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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.
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Sizergh boasts 800 years of family history, and is filled with thousands of fascinating items…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Step through a 12th century doorway into an oasis of calm where worship, history, wood and stones…
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…


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

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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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL