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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.
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
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…
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
Extended until Sunday 16 March! 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance…
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 54
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
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.
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975 reviewsW Strand, Whitehaven
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular…
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…
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528 reviewsSedbergh
The Graduation Show of the ArtyBird Carnforth Fellowship group who are intertwined through strong, supportive bonds of friendship and shared creativity. The exhibition reflects individuality within the cohesive group.
Farfield Mill is open Wednesday…
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.
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1670 reviewsSedbergh
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days playing amongst the derelict mills that are our industrial heritage. After travelling extensively, I returned to my hometown and the rugged and remote…
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!
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…
Newby Bridge
A new home interiors and renovation event that showcases the huge range of expert, independent
businesses and artisan craftsmanship within Cumbria will launch next Spring. Media stars and
upholsterers, Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke, (BBC's Money for…
Ambleside
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt museum from February to December 2025.
The Armitt museum and Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia are thrilled to announce a collaborative and…
Penrith
A unique cross over between Bloomsbury and Arts & Crafts George and Ruth Mallory described themselves as artists as well as climbers.
They were of course exceptional climbers (both of them) but they are also uniquely at the cross over point…
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.
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.
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7 reviewsSedbergh
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
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.
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891 reviewsWhitehaven
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…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
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.
Hawkshead, 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.
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