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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.
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Carlisle's taproom-led brewery. We brew, package and serve our beer in the same room — fresher than…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
The Lakeland Model Village showcases dozens of miniature buildings crafted from locally sourced…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
Described by Nicholas Pevsner as “one of the architectural sensations of Cumberland.” The present…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…


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.
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.
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.
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.
ST. BEES
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and historic church in the seaside village of St Bees, built in 1120, is all that remains of the original Priory, but it is a thriving and much loved…
Sedbergh
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the famous Settle to Carlisle railway, serving the local community of railway employees and farmers.
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
CARLISLE
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her sister and parents. Influenced by the architecture seen on her Grand Tour of Europe, she created an original design that was very much at odds with the…
Penrith
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and outstanding example of its type.
The top storey of the tower was added in the 17th century but the massive Saxon structure retains its original masonry,…
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,…
Ulverston
Aldingham church hugs the Cumbrian side of Morecambe Bay and is open to the wild beauty of the Bay, an area of designated county landscape importance and scenic beauty.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Keswick
Great exhibitions, activities, gift shop and café in a glorious park setting amongst the mountains. Giant map, musical stones and an immersive landscape gallery. Open daily 10-4.
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.
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.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
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.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Ravenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Grasmere
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
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