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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 beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre…
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century…
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the…


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: 146
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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…
Penrith
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated with concentric circle - late Neolithic or early Bronze Age (c2000 or earlier).
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.
Boundary Bank, Kendal
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins, spirits and the iconic Kendal Mint Cake Liqueur at the gateway to the Lake District.
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.
Cockermouth
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a carefully tended churchyard close to the River Derwent and the grounds of Isel Hall.
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.
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.
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.
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…
PENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
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.
Bewcastle, Carlisle
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo Saxon 7thC, beside church. Dates from 1361, east wall 12thC.
Nr Kendal
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today. Filled with thousands of items collected by 26 generations of the family the house certainly feels lived in, with centuries-old portraits and fine…
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.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
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.
Kendal
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake District National Park with beautiful views across the Kent Estuary to Morecambe Bay.
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.
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