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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.
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre…
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
One of the largest surviving Roman structures in England, about 40 feet by 90 feet with walls over…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains.…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…


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: 144
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ulverston
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly carved crosses were found on the site and are now on display in the church.
The building's history is palpable and its setting is peaceful. Clues to…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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…
Ravenglass
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. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
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…
Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the cradle of Quakerism as it was here in 1652 that the Quaker movement was formed during a period of enormous political and religious turmoil.
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Ambleside
The Roman Fort of Galava in Ambleside, one of a series of fortified structures to protect the vital trade routes through Cumbria, was built around AD79, and made use of a strategic position, protected on two sides by water.
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
MILNTHORPE
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see today reflects its long and fascinating history.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Keswick
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains. Giant map, musical stones and an immersive landscape gallery. Open daily 10-4.
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Workington
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone. Eleven others survive, some only a few inches high.
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
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.
Milnthorpe
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions and adaptations through the centuries.
Mass dials, masons marks, medieval stained glass, a fine Forster & Andrews organ, tower bells and gravestones…
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.
CARLISLE
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for nearly 1500 years. The church is somewhat simpler and certainly younger, with some parts of it dating from 1277, although mostly it is from the…
Cockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
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