Dog Exercise Area Green Lane
Kendal
Lake District · Cumbria · Dog Park Guide 2025
Dog Parks in Kendal
Kendal is gateway to the Lake District on the River Kent. This guide covers the best places to walk your dog near Kendal - from council parks and recreation grounds to the spectacular countryside on the doorstep.
Dog Walking in Kendal at a glance
Castle Hill, Abbot Hall Park, Serpentine Woods. Castle Hill offers open grassland and panoramic views. Serpentine Woods behind the castle is an excellent free off-lead woodland trail
What dog walking is like near Kendal
Kendal sits in the heart of Lake District - gateway to the Lake District on the River Kent. For dog owners this is excellent news: most of the region qualifies as open access land where dogs are permitted, giving you access to a much wider variety of terrain than you'd typically find in lowland England.
Within the town itself, castle hill, abbot hall park, serpentine woods. These complement the wider countryside perfectly - use the town parks for a quick weekday walk and the countryside for longer weekend adventures.
Open access land near Kendal
Castle Hill offers open grassland and panoramic views. Serpentine Woods behind the castle is an excellent free off-lead woodland trail Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, dogs are permitted on open access land (mapped as open land on OS Explorer maps) but must be kept on a short lead near livestock from 1 March to 31 July or when young animals are present. Always use the OS Maps app to identify access land before you set off.
Kendal dog parks in our directory
Verified listings - click any park for facilities, conditions and directions.
Dog Exercise Area Green Lane
Kendal
Tips for dog walking near Kendal
Download the OS Maps app before heading into the Lake District countryside. It shows open access land boundaries, public rights of way, and livestock grazing fields - essential for planning safe off-lead walks.
Livestock is common near Kendal. Always put your dog on a short lead when approaching or passing sheep, cattle, or horses - even if your dog is generally well behaved with animals.
Carry water for your dog on longer countryside walks - natural streams exist but water quality can vary. Many rural pubs and cafés near Kendal are dog-friendly and happy to provide a bowl of water.
Parking near popular countryside spots around Kendal can be limited on summer weekends. Arrive early or use local Pay & Display car parks in the town itself and walk out to the countryside from there.