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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 81 to 100.
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.
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’.
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…
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.
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…
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
Ravenglass
Located in the grounds of Muncaster Castle, it is believed that worship on this site dates to pre Christian times.
Built on land used by the monks of Furness Abbey to graze their sheep. It seems likely that there was an earlier church, in the…
SEDBERGH
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed windows, Cautley Wesleyan chapel is a good example of its type and date.
Ulverston
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows, Romano-British farmsteads.
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…
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.
PENRITH
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel dating from 1220. The church is fully open and much visited, with all entries in the visitor’s book remarking on the special atmosphere and sense of peace…
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.
Workington
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone. Eleven others survive, some only a few inches high.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
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…
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…
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…
SEDBERGH
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this Grade II building was originally built as a meeting house by the Society of Friends in 1701.
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.
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