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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.
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is…
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and…
Described by Nicholas Pevsner as “one of the architectural sensations of Cumberland.” The present…
Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated…


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 81 to 100.
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…
Penrith
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and outstanding example of its type.
The top storey of the tower was added in the 17th century but the massive Saxon structure retains its original masonry,…
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…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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.
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.
Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is situated on a hill in the ancient parish of Arthuret and overlooks the market town of Longtown with fine views of the surrounding countryside.
Cockermouth
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker. This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is…
Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
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.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
Sedbergh
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, serving the local community of railway employees and farmers.
Keswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
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
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