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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.
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the…
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings…
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century…
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…


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 1 to 20.
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…
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a graveyard rich with wildflowers, the interior contains unusual box pews, a triple decker pulpit and stained glass both ancient and modern.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Ulverston
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
CARLISLE
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…
Sedbergh
Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales Way in the the Yorkshire Dales National Park just a mile from the Settle Carlisle Railway and Dent Station.
Conishead Priory, Ulverston
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop and book store. Bring a picnic. Six minute woodland walk to beach.
SEDBERGH
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed windows, Cautley Wesleyan chapel is a good example of its type and date.
Carlisle
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St Mary’s is the only church actually on the course of Hadrian's Wall.
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
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…
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.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
PENRITH
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home of the Dacre Bears, four unique medieval stone statues.
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.
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.
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
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.
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