to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Written by: Amanda S
Date posted: 21 August, 2025
From the market town of Alston in the north to Barrow-in-Furness in the south, Westmorland & Furness is a beautiful part of Cumbria with captivating landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. Across the region you’ll find plenty of world class cultural venues, historic attractions and hidden gems – providing lots of great options for brilliant days out.
Jump to: Heritage Open Days || Events & Exhibitions || Take in a Show || Christmas
.jpg)
Heritage Open Days
Taking place every September, Heritage Open Days (12 – 21 September 2025) is a national festival of history and culture, offering people the chance to enjoy new experiences…for free! Lots of venues across Westmorland & Furness are taking part - here’s a taste of what’s on.
Farfield Mill, Sedbergh
12 – 14 and 17 - 21 September
Discover the textile heritage of Sedbergh at this former Victorian textile mill: there will be weaving demonstrations, a heritage trail and children’s quiz.
Hawkshead Grammar School
13 & 14, 20 & 21 September
Enjoy tours of Hawkshead Grammar School’s Library and learn more about the students who used the books, including former student William Wordsworth.
Brougham Hall
15, 17, 20 September
Enjoy guided walking tours (2pm) around Brougham Hall to learn more about its history and future.
The Armitt Museum
20 September
Enjoy free entry to the exhibitions at The Armitt Museum in Ambleside, and head off on an architecture-themed eye-spy trail.
Quaker Tapestry Museum
20 September
Visit the Quaker Tapestry Museum, Kendal – there’s free entry, and curator talks at 11am and 2pm on the museum’s special “Sampled Styles” exhibition.
Several National Trust properties are taking part in the Heritage Open days, including:
Allan Bank
16 September
Take a guided heritage tour of the National Trust’s Allan Bank to discover the fascinating architectural history of this unique house, whose former inhabitants include William Wordsworth and Canon Rawnsley.
Townend
16 & 17 September
Located at Troutbeck, celebrate Townend being opened by the National Trust in 1948 with two 1940s themed days.
Sizergh
17 & 18 September
Take a guided walk around Sizergh's grounds and estate with a knowledgeable guide. Discover ancient archaeology, vibrant nature and investigate the typical architecture of a Lakeland farm.
Acorn Bank
20 September
See Acorn Bank’s 19th Century Watermill in action – and sample some of the delicious products made with the flour it produces! You can also try your hand at making flour with a hand quern or get creative on the Art Table.
Back to Top
Autumn Events & Exhibitions
Look ahead to autumn, with plenty of arts & culture events and exhibitions taking place across Westmorland & Furness.
Wings over Windermere
5 & 6 September
An exact replica of Waterbird, the UK’s first successful seaplane, is set to take to the skies over Windermere this September. View the flight from Brockhole on the banks of Windermere and learn more about history of Waterbird at a free permanent exhibition in Windermere Library.
Sketch & Stroll at Abbot Hall Gallery
6 September & 4 October
Head off on an inspiring guided tour of Abbot Hall Gallery in Kendal. Accompanied by an artist-guide, wander through the gallery and capture your observations, with tips and techniques offered along the way. Everyone is welcome, with no sketching experience needed.
Open Studios & Art Trail with Eden Valley Artistic Network (EVAN)
6 - 21 September
Artists across the area throw open their doors as part of the free Art Trail and Open Studios of the Eden Valley Artistic Network (EVAN). Visit the EVAN Gallery in Penrith to see paintings and sculpture made by local artists, and head off on an Art Trail for the opportunity to visit them in their studios at home and see how they work first hand.
Flower Therapy at Levens Hall
Until 5 October
An outdoor art exhibition in the wilderness gardens of Levens Hall, featuring the work of local artist Bob Sutcliffe. Admission to the exhibition is included in the normal admission price. Once you’ve wandered the house & grounds, refuel with coffee and cake at the popular on-site café, Levens Kitchen.
