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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.
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Nenthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston. This remote valley is covered by…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century…
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St…
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…


Wherever you are in Cumbria the history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind

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Rowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer because we simply love it - real ale is awesome! We've spent more years than we care to remember drinking real ale of all styles and flavours.
W Walls, Carlisle
Discover a hidden gem in the historic heart of Carlisle—West Walls Brewing Co., Cumbria’s first city-centre microbrewery nestled within the iconic Twisted Wheel nightclub. Our venue blends rich history with modern flair, offering tourists an…
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
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