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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 in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…


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: 144
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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,…
Penrith
A lovely church in a remote setting.
Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a long track, above a bend in the River Eamont and with views of the Pennines and the Lake District. It is worth finding both for its lovely setting and…
Brampton
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a magnificent and fascinating complex of historic buildings. St Mary’s sits in the former nave of the Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1169.
Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.
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.
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…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
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.
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
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
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
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.
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
Sedbergh
Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales Way in the the Yorkshire Dales National Park just a mile from the Settle Carlisle Railway and Dent Station.
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.
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.
Ambleside
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings.
Converted from a 15th century cottage in 1862, a small group of local Christians worshipped at 'Union Chapel'. The benefactor was Mrs Satterthwaite. In…
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