Dave A Barrow Lad at The Dock Museum
Until 5 October
"Dave - a Barrow lad" is a must-see exhibition at The Dock Museum in Barrow, dedicated to the life of Hairy Biker – and Barrow local – Dave Myers. On display are many of the popular TV personality’s much loved and personal possessions from his amazing life.
In Bud and Bloom at Rheged
Until 5 October
Contemporary artworks from 43 UK artists are on display at this exhibition showcasing the vibrant world of Cumbrian gardens - think paintings, ceramics, installations and more.
Rawlinson 350 Exhibition at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
Until 31 October
Explore the founding of the Hawkshead Grammar School library by ex-pupil, Daniel Rawlinson 350 years ago! See books from its unique collection on display for the first time – many of which inspired former pupil William Wordsworth.
Order out of Chaos: The Beauty of Flowers by Piers Williams at Brantwood, Coniston
Until 10 November
See a solo exhibition of flower paintings by artist Piers Williams, held at the former home of Victorian art critic John Ruskin overlooking Coniston water.
Alfred Wainwright Exhibition at The Armitt Museum
Until 20 December
2025 marks the 70th anniversary of The Eastern Fells, Wainwright's first Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. To celebrate, delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at this exhibition dedicated to the legendary walker and guidebook author.
Back to Top
Take in a Show
Want to catch a theatre performance or enjoy some live music? There’s lots to choose from!
Much Ado About Nothing at Brougham Hall
5 September
Performed by the HandleBards, this open air performance of Shakespeare’s iconic play features riotous amounts of energy, chaos and laughter, performed in the grounds of Brougham Hall.
Mike Garry & The Cassia String Quartet The Forum on Tour at Barrow Town Hall
5 September
Mike Garry has toured the world as support to John Cooper Clarke and performed with the likes of New Order. He heads to Barrow for a night of powerful poetry set to live music.
Rosie Jones: I Can't Tell What She's Saying at Brewery Arts, Kendal
12 September
An evening of stand up comedy from Taskmaster star and BAFTA nominee Rosie Jones, who brings her brand new show to Kendal.
Planet Mirth – Comedy as seen on TV at The Coro, Ulverston
26 September
Four award-winning, Edinburgh Festival-storming, prime time TV-smashing, rib-splitting, side-tickling, extremely funny acts perform in Ulverston this September.
Just Macbeth at The Old Laundry Theatre
16 October
The perfect show for Shakespeare lovers and sceptics alike, this hilarious take on a classic sees three hapless students transported back to medieval Scotland in “the stupidest Macbeth on stage” – sure to have you in stitches!
Damien O'Kane & Ron Block at The Forum on Tour at Barrow Town Hall
19 October
Two of the world's finest banjo players, Damien O'Kane and Ron Block, come to Barrow for a night of electrifying Irish and Bluegrass music
Back to Top
.jpg)
Look ahead to Christmas
It may seem like a while away, but the festive season will soon be here – and Christmas in the Lake District, Cumbria is magical. Save the date for your festive diary, with several seasonal events already in the calendar.
Winter at Sizergh
21 November to 24 December
Winter at Sizergh is back with exciting and interactive additions to the enchanting light trail. See the house decorated for Christmas and enjoy festive treats in the cafe.
Three Little Pigs at Brewery Arts in Kendal
20 to 28 December
A joyful retelling of a classic tale - this is high-octane family theatre that will make you howl!
Christmas Carols with Grasmere Glee
Sunday 30 November & Sunday 7 December
Experience the festive spirit at Allan Bank as voices fill the air with music.
Christmas music from Harps North West
Sunday 14 December
Hear live Christmas music performed by a harp quartet from Harps North West, performed at Allan Bank
Christmas at Townend
5-6, 12-13, 19-20 December
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas, complete with roaring fire and festival foliage.
Wherever you to choose to visit you’ll be assured of a warm welcome and some fascinating stories. Join us and discover our rich cultural landscape. Head to visitlakedistrict.com/letsgoculture and plan your trip.
Back to Top
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
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Ratings Powered By
© Cumbria Tourism