You are here: Home > Things to Do > History and Heritage
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.
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
With a history dating back over a thousand years, Holy Trinity is one of the largest parish…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
The Lakeland Model Village showcases dozens of miniature buildings crafted from locally sourced…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…


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 101 to 120.
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.
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.
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
Kendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
WIGTON
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution of the Monasteries for this church, when the local people successfully petitioned Thomas Cromwell to allow them to continue to use the church.
Ravenglass
One of the largest surviving Roman structures in England, about 40 feet by 90 feet with walls over 12 feet high, and containing everything from hot saunas to cold baths.
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
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of its past. The church serves the scattered population in the rural parish of Kirkandrews on Esk, once the centre of the historic and lawless Debateable…
Ambleside
The Roman Fort of Galava in Ambleside, one of a series of fortified structures to protect the vital trade routes through Cumbria, was built around AD79, and made use of a strategic position, protected on two sides by water.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
Crosthwaite
Lythley @Lake District Lavender, the Lake District's only Lavender field in the Lyth Valley. Growing, harvesting, crafting and creating. Re-imagining Lavender: breath the benefits, experience our expertise, feel the authenticity, feed the soul.
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…
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
Ravenglass
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake District coast where mountains meet the sea. With over 800 years of history, Muncaster is still cherished by the Pennington family, who warmly welcome…
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
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,…
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.
Carnforth
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and parish church with a strong connection with local heritage and Bronte sisters.
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.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL