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Explore the vibrant cultural scene across Westmorland & Furness. Home to many historical attractions and cultural venues, this beautiful area stretches across Cumbria from Alston in the north to Barrow in the far southwest.
Cultural Heritage in Westmorland & Furness
The captivating landscapes of the region have been an inspiration to countless artists and writers over the years including Wordsworth, JMW Turner, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, and their legacy lives on in many cultural and heritage attractions.
Today you will find the talents of a new generation of creatives showcased alongside those of our heritage greats.
Explore what’s now on offer across the region:
Things to do in Eden
Discover the mining and industrial heritage in and around the villages of Alston and Nenthead high up in the North Pennines.
Down in the Eden Valley and around Penrith you’ll find peaceful countryside dotted with fascinating ruins of ancient castles, traditional market towns and thriving communities of artists and artisans exhibiting in local galleries. Finally, immerse yourself in history with a visit to one of the areas outstanding historic homes and gardens.
Things to do in the South Lakes
Between the lakes, mountains and coastline of this stunning area, you’ll find everything from art galleries and creative workshops to music and theatre productions.
Get to know the radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who were inspired by the enchanting views across the South Lakes and visit the special places where they used to live and work. A fantastic collection of museums and country houses also bring local heritage to life with plenty of things to see and do.
Things to do in Furness
Located on the southern tip of Cumbria, the Furness peninsula is a unique place home to an intriguing history – from Viking settlers to submarine builders, get ready to uncover the area’s remarkable story. A vibrant programme of festivals and events also offers a brilliant way to connect with the local community.
Events & Creative Activities
Many cultural venues offer a varied and captivating programme of events to enhance your visit.
Enjoy live music, theatre or poetry, learn a new skill at a creative workshop, visit an interactive exhibition or attend a talk by a local expert – there’s plenty to discover and something to keep everyone entertained.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – FIND OUT MORE
Join us and immerse yourself in our rich arts, heritage and culture – along the way you’ll be sure to enjoy some superb experiences and create lasting memories.
Don’t forget to share your days out via #LetsGoCulture
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Interactive map of venues
Click on any of the dots to find out more
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 43
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Brougham Avenue, Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
01768 868184Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Address
Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HHTelephone
01931 712192Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
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Address
Hutton in the Forest, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9THTelephone
017684 84449Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
Address
Wordsworth Grasmere, Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SHTelephone
+44(0) 15394 35544Grasmere
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Regency England with an exclusive, curator-led experience of Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets.
Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
Address
National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QBTelephone
015394 35143Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
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Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
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Address
Furness Abbey, Manor Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PJTelephone
01229 823420Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Address
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LBTelephone
015394 32628Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Address
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 1 - 10 August 2025.
For 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like no other in this…
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Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539 621958Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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Address
Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TATelephone
015395 30400Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.Address
Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BTTelephone
01539 815597Kendal
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…
Address
Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JTTelephone
015396 37940Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
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Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
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