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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.
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones…
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
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…
Three stone circles and two smaller settings of boulders 12' across. Inside one of the circles was…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…


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.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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.
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.
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…
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.
PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
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…
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.
Workington
Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated site, set against the outlying fells of the Lake District National Park with Owsen and Blake Fells beyond.
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
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.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Kendal
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of Kendal, Cumbria, in northern England.
Cumbria
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is on private land belonging to Seascale How Farm, but can be seen from a nearby footpath.
Kendal
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.
Carlisle
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St Mary’s is the only church actually on the course of Hadrian's Wall.
Brough
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the inhabitants of Brough under Stainmore.
St Michael’s has not always had such a quiet time. Its close proximity to the castle 200yds away, meant it was…
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
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