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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.
Inspiration
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues,…
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
350 years of social history and Quaker stories are brought to life in more than 40 vibrant…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found
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Ambleside
Zeffirellis is an independent cinema that supports new and emerging talents within the world of cinema and the arts. We offer the complete evening out, you can wine and dine and see a film.
Ulverston
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
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.
Keswick
Gorgeously restored two-screen Edwardian cinema showing the latest blockbusters as well as indie movies, and live-streamed theatre, ballet and music.
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
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.
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…
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
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,…
Penrith
Beautifully converted 17thC farm buildings. Gallery, vegetarian restaurant, gift shop and 128 seat puppet theatre.
Alston
enthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston, UK. 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…
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
Middlegate, Penrith
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of the Penrith and Eden district.
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