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From art galleries to museums and independent theatres, there are plenty of places to discover culture in the South Lakes. Learn about the lives of creatives like William Wordsworth and John Ruskin and see the places that inspired them. Visit world-class museums telling the story of our area; take part in arts and crafts workshops and create your own masterpiece; enjoy theatrical productions or catch a movie; and immerse yourself in our rich arts and heritage scene.
Across this beautiful part of Cumbria, you’ll find plenty to explore. Traditional country houses and Lakeland cottages once inhabited by some of the South Lakes’ most iconic figures are now open to the public, with exhibitions showcasing their lives and works. There are impressive gardens to stroll through, too, including the world’s oldest topiary gardens. Historic buildings and modern structures alike house fascinating museums, offering the chance to delve deeper into our past. Learn about our famous lakes and waters, and discover natural history and ancient artefacts.
There are art galleries featuring pieces from local and international names, as well as the opportunity to visit artist’s studios and speak with the makers. Theatres offer a vibrant calendar of performances from opera to kid’s shows, brought to the stage by local, national and international companies.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or visiting solo, there’s something for all to enjoy in South Lakeland. Many attractions host children’s activities during school holidays, while a fantastic programme of exhibitions and shows keeps things fresh – there’s always something new to see or do. Plus, onsite cafes mean you can make a day of it with breakfast, lunch, or coffee and cake. Join us and discover a rich arts and culture heritage in the South Lakes: you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.
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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
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 28
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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
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
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
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
Armitt Library & Museum Centre, Rydal Rd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BLTelephone
015394 31212Ambleside
Play The Armitt's newest experiences - Escape Rooms in a Box. With two options to choose from - Beatrix Potter's Missing Paper - and - The Bridge House Mystery - there is something for everyone to enjoy. Grab your friends, family or colleagues to…
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
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
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.
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539 621958Sedbergh
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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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
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
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.
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.
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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…
Address
Crag Bow, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BXTelephone
01539440872Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
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Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, 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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Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 1 - 10 August 2025.
For 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like no other in this…
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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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Address
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PLTelephone
015395 58328Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
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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