This 18th century town house situated next to the parish church in Kendal, is now home to an excellent Art Gallery and the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry.

Both the Museum of Lakeland Life and the Abbot Hall Art Gallery are open daily from 10.30am to 5pm.

The Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry re-creates everyday life in the Lake District from the 17th century to the 19th century, with such delights as traditional interiors and demonstrations of rural crafts.

There is also an interesting section on local author Arthur Ransome who is best remembered for his children’s story Swallows and Amazons.

The Abbot Hall Art Gallery is home to some excellent works by English painters such as Constable and Turner, as well as pieces by local artists.

And particularly interesting is the section devoted to the furniture making of local firm Gillows of Lancaster whose beautiful furniture graced the ocean liners the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth.