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  1. Arts & Culture

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Beauty, brains and exceedingly good taste: the Lake District, Cumbria is the full package. Here we celebrate a living culture that incorporates the past but is rooted firmly in the present. Our history - ancient and more recent - is alive and well in the very Cumbrian landscape, but you can interpret it in our impressive collection of museums that tell Cumbria’s story - from prehistory right through to the modern age.  

There’s an impressive list of radical thinkers and artistic pioneers who found inspiration here – William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Kurt Schwitters, Josefina de Vasconcellos and Andy Goldsworthy. You can walk in their footsteps, visit their homes and explore the rich creative life built on their exceptional heritage.

You can see and feel it within a few short miles: as well as museums and heritage centres there are scores of galleries, exhibitions and artists’ studios; there’s artworks in the mountains and forests; a packed, year-round programme of live theatre performances, independent cinemas and festivals celebrating all manner of creative endeavours, from music to local craft. And yes, we have lots of traditional performance venues, but there’s a particular thrill in attending a show on an outdoor stage in a spectacular setting.  

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Inspiration

  1. Beatrix Potter
    Famous Artists, Poets & Writers
    Cumbria’s beautiful landscapes have long since animated literary imaginations, from Romantic poets to radical thinkers and beyond to some of the 20th century’s most celebrated authors. See the authentic settings where these international names put pen to paper...
  2. What's On in the Lake District, Cumbria
    What's On
    Search cultural, arts and craft events taking place here in the Lake District, Cumbria.
  3. Old Laundry Theatre, Windermere
    Theatre & Live Performance
    It’s no wonder that the Lake District, Cumbria – the inspiration for poets and creative types, is a vibrant centre for the performing arts. There is a fantastic programme of events already booking up fast at our superb theatres and performance venues.
  4. Keswick Alhambra Cinema
    Independent Cinema
    If you are a film buff the Lake District, Cumbria is home to a delightful cluster of independent cinemas showing everything from Hollywood blockbusters to thought-provoking arthouse releases.
  5. Tullie House
    Galleries & Exhibitions
    In Cumbria you’ll find a range of art galleries and exhibition spaces that host a constantly changing menu of works in virtually every medium. It’s nice to see art hanging on a brightly lit wall, or to see beautifully made craftwork on a plinth, but in Cumbria we also invite you to explore the studios and workshops where that work was made, and even to meet the artist that made it.
  6. Kendal Museum
    Museums
    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.
  7. Kendal - Festival Town
    Festivals
    Whatever the time of year, Cumbria is celebrating something. From music to film and food to beer, Cumbria and the Lake District is home to a wide selection of fantastic festivals. Take a look at our list and find what celebration works for you.
  8. TV & Films
    Gallery of locations
    Gallery of locations around The Lake District, Cumbria that feature in Film and TV productions
  9. Visit Lake District Blog - Arts & Culture articles
    Visit Lake District Blog - Arts & Culture articles
    Discover inspiration for Arts & Culture to experience when visiting the Lake District, Cumbria.

Highlights

Visitors viewing Art on Display at Gallery North West in Brampton, Cumbria
Gallery North West

A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…

Brougham Hall
Brougham Hall

Brougham Hall is a 14th Century Fortified ruin home to a variety of working craft units, a cafe,…

Hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
Cumbria Crystal

England's last luxury glassblowing factory making crystal for royal families & luxury stores…

Signage outside Keswick Museum in Keswick, Lake District
Keswick Museum

Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…

Exterior birds-eye view of The Old Courthouse Gallery in Ambleside, Lake District
The Old Courthouse Gallery

If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…

PrevPrev
  • 1Gallery North West
  • 2Brougham Hall
  • 3Cumbria Crystal
  • 4Keswick Museum
  • 5The Old Courthouse Gallery
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  1. 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.

    Add Brewery Arts to your Itinerary

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 486 reviews486 reviews
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  2. Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre and Temple for World Peace in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Buddhist Temple for World Peace, Ulverston

    Address

    Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, Conishead Priory, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9QQ

    Telephone

    01229 584029

    visits@manjushri.org

    Conishead Priory, Ulverston

    Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 409 reviews409 reviews
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  3. 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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  4. Hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
    Hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop and Demonstration at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gifts and hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Glassblowing experiences for children at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Handcrafted crystal at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal as seen on TV in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Glassware and gifts at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop and Demonstration at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Gifts and hand crafted goods at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Glassblowing experiences for children at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal Factory Shop at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Handcrafted crystal at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal as seen on TV in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Glassware and gifts at Cumbria Crystal in Ulverston, Cumbria
    Cumbria Crystal

    Address

    Oubas Hill, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 7LB

    Telephone

    01229 584400

    info@cumbriacrystal.com

    Ulverston

    England's last luxury glassblowing factory making crystal for royal families & luxury stores worldwide. As seen on Downton Abbey, James Bond and even in the new Bentleys. Factory shop, live demonstrations and experiences available throughout the…

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    TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 242 reviews242 reviews
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