Business Details
32 Years
experience
Explore the Quaker Tapestry in Kendal
Founded in 1994, our museum preserves and showcases the Quaker Tapestry, a remarkable collection of 77 embroidered panels spanning 350 years of social history. The tapestry was created between 1981 and 1996 through the collaborative efforts of over 4,000 individuals from 15 countries, aged 3 to 93. Our permanent home in Kendals historic Quaker Meeting House provides a unique space for visitors to explore interactive displays, films, and audio guides that bring Quaker history to life.We offer family-friendly activities, a fully accessible caf, and a gift shop featuring exclusive embroidery-related merchandise. As a registered charity, we are committed to making Quaker heritage accessible to all through educational programs, community events, and special exhibitions. Our venue also hosts room hire opportunities and workshops, ensuring the legacy of the Quaker movement remains relevant to modern audiences.
Services
Museum Entry
Gift Shop
Garden Cafe
Room Hire
Family Activities
Guided Tours
Photographic Prints
Craft Workshops
Accessibility Services
Event Hosting
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer interactive displays and family activities for all ages
- Our museum is fully accessible with a dedicated car park
- We provide exclusive embroidery-related merchandise and workshops
- Awarded Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2025
- We operate as a registered charity with community-focused programming
What people say
Interactive displays
Family activities
Fully accessible
Unique experience
Educational value
Services
Museum Entry
Explore 77 embroidered panels documenting Quaker history from the 17th century to modern social reform. Our interactive displays, audio guides, and family activities make history accessible to all ages. Located in Kendals historic Quaker Meeting House, the museum offers a unique educational experience through textiles.
Gift Shop
Discover exclusive embroidery-related merchandise including books, crafting materials, and souvenirs. Our shop features items inspired by the tapestry collection, from postcards to specialist stitching guides. All purchases support our charitys educational programs and conservation efforts.
Garden Cafe
Relax in our peaceful garden cafe serving homemade meals, light bites, and refreshments. The accessible dining space provides a welcoming environment for visitors to enjoy locally sourced produce. Proceeds support museum operations and community outreach initiatives.
Room Hire
Host events in our historic Quaker Meeting House with flexible spaces for conferences, workshops, and celebrations. The venue combines period features with modern amenities, including a walled Peace Garden and accessible facilities. Available year-round for community and commercial bookings.
Family Activities
Engage children with hands-on textile activities, toy collections, and interactive exhibits. Our family-friendly programs include stitching workshops and historical storytelling sessions. Designed to make Quaker history accessible and entertaining for younger visitors through play-based learning.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm) from April-November. Winter hours vary - check our website for current details.
Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, we have step-free access via Stramongate entrance, accessible toilets, and designated parking. Our exhibitions are designed for all mobility levels.
Can I bring school groups for educational visits?
Yes, we offer tailored school programs with guided tours and hands-on activities. Book group visits through our website or contact us directly.
How was the Quaker Tapestry created?
Over 4,000 people from 15 countries contributed between 1981-1996, creating 77 panels using traditional embroidery techniques and the unique Quaker stitch.
Are there dining facilities on-site?
Our Garden Cafe serves homemade meals, snacks, and drinks daily. The accessible space includes outdoor seating in our walled Peace Garden.
Reviews (5)
Cheryl Orme
Oct 02, 2019
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Lovely tapestries depicting Quaker history , very helpful staff & lots of hands on things for younger children to interact with
James Eroom
Aug 21, 2019
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Fantastic tapestry and really lovely members of staff, especially the chap who we bought our tickets from. It's a very tranquil place to visit and the audio tour was great too. I think the major religions should take a leaf out of the Quaker book. The world would be a much more peaceful place, that's for sure!
Irene Short
May 16, 2017
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77 beautiful embroidered tapestry panels started in 1981. Essentially a history of Quakers but more importantly, as we live in pretty dark times, an inspiring reminder of the essential goodness in most people… and the values of compassion, honesty and equality which make for a decent society. I am a Humanist, not a Quaker and came away more hopeful.
Susan Lythgoe
Dec 02, 2016
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An excellent project, the story needs telling, and this is a traditional Kendalian way to tell it. Well done, whoever thought of it!
Sheila Speak
Feb 16, 2015
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Definitely recommend a visit, the panels beautifully depict the social history as seen through the Quaker eyes. Had a quick glimpse at the new display today "Money, Shoes, Chocolate and all that" or as some of the staff have called it "What every woman wants !"
