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  1. Interior of Dove Cottage, Home to William Wordsworth in Grasmere, Lake District
    Experience Culture in South Lakes

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture > Let's Go Culture - South Lakes > Experience Culture in South Lakes

Experience Culture in South Lakes

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.
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

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

Number of results: 28

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  1. The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    MV Jane in the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Interactive Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy the Views from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Excellent Service at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Fun for the Whole Family at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Children's Activities at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    MV Jane in the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Interactive Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy the Views from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Excellent Service at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Fun for the Whole Family at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Children's Activities at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Windermere Jetty Museum

    Address

    Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BN

    info@windermerejetty.org

    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.

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  2. The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Family at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Workshops at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Dogs on leads at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Family at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Workshops at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Dogs on leads at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Library at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    Art at The Armitt: Museum, Gallery, Library in Ambleside, Lake District
    The Armitt Museum

    Address

    Nook Lane, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9BL

    Telephone

    015394 31212

    info@armitt.com

    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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  3. Exterior and Signage at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Exterior and Signage at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Interior and Shop at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Food from Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Food from Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Outdoor Seating at Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Gallery Space at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Exterior and Signage at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Interior and Shop at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Food from Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Food from Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Outdoor Seating at Mathilde's Cafe at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    Gallery Space at The Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, Lake District
    The Heaton Cooper Studio

    Address

    Heaton Cooper Studio, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SX

    Telephone

    015394 35280

    info@heatoncooper.co.uk

    Grasmere

    Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.

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  4. Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors watching a display at the Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Telescope at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Telescope at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and entrance at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Galaxy display at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Seating area at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors watching a display at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors watching a display at the Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Telescope at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Telescope at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and entrance at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Galaxy display at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Seating area at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors watching a display at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and telescopes at Grizedale Observatory in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Grizedale Observatory

    Address

    The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJ

    Telephone

    07970105607

    Enquiries@Grizedaleobservatory.com

    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…

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  5. Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Steven Barber
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Steven Barber
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © Lakes Culture / Jill Jennings
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Steven Barber
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © Lakes Culture / Jill Jennings
    Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey
    Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop

    Address

    Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop, Main St, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NS

    tabithatwitchitsbookshop@nationaltrust.org.uk

    Hawkshead

    Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every shelf holds a story. Come in and wander round, browse and lose yourself in the quiet magic of well-loved pages and forgotten treasures. Whether…

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  6. Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    The Vault, Kirkby Lonsdale

    Address

    The Vault, The Old Bank Buildings, 29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AH

    Telephone

    015242 97177

    29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale

    Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to enter, exhibit located in the town’s former bank vault.

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    More Details
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  7. Replica Waterbird Flying over Windermere, Lake District - © Mark Wright
    Replica Waterbird Flying over Windermere, Lake District - © Mark Wright
    Waterbird's Big Book at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Replica Waterbird Flying over Windermere, Lake District - © Mark Wright
    Waterbird's Big Book at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Wings over Windermere Exhibition at at Windermere Library in Windermere, Lake District
    Waterbird - Wings over Windermere

    Address

    Windermere Library, Ellerthwaite Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2AJ

    Telephone

    07786 918176

    info@waterbird.org.uk

    Windermere

    A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering aviation at Windermere from 1911 up to the present, including features for involvement by children. Disabled access.

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    More Details
    More Details
  8. Royal Northern Sinfonia - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Royal Northern Sinfonia - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Arethusa Quartet - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo: Sarah Wijzenbee
    Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Choral Concert at Cartmel Priory
    Love's Sweet Passion - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Nicholas Daniel Recital - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Last Round - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo: Stefan Bremer.
    Daniel Lebhardt - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Kaupo Kikkas
    Jennifer Pike - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Arno
    Animato Quartet - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Sarah Wijzenbeek
    Royal Northern Sinfonia - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Arethusa Quartet - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo: Sarah Wijzenbee
    Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Choral Concert at Cartmel Priory
    Love's Sweet Passion - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Nicholas Daniel Recital - Ulverston International Music Festival
    Last Round - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo: Stefan Bremer.
    Daniel Lebhardt - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Kaupo Kikkas
    Jennifer Pike - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Arno
    Animato Quartet - Ulverston International Music Festival. Photo:Sarah Wijzenbeek
    Ulverston International Music Festival

    Address

    info@ulverstonmusicfestival.co.uk

    Ulverston International Music Festival - more than classical. From 30 May - 8 June 2024, in our beautiful corner of the Lake District.

    More Details
    More Details
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