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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.
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
We, Andy and Zoe, look forward to hosting you at our award-winning Gin Distillery here in Ulverston…
A mock-gothic Castle, on the western shore of Windermere. Empty of original furniture, this is a…
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
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.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Ulverston
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
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.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Ellerthwaite Rd, Windermere
“From Auschwitz to Ambleside” tells the story of the 300 child Holocaust survivors who came to the Lake District for recuperation after liberation in 1945 from the horrors of the Nazi regime.
Eskdale
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It measures just three-acres and the fort at Hardknott enjoyed command of the Eskdale Valley and the Roman road to Ravenglass.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
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…
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
Brampton
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall. Explore the remains of the Roman fort and discover displays, artefacts and rest in the Tearoom.
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
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.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
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.
SEDBERGH
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed windows, Cautley Wesleyan chapel is a good example of its type and date.
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.
Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
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