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.
Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
In spite of the eclectic origins of its many parts, St Oswald's significance lies it its…
Discover the captivating charm of Muncaster Castle, a historic gem nestled on the stunning Lake…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Mount Zion Chapel was opened in 1876, the same year in which the Midland Railway Company opened the…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Set in a tranquil rural landscape, overlooked by Hadrian's Wall, Lanercost Priory forms a…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.


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 121 to 140.
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!
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
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
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.
Wigton
Described by Nicholas Pevsner as “one of the architectural sensations of Cumberland.” The present church is from about 1400 but there is ample evidence of an earlier Norman Church.
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.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Eskdale
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished by the occurance within them of small cairns. Construction date is thought to be around 2000BC.
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.
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
Penrith
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow Dodd at a height of 720 metres and flows north-easterly before turning south, blocked by the high heather-covered slopes of Gowbarrow Fell.
Ambleside
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside as a quirky reminder of Ambleside’s past.
29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to enter, exhibit located in the town’s former bank vault.
Alston
Nenthead Mines is a historic place at Nenthead, near Alston. This remote valley is covered by remains from the lead and zinc mining industry of the North Pennines, including mine entrances, watercourses, dressing-floors and buildings. The site is…
Egremont
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is ideal for walkers and runners.
Keswick
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages. Stroll lakeside paths, explore woodland playgrounds, and enjoy the Poetry Walk or the serene walled Bee Garden. Inside, discover fascinating literary…
Hawkshead
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every shelf holds a story. Come in and wander round, browse and lose yourself in the quiet magic of well-loved pages and forgotten treasures. Whether…
Windermere
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering aviation at Windermere from 1911 up to the present, including features for involvement by children. Disabled access.
Middlegate, Penrith
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of the Penrith and Eden district.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL