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.
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 121 to 140.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
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.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
CARLISLE
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of its past. The church serves the scattered population in the rural parish of Kirkandrews on Esk, once the centre of the historic and lawless Debateable…
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Brampton
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a magnificent and fascinating complex of historic buildings. St Mary’s sits in the former nave of the Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1169.
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.
Grasmere
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
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.
Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
Milnthorpe
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions and adaptations through the centuries.
Mass dials, masons marks, medieval stained glass, a fine Forster & Andrews organ, tower bells and gravestones…
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.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Middlegate, Penrith
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of the Penrith and Eden district.
Alston
Nenthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston. This remote valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing-floors and buildings. The site is…
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.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL