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The Lake District, Cumbria, has provided inspiration for a whole host of artists throughout the years, so it may come as no surprise that we’ve got a rich arts and crafts scene across the area! Here, you’ll find a range of art galleries and exhibition spaces that host an ever-changing calendar of works in virtually every medium.
Discover pieces by local and nationally known artists at venues including independent galleries and studios, to museums and seasonal fairs. Some offer the chance to take a piece home with you, while others host regularly changing exhibitions as well as permanent art collections.
There’s even the opportunity to check out art in the great outdoors: there’s a sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest, for example, as well as open air exhibitions as part of festivals and events throughout the year.
If you fancy trying it for yourself, several galleries and studios also host workshops and classes. Often, you’ll be able to get inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of your venue as you learn a new skill or hone existing abilities.
As well as viewing some fantastic art pieces, here in Cumbria we also invite you to explore the studios and workshops where that work was made; and even meet the artists who create it.
Keep an eye out, too, for touring exhibitions to see something a little different while in the Lake District, Cumbria. Discover our galleries and exhibitions below.
Snowdrops Fibre Art Workshop with Wendy Ann Stanger Sunday 23 February 10am - 4pm £65 plus £5 for…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
The Sizergh estate hosts a collection of ancient trees, from 150-year-old birch trees to a…
About the event Set to unfold over 2 days, this course will give you the confidence to create your…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Tartan Weaving Workshop with Jan Beadle Thursday 20 February 10am - 4pm £75 plus £5 on the day for…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
Extended until Sunday 16 March! 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
Since 2023, Handpicked productions have been busy working on their National Lottery Heritage Fund…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 57
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Carlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Sedbergh
Sue Lancaster is a well-known as a textile artist working in machine embroidery, but her work starts well in advance of the production in stitch. In 'What's the Point' Sue will be exploring landscapes in a variety of media – it will be view point…
Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
Whitehaven
Since 2023, Handpicked productions have been busy working on their National Lottery Heritage Fund funded project, Sekers Objects. With your help they've looked under beds, peeked in sheds and scoured mantle pieces, collecting objects that tell the…
Barrow-in-Furness
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to tell the stories of the men and women who made Barrow great and a world leader in engineering. There is so much to do and see in the gallery including…
Sedbergh
A coming-together of four very different artists/makers based in Cumbria – who all assemble ideas, subject matter, and materials to create harmonious objects and paintings.
Visitors will see an array of abstract painting using paint and mixed media…
Sedbergh
This new body of work explores the ever-changing Lakeland landscape. The work is abstract, painted from memory and includes familiar shapes; field patterns on the fellside, ancient gate stoops weathered by the elements, a hog hole in a wall, the…
Carlisle
We're hosting the Missing Lynx Exhibition, visiting local venues in the project area so that people can find out about this missing mammal and share their views on a potential lynx reintroduction.
The free, family-friendly exhibition is touring…
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
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.
Sedbergh
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation that may lead to action and ultimately, positive change.
If you had no access to pharmaceutical medicine, would you know what to forage for in…
Sedbergh
Each summer at ArtyBird, we film our Creative Textile suite of courses. Soon my shell became the focus and star of them – surprising us on how inspiring just one shell can be.
This is a special shell, one that my husband brought me back from his…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Sedbergh
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the inspiration for the work entered into the competition from internationally renowned textiles artists. There is a stunning array of figurative and…
Sedbergh
Sue Bibby designs and makes with fabric, stitch and her trusty Bernina sewing machine. Her first love is drawing, and her work begins with first-hand observation and sketches. She never ventures far without a sketch book and find gardens and…
Windermere
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.
Brampton
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes 'Exploring 20's' describes his approach to painting.
At any stage Stephen will have 5 or 6 on the go and works on them in turn as his ideas about them…
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