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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.
Discover a hidden gem in the historic heart of Carlisle—West Walls Brewing Co., Cumbria’s first…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
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: 121
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
CARLISLE
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for nearly 1500 years. The church is somewhat simpler and certainly younger, with some parts of it dating from 1277, although mostly it is from the…
Windermere
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.
Cumbria
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is on private land belonging to Seascale How Farm, but can be seen from a nearby footpath.
Silloth
A museum/exhibition based on a collection of toy soldiers and related forts, guns etc. Battlefield models, Hadrian's Wall feature, historical information.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the cradle of Quakerism as it was here in 1652 that the Quaker movement was formed during a period of enormous political and religious turmoil.
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,…
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.
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.
Penrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
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.
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.
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.
PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
Penrith
Three stone circles and two smaller settings of boulders 12' across. Inside one of the circles was a series of cremations, one in a collared urn.
Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
SEDBERGH
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western Railway was building its Ingleton branch and sent a Scripture Reader to the navvies.
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