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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.
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see…
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today.…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…


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: 144
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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
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.
Sedbergh
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, serving the local community of railway employees and farmers.
Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
Cockermouth
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.
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…
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Penrith
A lovely church in a remote setting.
Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a long track, above a bend in the River Eamont and with views of the Pennines and the Lake District. It is worth finding both for its lovely setting and…
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…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Eskdale
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished by the occurance within them of small cairns. Construction date is thought to be around 2000BC.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
SEDBERGH
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this Grade II building was originally built as a meeting house by the Society of Friends in 1701.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Ulverston
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a relaxed spirits tasting in our stylish visitor bar.
Ulverston
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly carved crosses were found on the site and are now on display in the church.
The building's history is palpable and its setting is peaceful. Clues to…
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
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.
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