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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.
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
Based in the heart of the English Lake District, brewers of bold, innovative beers since 2002, our…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this…
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
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: 119
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
WIGTON
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution of the Monasteries for this church, when the local people successfully petitioned Thomas Cromwell to allow them to continue to use the church.
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.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
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.
Staveley
Based in the heart of the English Lake District, brewers of bold, innovative beers since 2002, our beer range is eclectic and includes thirst quenching session beers, big hopped pale ales, deep dark stouts and sours. With a range of core beers,…
Millom
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one of them having contained a cremation.
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.
Stramongate, 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.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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.
Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
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
Penrith
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.
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…
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.
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
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…
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