You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture > Let's Go Culture
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.
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
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: 43
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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.
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…
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Barrow-in-Furness
Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…
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.
Grasmere
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.
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.
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…
Kendal
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.
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.
Grasmere
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.
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.
Penrith
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017 to create a local network to support and encourage local artists. The Gallery showcases 40 local artists work and acts as a doorway to meet members,…
Ulverston International Music Festival - more than classical. From 30 May - 8 June 2024, in our beautiful corner of the Lake District.
Penrith
Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Gallery, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and 128 seat puppet theatre.
Nenthead
The Hive is a fully licensed events venue in a restored Wesleyan Chapel in Nenthead, offering pop up cafes, food events, live gigs, workshops and private functions, including weddings.
Penrith
Penrith Players Theatre is the only permanent, member-run Theatre in Penrith, thriving on the commitment of our audiences and volunteers. The Playhouse is the building, The Players are the people!
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…
Alston
Nenthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston. This remote valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing-floors and buildings. The site is…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL