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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.
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated…
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to…
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…


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: 147
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Nr Seascale
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a low central cairn. The third is immediately north of the second, it is 24' across and also encloses a small cairn.
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…
Eskdale
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It measures just three-acres and the fort at Hardknott enjoyed command of the Eskdale Valley and the Roman road to Ravenglass.
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
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
Millom
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a long farm track from a minor road branching off the A595. Well worth the walk!
Penrith
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.
Penrith
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
CARLISLE
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for nearly 1500 years. The church is somewhat simpler and certainly younger, with some parts of it dating from 1277, although mostly it is from the…
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.
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
Nr Kendal
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items collected by 26 generations of the Strickland family.
Ulverston
Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones have tales to tell of the Mariners, merchants and a faithful community are celebrated in memorials and stained glass.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Carlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
CARNFORTH
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with commanding views from the churchyard.
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,…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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…
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