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Explore the vibrant cultural scene across Westmorland & Furness. Home to many historical attractions and cultural venues, this beautiful area stretches across Cumbria from Alston in the north to Barrow in the far southwest.
Cultural Heritage in Westmorland & Furness
The captivating landscapes of the region have been an inspiration to countless artists and writers over the years including Wordsworth, JMW Turner, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, and their legacy lives on in many cultural and heritage attractions.
Today you will find the talents of a new generation of creatives showcased alongside those of our heritage greats.
Explore what’s now on offer across the region:
Things to do in Eden
Discover the mining and industrial heritage in and around the villages of Alston and Nenthead high up in the North Pennines.
Down in the Eden Valley and around Penrith you’ll find peaceful countryside dotted with fascinating ruins of ancient castles, traditional market towns and thriving communities of artists and artisans exhibiting in local galleries. Finally, immerse yourself in history with a visit to one of the areas outstanding historic homes and gardens.
Things to do in the South Lakes
Between the lakes, mountains and coastline of this stunning area, you’ll find everything from art galleries and creative workshops to music and theatre productions.
Get to know the radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who were inspired by the enchanting views across the South Lakes and visit the special places where they used to live and work. A fantastic collection of museums and country houses also bring local heritage to life with plenty of things to see and do.
Things to do in Furness
Located on the southern tip of Cumbria, the Furness peninsula is a unique place home to an intriguing history – from Viking settlers to submarine builders, get ready to uncover the area’s remarkable story. A vibrant programme of festivals and events also offers a brilliant way to connect with the local community.
Events & Creative Activities
Many cultural venues offer a varied and captivating programme of events to enhance your visit.
Enjoy live music, theatre or poetry, learn a new skill at a creative workshop, visit an interactive exhibition or attend a talk by a local expert – there’s plenty to discover and something to keep everyone entertained.
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES – FIND OUT MORE
Join us and immerse yourself in our rich arts, heritage and culture – along the way you’ll be sure to enjoy some superb experiences and create lasting memories.
Don’t forget to share your days out via #LetsGoCulture
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Interactive map of venues
Click on any of the dots to find out more
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 44
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Wordsworth Grasmere, Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SHTelephone
+44(0) 15394 35544Grasmere
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Regency England with an exclusive, curator-led experience of Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets.
Address
Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lowther, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2HHTelephone
01931 712192Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
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Address
Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TATelephone
015395 30400Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.Address
Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor Hall Ln, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQTelephone
01229583204Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the cradle of Quakerism as it was here in 1652 that the Quaker movement was formed during a period of enormous political and religious turmoil.
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Address
Furness Abbey, Manor Rd, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA13 0PJTelephone
01229 823420Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Address
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LBTelephone
015394 32628Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Address
Kendal Museum, Station Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BTTelephone
01539 815597Kendal
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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Address
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41164Coniston
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…
Address
Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JTTelephone
015396 37940Bowness-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.
Address
Greystoke Castle, Greystoke, Cumbria, CA11 0TGTelephone
01768 451500Greystoke
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history, including connections to Catherine Howard and Tarzan. Explore its grand halls, Tarzan Trails, and seasonal events, then relax at the Butler’s Pantry café.…
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Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Address
Brougham Avenue, Brougham, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2DETelephone
01768 868184Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
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…
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Address
Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SXTelephone
015394 35280Grasmere
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Address
Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HETelephone
01539 725133Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
Address
Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SPTelephone
017683 61893Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
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Address
Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LFTelephone
015394 36269Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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Address
National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QBTelephone
015394 35143Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
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Address
Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BNWindermere
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.
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