You are here: Home > Things to Do > History and Heritage
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.
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay,…
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today.…


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.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins, spirits and the iconic Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur at the gateway to the Lake District.
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…
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…
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.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
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…
Alston
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St Augustine's houses the unique single handed Derwentwater Clock.
Penrith
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.
Workington
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its alterations and accumulation of features over time including Norman font and walls, 13th century windows, 15th century chancel and furniture by Thompson (the…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
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…
CARNFORTH
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with commanding views from the churchyard.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL