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From art galleries to museums and independent theatres, there are plenty of places to discover culture in the South Lakes. Learn about the lives of creatives like William Wordsworth and John Ruskin and see the places that inspired them. Visit world-class museums telling the story of our area; take part in arts and crafts workshops and create your own masterpiece; enjoy theatrical productions or catch a movie; and immerse yourself in our rich arts and heritage scene.
Across this beautiful part of Cumbria, you’ll find plenty to explore. Traditional country houses and Lakeland cottages once inhabited by some of the South Lakes’ most iconic figures are now open to the public, with exhibitions showcasing their lives and works. There are impressive gardens to stroll through, too, including the world’s oldest topiary gardens. Historic buildings and modern structures alike house fascinating museums, offering the chance to delve deeper into our past. Learn about our famous lakes and waters, and discover natural history and ancient artefacts.
There are art galleries featuring pieces from local and international names, as well as the opportunity to visit artist’s studios and speak with the makers. Theatres offer a vibrant calendar of performances from opera to kid’s shows, brought to the stage by local, national and international companies.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or visiting solo, there’s something for all to enjoy in South Lakeland. Many attractions host children’s activities during school holidays, while a fantastic programme of exhibitions and shows keeps things fresh – there’s always something new to see or do. Plus, onsite cafes mean you can make a day of it with breakfast, lunch, or coffee and cake. Join us and discover a rich arts and culture heritage in the South Lakes: you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to provide pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, 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.
Number of results: 26
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Grasmere
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.
Address
The Roxy, Brogden Street, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7AHTelephone
01229 582292Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Address
Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BNWindermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Address
Levens Hall, Gardens & Kitchen, Levens, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 0PDTelephone
015395 60321Kendal
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
Wordsworth's best loved family home for 37 years. It was here that he wrote many of his poems. He became Poet Laureate to Queen Victoria at the age of 74 and was his most successful.
Kendal
ONE OF THE UK'S OLDEST MUSEUMS, where History and Nature meet
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.
Address
Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41164Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace, and discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking museum in the Lakes', Rough Guide - all editions.
Address
Windermere Jetty Museum, Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BNTelephone
07494093741Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere
A unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary farmers, through photography, products, film and words. Created by photographer and farmer Amy Bateman.
£9 adult, £4.50 child (5-16yrs). Annual pass and family tickets…
Address
The Studio, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SXTelephone
015394 35280Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Address
Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BTTelephone
01539 815597Kendal
Mike Healey's exciting new exhibition contains over forty exhibits and will bring a splash of colour and some surreal 'jeopardy' to Kendal and beyond. Surrealism is indeed 'alive and well' - here in Kendal!
ULVERSTON
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
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.
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
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JATelephone
015394 33250Ambleside
A mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Windermere. Empty of original furniture, this is a place for all the family to enjoy. Join a guided tour to learn more about the castle's colourful history.
Address
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JTTelephone
015394 46139Windermere
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.
Address
Crag Bow, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BXTelephone
01539440872Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Address
Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Colton Hill, Finsthwaite, Lakeside, Cumbria, LA12 8AXTelephone
01539 531087Finsthwaite, Lakeside
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and produced millions of wooden bobbins, vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
Address
Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4BHTelephone
01539 722975Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
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