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  1. Carlisle Cathedral
    History & Heritage
  2. Wray Castle, Ambleside
    History & Heritage
  3. Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness
    History & Heritage
  4. Muncaster Castle and gardens, Western Lakes
    History & Heritage

You are here: Home > Things to Do > History and Heritage

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.

Highlights

Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall
Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall

Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.

Exterior at Kendal Museum in Kendal, Cumbria
Kendal Museum

Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter.  The…

Aerial View of Muncaster Castle & Gardens in Ravenglass, Cumbria
Muncaster Castle

Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…

Bewcastle
Bewcastle Cross

Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…

Brewer with Malt at Carlisle Brewing Co. in Carlisle, Cumbria
Carlisle Brewing Co.

Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…

Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle

Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…

geograph-5177723-by-Mick-Garratt
Moor Divock

This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…

Exterior and picnic tables at Wray Castle, Low Wray, Ambleside, Lake District
Wray

Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…

Dentdale
Dentdale Chapel, Dent

Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…

Elva Plain Stone Circle - Photo by Bill Boaden courtesy of Geograph.org.uk
Elva Plain Stone Circle

The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…

Hardknott Roman Fort
Hardknott Roman Fort

Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…

Exterior and grounds at Sizergh Castle, Lake District © National Trust Images
Sizergh

Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items…

Bownessie on Lake Windermere in the Lake District, Cumbria
Bownessie

Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…

Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown
Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown

Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…

St John the Evangelist, Levens
St John the Evangelist, Levens

A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…

Family days out at Acorn Bank in Temple Sowerby, Cumbria © National Trust
Acorn Bank

A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…

Holy Trinity, Casterton
Holy Trinity, Casterton

Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…

Exterior and Marina at The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, Cumbria
The Beacon Museum

Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…

St Michael and All Angels, Lamplugh
St Michael and All Angels, Lamplugh

Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated…

Ruins of Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Furness Abbey

Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…

St Mary with Holy Trinity, Ulverston
St Mary with Holy Trinity, Ulverston

Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones…

St. Mary's Church, Kirkby Lonsdale
St. Mary's Church, Kirkby Lonsdale

Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…

Birkrigg Common
Birkrigg Common

Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…

Aerial Photo of Bassenthwaite Lake Station & Carriage Cafe, with Bassenthwaite Lake in the Background, in the Lake District, Cumbria
Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…

PrevPrev
  • 1Banks East Turret; Hadrian's Wall
  • 2Kendal Museum
  • 3Muncaster Castle
  • 4Bewcastle Cross
  • 5Carlisle Brewing Co.
  • 6Castlerigg Stone Circle
  • 7Moor Divock
  • 8Wray
  • 9Dentdale Chapel, Dent
  • 10Elva Plain Stone Circle
  • 11Hardknott Roman Fort
  • 12Sizergh
  • 13Bownessie
  • 14Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown
  • 15St John the Evangelist, Levens
  • 16Acorn Bank
  • 17Holy Trinity, Casterton
  • 18The Beacon Museum
  • 19St Michael and All Angels, Lamplugh
  • 20Furness Abbey
  • 21St Mary with Holy Trinity, Ulverston
  • 22St. Mary's Church, Kirkby Lonsdale
  • 23Birkrigg Common
  • 24Bassenthwaite Lake Station
NextNext

 Wherever you are in Cumbria  the history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind

  • Arts & Culture, History & Heritage in The Lake District, Cumbria
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  1. Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    The Vault, Kirkby Lonsdale

    Address

    The Vault, The Old Bank Buildings, 29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AH

    Telephone

    015242 97177

    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.

    Add The Vault, Kirkby Lonsdale to your Itinerary

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  2. The Bridge House, Ambleside
    The Bridge House, Ambleside
    The Bridge House, Ambleside

    Address

    Rydal Road, Ambleside, LA22 9AN

    Telephone

    015394 32617

    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.

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  3. Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Aerial view of Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Aerial view of Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Grounds and historic buildings at Nenthead Mines in Nenthead, Cumbria
    Nenthead Mines

    Address

    Nenthead, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3PD

    Telephone

    07494 497868

    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…

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  4. Exterior and Gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Exterior and Gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Gazebo and gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Garden wall with a quote inscribed from Francis Bacon at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Exterior of Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Scenic view and hydrangeas at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Exterior and Gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Gazebo and gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Garden wall with a quote inscribed from Francis Bacon at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Exterior of Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Scenic view and hydrangeas at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
    Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens

    Address

    Mirehouse & Gardens, A591, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QE

    Telephone

    017687 72287

    info@mirehouse.com

    Keswick

    Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…

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  5. Exterior at Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro in Rowrah, Cumbria
    Exterior at Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro in Rowrah, Cumbria
    Ennerdale Brewery

    Address

    Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro, Chapel Row, Rowrah, Cumbria, CA26 3XS

    Telephone

    01946 862977

    info@ennerdalebrewery.co.uk

    Rowrah

    Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…

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  6. Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
    Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
    Crooked River Brewing Co

    Address

    Crooked River Tap, 7 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

    Telephone

    017687 21705

    info@crooked-river.co.uk

    Keswick

    Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick

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  7. Brewer with Malt at Carlisle Brewing Co. in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Brewer with Malt at Carlisle Brewing Co. in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Carlisle Brewing Co.

    Address

    The Carlisle Brewing Company, 2, 12A Kingstown Broadway, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0HA

    Telephone

    01228 594959

    Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle

    Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer because we simply love it - real ale is awesome! We've spent more years than we care to remember drinking real ale of all styles and flavours.

    Add Carlisle Brewing Co. to your Itinerary

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