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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.
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
The Hive is a fully licensed events venue in a restored Wesleyan Chapel in Nenthead, offering pop…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
We are proud to be working with our friends from Barrow Full to bring you our next temporary…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Crash! Bang! Kapow! COMICS: The Famous & Forgotten tells the story of comic art in Britain – from…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District.…
SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…
Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local…
This autumn, Abbot Hall presents Boat Works, a solo exhibition by Turner Prize-winner Simon…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
As Rheged celebrates 25 years of culture, discover the work of 25 exceptional Cumbrian artists…


You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

Number of results: 46
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Kendal
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of 18th-21st century art and hosts exhibitions. The…
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Grasmere
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of modern printmaking. Women in Print draws inspiration from the life and legacy of Gwyneth Alban Davis, whose values of community, resilience, and…
Brampton
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders, Eden Valley, and English Lake District, so it should be no surprise that we have a wealth of artistic talent to call upon.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
W Strand, Whitehaven
Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led exhibition. Marking the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, Service, Solidarity and Sacrifice shines a light on the extraordinary courage of…
Barrow-in-Furness
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local stories of fragility & survival - of nature, of people - in South Cumbria. Through sound, film, images and words, an unseen, unheard world emerges. A world…
Hawkshead
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…
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.
Nr Kendal
Head to the Great Barn at Sizergh to see an exhibition from a creative collective of artists, inspired by soil.
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.
Nr Kendal
Discover documentary photographer Joanne Coates's powerful exhibition about women in agriculture in Holeslack barn, on Sizergh's estate.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour.
The exhibition follows her evolution from monochrome pieces to vibrant, intricate designs, featuring her latest collection Unfixing, rarely seen archive…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This exhibition of paintings and photography celebrates the people, stories and heritage of Windermere — from boatbuilders and our conservation team to community…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
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