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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.
A multimedia exhibition at the Dock Museum from 5th December to 23rd February exploring local…
SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…
This autumn, Abbot Hall presents Boat Works, a solo exhibition by Turner Prize-winner Simon…
Tapestry of the North: Our Textile Heritage is an open, non-juried exhibition, hosted by the…
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District.…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days…
The Hive is a fully licensed events venue in a restored Wesleyan Chapel in Nenthead, offering pop…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
As Rheged celebrates 25 years of culture, discover the work of 25 exceptional Cumbrian artists…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…


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

Number of results: 74
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Hawkshead, Ambleside
Explore the founding of the school library by ex-pupil, Daniel Rawlinson 350 years ago!
For the first time, books from this unique collection will be displayed to explore the cultural, social, religious and political climate of 17th Century England…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Discover the work of pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur Annie Garnett, a leading figure in the British Arts & Crafts Movement.
Step into the vibrant world of Annie Garnett, a pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur of the British…
Barrow-in-Furness
We are delighted to bring to you an exhibition all about Dave Myers at the Museum. It will open on Friday June 20th to coincide with Dave Day 2.
"Dave - a Barrow lad" is a must see exhibition displaying many of his much loved and personal…
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…
20-24 Front St, Brampton
Cumbria Sculptors are a diverse and talented collection of artists hailing from locations across the beautiful region of Cumbria, each specialising in the creation of unusual and highly creative sculptural pieces.
The primary aim of this dedicated…
Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh
Meet some of the makers exhibiting as part of the British Tapestry Group, discover what inspires their work and the techniques they use.
The British Tapestry Group
The British Tapestry Group promotes and explores the concept of woven tapestry as a…
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…
Sedbergh
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…
Market Pl, Ambleside
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of Alfred Wainwright's first book being published, we are hosting a one-of-a-kind solo exhibition in collaboration with Lake District artist and fell runner Victoria Rose Miller. "Painting the Wainwrights" will…
Moresby, Whitehaven
These witty and poignant portraits of current working men's and social club members give a glimpse into spaces of warmth and community which are dying off by the month - but might be needed more than ever.
Club Culture Cumbria is a continuation of…
Kirkland, Kendal
Join us for an afternoon workshop inspired by the collection in the Ecology Gallery.
This event is part of a recurring series taking place on the third Saturday of each month. At each workshop, attendees will be taught a new skill or technique that…
Kirkland, Kendal
Lady Anne Clifford: Building Attributes is a pop up exhibition presenting four architectural models inspired by Anne Clifford's fight to reclaim her inherited estates. The models – representing the castles at Brough, Skipton, and Pendragon, and the…
20-24 Front St, Brampton
Jennifer Guest
Jennifer gained a BA(Hons) in Art and Design from East Anglia University, and then went on to have a career as a therapist and author. Returning to making art, Jennifer now creates drawings as a full-time artist from her Scottish…
Cockermouth
Be inspired at our new exhibition for 2025 all about the Wordsworth love of gardening.
Inspired by Dorothy Wordsworth's quote and the love she and her brother shared for nature and gardening, this year's exhibition is a celebration of the gardens…
Grasmere
Join artist and guest curator Stacey Joy Rossouw for an artistic performance lecture and see The Time Lab in its final form before the exhibition concludes at the end of October.
'The Time Lab: Exploring a Living Prelude,' has transformed the…
Penrith
As Rheged celebrates 25 years of culture, discover the work of 25 exceptional Cumbrian artists across a range of disciplines. From striking paintings and dynamic sculpture to powerful photography and mixed media, showcasing the talent, creativity,…
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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