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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.
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see…
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
We, Andy and Zoe, look forward to hosting you at our award-winning Gin Distillery here in Ulverston…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
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: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Carnforth
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights, none more than 2' high and suggesting perhaps the kerb of a destroyed cairn.
Eskdale
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished by the occurance within them of small cairns. Construction date is thought to be around 2000BC.
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
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.
Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
CARLISLE
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of its past. The church serves the scattered population in the rural parish of Kirkandrews on Esk, once the centre of the historic and lawless Debateable…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Carlisle
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is Carlisle's finest visitor attraction, and houses considerable collections of fine and decorative art, human history and natural sciences.
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.
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.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
Ulverston
We, Andy and Zoe, look forward to hosting you at our award-winning Gin Distillery here in Ulverston. Enjoy a distillery tour, followed by tastings of at least 6 gins in our stylish bar with views of Ulverston’s iconic Pepperpot atop Hoad.
Bewcastle, Carlisle
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo Saxon 7thC, beside church. Dates from 1361, east wall 12thC.
Cumbria
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
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. Excellent…
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