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Wherever you are in Cumbria and the Lake District you can feel the shadow of a deep cultural heritage. Here are the standing stones and circles of the ancients, the powerful traces of Rome and the mighty fortresses of the Normans. The history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind, including fell, dale, beck, ghyll, mere, tarn and howe.
Later arrivals came not to conquer but to bask in the beauty of the landscapes and let it inspire them to artistic greatness: William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, Kurt Schwitters and Andy Goldsworthy are just a few of the names who carved their creativity out of Cumbrian stone; today, a rich creative life builds on this exceptional heritage.
You can see it and feel it within a few short miles; the artworks in mountains and forests, the scores of galleries and artists’ studios, the packed programme performances and festivals – not just music and comedy but wool, print and ceramics. It's the intimate venues and outdoor stages in stunning settings that make a cultural break here something unique.
For a taste of the art and culture waiting for you in England’s best-known landscape explore the sections below and at www.lakesculture.co.uk.
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings…
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…


Wherever you are in Cumbria the history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind

Number of results: 147
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Nr Kendal
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today. Filled with thousands of items collected by 26 generations of the family the house certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine…
Cockermouth
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker. This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Ravenglass
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre Christian times.
Built on land used by the monks of Furness Abbey to graze their sheep. It seems likely that there was an earlier church, in the…
Keswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Penrith
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our gin is infused with the echoes of the past that permeate the very walls! We distill, fill and label our products on site.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
Millom
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one of them having contained a cremation.
Hexham
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic country in England.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Ulverston
Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones have tales to tell of the Mariners, merchants and a faithful community are celebrated in memorials and stained glass.
Alston
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St Augustine's houses the unique single handed Derwentwater Clock.
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
AMBLESIDE
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District church. It has literary connections with Wordsworth and was also the home the home of Archbishop Sandys in the 16th century.
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