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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.
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to…
Set in the beautiful North Pennines, Alston is the highest market town in England and St…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
The beautiful Grade I church we see today, situated by the River Bela, is the result of additions…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. The Hall is regarded as the…
One of the largest surviving Roman structures in England, about 40 feet by 90 feet with walls over…
Come and walk up the aisle of our beautiful and peaceful church and learn about the lives of the…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
St Mary and St Michael's church is said to have very early origins, as 9th and 10th century richly…
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
The Roman Fort of Galava in Ambleside, one of a series of fortified structures to protect the vital…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…


Wherever you are in Cumbria the history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind

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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…
Rowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer because we simply love it - real ale is awesome! We've spent more years than we care to remember drinking real ale of all styles and flavours.
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