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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: 27

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  1. Exterior and grounds at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Exterior and grounds at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Hallway at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Hotfoot
    Arm Knitting with Darcy Badger Designs at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Natasha Suriya from Lakeland Arts
    Take a look around Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Lampshade at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Mosaic fireplace at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Piano at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Family Activities at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Views and exhibitions at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Visitors admiring the view at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Exterior and grounds at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Hallway at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Hotfoot
    Arm Knitting with Darcy Badger Designs at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Natasha Suriya from Lakeland Arts
    Take a look around Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Lampshade at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Mosaic fireplace at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Piano at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Family Activities at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Views and exhibitions at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Visitors admiring the view at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
    Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

    Address

    Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JT

    Telephone

    015396 37940

    info@blackwell.org.uk

    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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    Tourism For All

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  2. Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exhibition at The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
    The People's Gallery at Kendal Museum

    Address

    Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BT

    Telephone

    01539 815597

    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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  3. Family Friendly Exhibits at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Family Friendly Exhibits at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Motorcycles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Classic Cars at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Exterior at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Cafe at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Motorcycle Exhibit at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Airplane Exhibit at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Classic and Antique Vehicles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    War Vehicles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Exhibitions at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Family Friendly Exhibits at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Motorcycles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Classic Cars at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Exterior at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Cafe at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Motorcycle Exhibit at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Airplane Exhibit at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Classic and Antique Vehicles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    War Vehicles at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Exhibitions at Lakeland Motor Museum in Newby Bridge, Lake District
    Lakeland Motor Museum

    Address

    Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TA

    Telephone

    015395 30400

    info@lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk

    Newby 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.

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    Tourism For All

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  4. Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebell Wood at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    View over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Views over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Family Activities at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Blue Gallery Exhibition at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebell Wood at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    View over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Views over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Family Activities at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Blue Gallery Exhibition at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin

    Address

    Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD

    Telephone

    015394 41396

    enquiries@brantwood.org.uk

    Coniston

    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.

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  5. Exterior and Entrance at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Weaving on a Handloom at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Workers in 1911 at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    The Gallery at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Shop at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Woven Goods at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Shop at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Coffee with a View at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    The Tea Room at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Watchful Long Eared Owl by Stuart Wilkie, Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Weaving on a Handloom at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Workers in 1911 at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    The Gallery at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Shop at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Woven Goods at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Shop at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Coffee with a View at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    The Tea Room at Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Watchful Long Eared Owl by Stuart Wilkie, Farfield Mill in Sedbergh, Cumbria
    Farfield Mill

    Address

    Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LW

    Telephone

    01539 621958

    reception@farfieldmill.org

    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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  6. 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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  7. 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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