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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.
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…
Crosthwaite Church has a long history and it is thought that Christians have worshipped on this…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is…
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…


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.
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.
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…
Brough
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the inhabitants of Brough under Stainmore.
St Michael’s has not always had such a quiet time. Its close proximity to the castle 200yds away, meant it was…
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.
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
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…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
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.
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
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.
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.
Egremont
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is ideal for walkers and runners.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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