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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.
Family-run distillery in Kendal offering guided tours and tastings. Discover how we craft gins,…
Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
Situated prominently in the heart of the village, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. St…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Step into The Vault and unlock the history of Kirkby Lonsdale through this interactive, and free to…
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…
Isel church is a beautiful Grade I listed building, which is located in an idyllic position in a…
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…


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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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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
Keswick
Crooked River Brewing Co is a craft beer brewery based in West Cumbria with a taproom based in Keswick
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