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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.
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…


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: 146
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
CARLISLE
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Carlisle
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is situated on a hill in the ancient parish of Arthuret and overlooks the market town of Longtown with fine views of the surrounding countryside.
PENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
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.
Workington
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its alterations and accumulation of features over time including Norman font and walls, 13th century windows, 15th century chancel and furniture by Thompson (the…
PENRITH
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home of the Dacre Bears, four unique medieval stone statues.
SEDBERGH
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western Railway was building its Ingleton branch and sent a Scripture Reader to the navvies.
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.
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.
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.
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…
ST. BEES
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and historic church in the seaside village of St Bees, built in 1120, is all that remains of the original Priory, but it is a thriving and much loved…
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Alston
The multi award winning South Tynedale Railway is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Global Geopark.
Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
CARLISLE
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her sister and parents. Influenced by the architecture seen on her Grand Tour of Europe, she created an original design that was very much at odds with the…
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