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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.
Discover how World War II shaped the lives of people in our community in this powerful, story-led…
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District.…
Tue 16 Sep-2 Dec (10 wks) | 1-2.30pm | 7+ yrs Art Explorers is a creative and sociable mixed media…
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
William Wordsworth wrote his radical Guide to the Lakes at Allan Bank. A new permanent exhibition…
Lady Anne Clifford: Building Attributes is a pop up exhibition presenting four architectural models…
Howard Somervell was born in Kendal in 1890 and is best known for his role as a mountaineer, and…
Uncover the life and work of printmaker Gwyneth Alban Davis who ran her business while living in a…
Cumbria Sculptors are a diverse and talented collection of artists hailing from locations across…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
This new body of work explores the ever-changing Lakeland landscape. The work is abstract, painted…
Tapestry of the North: Our Textile Heritage is an open, non-juried exhibition, hosted by the…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
The Hive is a fully licensed events venue in a restored Wesleyan Chapel in Nenthead, offering pop…
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days…
This autumn, Abbot Hall presents Boat Works, a solo exhibition by Turner Prize-winner Simon…


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

Number of results: 68
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Kendal
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.
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…
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.
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…
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.
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
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Grasmere
Join guest curator and artist Stacey Joy Rossouw in her interactive studio laboratory where your memories become part of an ever-changing artwork. Get hands on and share your stories through drawing, sound recording, workshops and conversation…
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
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…
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…
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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