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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.
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling…
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
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: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
Brampton
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall. Explore the remains of the Roman fort and discover displays, artefacts and rest in the Tearoom.
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.
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace, and discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking museum in the Lakes', Rough Guide - all editions.
Carnforth
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights, none more than 2' high and suggesting perhaps the kerb of a destroyed cairn.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
317 reviewsWindermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
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.
Carlisle
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. Today's highlights include the Prisoners' beautiful carvings, the exhibition and wall walk.
Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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…
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.
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.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
Penrith
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.
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.
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