behind-the-scenes insights while exploring the collection.
Masterpieces on Display
A key highlight is a renowned portrait by George Romney, The Gower Family: The Children of Granville, 2nd Earl Gower. This large group portrait is considered one of his most celebrated works and is a focal point of the Lakeland Arts collection.
Another standout piece is The Great Picture, a historical triptych illustrating the accomplishments and lineage of Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676). Created during the English Civil War, this painting is one of the few artworks from the period that celebrates a woman’s legacy.
The Art Collections at Abbot Hall
As one of Northern England’s largest collections, Abbot Hall’s holdings are nationally significant, featuring an extensive array of historic, modern, and contemporary artworks.
A Focus on Landscape and Modern British Art
Over 50% of the collection consists of landscape paintings, showcasing the natural beauty and evolving artistic interpretations of the Lake District and beyond.
The strong Modern British collection includes renowned artists such as Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, and Paula Rego. Additionally, the gallery houses works by European Modernist Kurt Schwitters (1887-1948), who spent part of his later years in Kendal.
Beyond paintings, Abbot Hall boasts 3,000+ works on paper, featuring JMW Turner’s and John Ruskin’s watercolors alongside contemporary pieces by Charmaine Watkiss, Andy Goldsworthy, and Emma Stibbon.
Abbot Hall’s Facilities and Nearby Attractions
A visit to Abbot Hall is enhanced by its welcoming facilities and proximity to other cultural sites.
- Gift Shop & Coffee Bar. Find art-inspired gifts, books, and locally crafted pieces, or enjoy a relaxing break with refreshments.
- Accessibility & Outdoor Spaces. Disabled-friendly facilities are available, along with an idyllic riverside picnic area.
- Museum of Lakeland Life. Located in the former stable block of Abbot Hall, this museum showcases Cumbria’s rural history, with displays of farming tools, traditional trades, and social life over the last 300 years. (currently closed for renovation)
- Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House. Now also under Lakeland Arts’ stewardship, this architectural gem, designed by Baillie Scott, is located near Bowness-on-Windermere.
- Find many more interesting places to visit in and near Kendal on the South Cumbria and South Lakes section menus
- See more Art Galleries in Cumbria
Planning Your Visit to Abbot Hall
Abbot Hall offers a rich cultural experience for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike.
Opening Times 2025
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Admission Prices 2025
- Adults: £12
- Students: £9
- Children (5-15 years): £6
- Children (0-4 years): Free
- Family ticket: from £20
- Lakeland Arts Members & National Art Pass Holders: Free
Parking & Accessibility
- Pay-and-display parking is available in the Abbot Hall car park
- Blue Badge parking spaces are provided for accessible access
Contact Information
- Abbot Hall, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL
- Phone: 01539 637940
- Email: info@lakelandarts.org.uk
- Website: www.abbothall.org.uk
Explore Kendal and Abbot Hall
Located in the heart of Kendal, Abbot Hall is a must-visit destination for those exploring the Lake District.
The location marker for Abbot Hall is shown on the map below. By entering your dates, you can explore available accommodation options, including nearby hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering stays, through Booking.com. By booking through Visit Cumbria, you are helping to sustain an invaluable independent resource, which provides over 1,500 free information pages for visitors.
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Aerial image Simon Leddingham. Exterior image Visit Cumbria. Interior images Abbot Hall.