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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.
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
Carlisle's taproom-led brewery. We brew, package and serve our beer in the same room — fresher than…


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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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,…
Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
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.
Cockermouth
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.
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.
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.
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.
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…
Ambleside
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings.
Converted from a 15th century cottage in 1862, a small group of local Christians worshipped at 'Union Chapel'. The benefactor was Mrs Satterthwaite. In…
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Penrith
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.
Sedbergh
Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales Way in the the Yorkshire Dales National Park just a mile from the Settle Carlisle Railway and Dent Station.
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.
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…
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