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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.
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Lamplugh church, designed by William Butterfield, is located in a dramatic landscape on an elevated…
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was…
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
Black Cat Distillery operates out of a stunning fortified and walled Medieval Hall at Brougham. Our…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
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…


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.
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
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Keswick
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this site for nearly 1500 years. The present church was built in 118, with many interesting elements dating from the 12th to the 16th century. This church is…
Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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.
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
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…
Workington
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its alterations and accumulation of features over time including Norman font and walls, 13th century windows, 15th century chancel and furniture by Thompson (the…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
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.
PENRITH
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home of the Dacre Bears, four unique medieval stone statues.
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.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
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,…
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