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Beauty, brains and exceedingly good taste: the Lake District, Cumbria is the full package. Here we celebrate a living culture that incorporates the past but is rooted firmly in the present. Our history - ancient and more recent - is alive and well in the very Cumbrian landscape, but you can interpret it in our impressive collection of museums that tell Cumbria’s story - from prehistory right through to the modern age.
There’s an impressive list of radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who found inspiration here – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters, Josefina de Vasconcellos and Andy Goldsworthy. You can walk in their footsteps, visit their homes and explore the rich creative life built on their exceptional heritage.
You can see and feel it within a few short miles: as well as museums and heritage centres there are scores of galleries, exhibitions and artists’ studios; there’s artworks in the mountains and forests; a packed, year-round programme of live theatre performances, independent cinemas and festivals celebrating all manner of creative endeavours, from music to local craft. And yes, we have lots of traditional performance venues, but there’s a particular thrill in attending a show on an outdoor stage in a spectacular setting.
Inspiration
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Long House Studios is a small, friendly, independent art school offering intensive and immersive…
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Experience adventure at Keswick Mountain Festival (16-18 May 2025) with trail runs, hikes,…
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found
Number of results: 53
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Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Kentmere
Long House Studios is a small, friendly, independent art school offering intensive and immersive Art Courses for adults and young people. Courses run for 3-5 days in the beautiful Kentmere valley.
Barrow-in-Furness
BarrowFull is an arts organisation led by Barrow-based partners with the aim of increasing participation in the arts. We work with the people of Barrow, enabling creative experiences to happen across the town including a vibrant programme of public…
Stramongate, Kendal
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.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Penrith
An unrivalled range of 1,2 and 3 day courses in the Arts, Crafts, Heritage skills, Baking, Textiles, Raku pottery, Wood /Stone carving, Willow & Wire, Ceramics, Glass, Silver and much much more.
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 1 - 10 August 2024.
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…
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.
Kendal
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…
Crosby-on-Eden
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation Museum has something to offer. Based on the site of RAF Crosby-on-Eden, a former WWII fighter base, the museum has been painstakingly created by a team…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL