Kendal Calling

Kendal Calling 2026

Taking place over four days in July 2026 at Lowther Deer Park near Hackthorpe, Cumberland, Kendal Calling is a vibrant music and arts festival set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District hills.

Music

Kendal Calling features a diverse lineup across more than a dozen stages, covering rock, pop, hip-hop, electronic, and folk music. Expect performances from chart-topping bands, world-class DJs, and emerging indie artists.

Entertainment

Beyond music, the festival offers stand-up comedy, theatre performances, and interactive art installations. The Lost Eden woodland area lights up with fire sculptures and glowing art, creating a magical atmosphere.

Family Friendly

The festival welcomes all ages with a dedicated Kids Zone offering crafts, games, and workshops, plus a quiet family camping area close to the main arena.

Food & Drink

A variety of food stalls serve wood-fired pizza, veggie curries, and more, while pop-up bars offer local ales, ciders, and cocktails to keep festival-goers refreshed.

Camping & Atmosphere

General camping is included with tickets, creating a friendly community vibe with fairy lights and sing-alongs. Boutique camping options like Deer Lodge provide extra comfort with pre-pitched tents and hot showers.

Public transport options are limited in this rural area, but you can reach Kendal Calling via train or coach. The nearest station is Penrith (North Lakes), about 7–8 miles from the site – a taxi from Penrith to Lowther Deer Park takes roughly 15 minutes. Penrith is on the main West Coast rail line, with frequent trains from Manchester (via Oxenholme), Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. From Penrith station you can take a local taxi or (if available) a shuttle bus directly to the festival. Regional buses connect Penrith and Kendal, but be aware that weekend and late-evening services may be sparse, so plan your journey in advance.

By car, Kendal Calling is easiest to reach from the M6. If you’re coming from the south (e.g. Manchester or Lancaster), exit the M6 at Junction 40 and head towards Penrith/Kendal on the A66/A6. If coming from the north (Scotland), exit at Junction 39 and continue on the A6 south. Watch for Kendal Calling road signs near Hackthorpe; these will guide you to the entrance. Onsite parking is available (buy a parking pass in advance if required). Traffic around Penrith can get heavy on Friday, so allow extra travel time or arrive earlier if possible. Many visitors also car-share to save on fuel and parking.

For air travelers, Manchester Airport (about 70–80 miles south) is the closest major airport and is roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive. Liverpool and Leeds-Bradford airports are also about 2 hours away, and Glasgow or Newcastle roughly 2–3 hours. After arriving, the simplest way to reach the festival is usually by car. You could rent a car at the airport or take a train toward Penrith followed by a taxi. No airport is very close, so be prepared for the final leg of travel – and remember that Cumbria's roads are winding, so factor in extra driving time especially at night.

For accommodation, most attendees camp on site – general camping is included with your ticket. If you prefer a bed, the closest town is Penrith (10–15 minute drive) with several hotels, inns and B&Bs. Kendal (about 30 minutes away) has even more lodging options. These fill up very quickly for festival weekends, so book early. There are also cottages, farm stays and hostels in the scenic Lake District; just remember that if you stay off-site you'll need reliable transport each day. In short: plan ahead, reserve your spot and allow extra time for each journey to and from Kendal Calling.