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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.
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…


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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29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to enter, exhibit located in the town’s former bank vault.
Ambleside
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside as a quirky reminder of Ambleside’s past.
Windermere
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering aviation at Windermere from 1911 up to the present, including features for involvement by children. Disabled access.
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
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.
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…
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
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