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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. Exterior of Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior of Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors looking at items in the gallery at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Visitors looking at an exhibit behind glass at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Child stepping into the gardens at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Visitor writing with a quill at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Children playing in the gardens at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Family playing at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Food and drink at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Children having ice cream at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Exterior of Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Visitors looking at items in the gallery at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Visitors looking at an exhibit behind glass at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Child stepping into the gardens at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Visitor writing with a quill at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Children playing in the gardens at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Family playing at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Food and drink at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Children having ice cream at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria © Tom McNally
    Wordsworth Grasmere

    Address

    Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH

    Telephone

    015394 35544

    enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk

    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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  2. Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    The Ruskin Gallery at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Entrance to The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Donal Campbell's Jetstar Speedboat at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Free Children's Activities at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Statue of Donald Campbell at The Ruskin Museum
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    The Ruskin Gallery at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Entrance to The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Donal Campbell's Jetstar Speedboat at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Free Children's Activities at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Statue of Donald Campbell at The Ruskin Museum
    The Ruskin Museum

    Address

    The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DU

    Telephone

    015394 41164

    information@ruskinmuseum.com

    Coniston

    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…

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  3. Exterior and Grounds of Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds of Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gardens at Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Exterior and Grounds of Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gardens at Swarthmoor Hall in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Swarthmoor Hall

    Address

    Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor Hall Ln, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQ

    Telephone

    01229583204

    info@swarthmoorhall.co.uk

    Ulverston

    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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  4. Visitors Enjoying Outdoor Dining at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitors Enjoying Outdoor Dining at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exterior at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children Participating in an Activity at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitor Enjoying Outdoor Drinks and Dining at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Indoor Seating and Tables at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Large Outdoor Event at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitors Enjoying a Film at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Live Performance at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children at a Dance Class at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children at an Art Class at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitors Enjoying Outdoor Dining at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Exterior at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children Participating in an Activity at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitor Enjoying Outdoor Drinks and Dining at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Indoor Seating and Tables at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Large Outdoor Event at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Visitors Enjoying a Film at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Live Performance at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children at a Dance Class at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Children at an Art Class at Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal, Cumbria
    Brewery Arts

    Address

    Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE

    Telephone

    01539 725133

    boxoffice@breweryarts.co.uk

    Kendal

    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…

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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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  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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  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
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