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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.
Discover a hidden gem in the historic heart of Carlisle—West Walls Brewing Co., Cumbria’s first…
The Lakeland Model Village showcases dozens of miniature buildings crafted from locally sourced…
Nenthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston. This remote valley is covered by…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins,…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…


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: 147
, currently showing 21 to 40.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
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.
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,…
Kendal
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Cockermouth
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker. This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is…
CARLISLE
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I (Longshanks) lay in state in the church for ten days in 1307.
Burgh by Sands is a very interesting church with layers of history.From the 12th century and on…
BRAMPTON
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner and the only church designed by preRaphaelite architect Philip Webb.
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
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.
Workington
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its alterations and accumulation of features over time including Norman font and walls, 13th century windows, 15th century chancel and furniture by Thompson (the…
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.
Keswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Nr Bowness-on-Windermere
The Lakeland Model Village showcases dozens of miniature buildings crafted from locally sourced Coniston slate. Over the past 25 years, local builder Edward Robinson carefully created each one by hand, faithfully recreating some of Cumbria’s most…
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
Kendal
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish churches in the country and one of England's Greater Churches.
Visitors are struck both by the lightness of the interior and by its five aisles. Although…
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Penrith
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our gin is infused with the echoes of the past that permeate the very walls! We distill, fill and label our products on site.
AMBLESIDE
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District church. It has literary connections with Wordsworth and was also the home the home of Archbishop Sandys in the 16th century.
Hexham
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic country in England.
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