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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.
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
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 21 to 40.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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134 reviewsBoot, 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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
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.
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
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225 reviewsPenrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
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.
Carlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
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1648 reviewsRavenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
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.
Grasmere
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks we like to drink ourselves: refreshing beers & delicious gin. Try everything we make in The Good Sport, our Grasmere tap-room.
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518 reviewsBrewery 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.
MILNTHORPE
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see today reflects its long and fascinating history.
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.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
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.
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.
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