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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.
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
Carlisle's taproom-led brewery. We brew, package and serve our beer in the same room — fresher than…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…
Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Morland church has the only Anglo Saxon tower in Cumbria which is a remarkable survival and…
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to…


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 101 to 120.
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…
Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
Millom
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a long farm track from a minor road branching off the A595. Well worth the walk!
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
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.
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Penrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
Kendal
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
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
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
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.
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
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.
CARNFORTH
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with commanding views from the churchyard.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
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.
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.
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,…
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…
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