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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 world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
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…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST…
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…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
Extended until Sunday 16 March! 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 54
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
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146 reviewsSedbergh
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…
Kendal
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…
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146 reviewsKendal
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…
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178 reviewsAmbleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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249 reviewsBrampton
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…
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…
W Strand, Whitehaven
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST WELL-LOVED AND DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS, SHOWCASING THE POWERFUL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE AREAS LOCAL INDUSTRIAL PAST.
The Beacon Museums collection includes over…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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138 reviewsConiston
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.
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
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.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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329 reviewsSedbergh
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring exhibition of small format hand woven tapestries. Weavers come from a diverse range of creative backgrounds, from novice weavers to those with…
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.
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194 reviewsSedbergh
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…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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104 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL