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Cumbria’s rich history is ever-present in every village and town, on every fell and deep in every valley, but if you need a little interpretation, then head for one of the county’s many museums. From literature to arts and craft, from the story of the Romans to the tales of those beloved characters created by Beatrix Potter, Cumbria’s fine collection of museums will help put all those stories in order – and provide some entertainment along the way. We’ve got museums dedicated to every conceivable subject – from Laurel and Hardy to John Ruskin, from the history of motor cars to a new museum entirely devoted to the boats that have plied the waters of the lakes. We’ve got art galleries and museums with zones specifically aimed at younger visitors – we’ve even got a museum that’s all about pencils!
The Cumbrian story is told in brilliant detail in our museums
Number of results: 24
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
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…
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Carlisle
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.
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.
Ambleside
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually changing exhibition of Potter's original artwork.
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.
Cumbria
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian Railway is an award winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. Excellent facilities…
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace, and discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking museum in the Lakes', Rough Guide - all editions.
Station Road, Keswick
Treasures and tales of the north lakes in a beautiful Lakeland slate building in Fitz Park with special exhibitions, activities and cafe.
Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Ambleside
Image & Reality, exploring the life of the Armitt's most famous member. Beatrix Potter gave books and paintings to the Armitt during her lifetime, These are used in a permanent exhibition which is a must for all Potter fans.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Windermere
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and information centre. Lakeshore access for all.
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