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  1. Carlisle Cathedral
    History & Heritage
  2. Wray Castle, Ambleside
    History & Heritage
  3. Furness Abbey, Barrow-in-Furness
    History & Heritage
  4. Muncaster Castle and gardens, Western Lakes
    History & Heritage

You are here: Home > Things to Do > History and Heritage

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.

Highlights

Exterior and Gardens at Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House near Penrith, Cumbria
Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House

Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…

Gallery one at The Roman Army Museum
Roman Army Museum

Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…

St. Peter's Church, Finsthwaite
St. Peter's Church, Finsthwaite

St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…

Exterior and Entrance at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum

Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…

St Ninian, Brougham
St Ninian, Brougham

A lovely church in a remote setting. Known locally as Ninekirks, St Ninian's stands remote down a…

Cartmel Priory
Cartmel Priory

Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…

Exterior of Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop in Hawkshead, Lake District © National Trust Images / Steven Barber
Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop

Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every…

View of the Front of Lowther Castle & Gardens in Lowther, Lake District
Lowther Castle & Gardens

A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…

Lacra Stone Circles
Lacra Stone Circles

Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…

Aerial Photo of Bassenthwaite Lake Station & Carriage Cafe, with Bassenthwaite Lake in the Background, in the Lake District, Cumbria
Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…

St John the Evangelist, Cowgill
St John the Evangelist, Cowgill

Cowgill church is a welcoming haven for walkers, cyclists and other visitors, sitting on the Dales…

Exterior of Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
Wordsworth Grasmere

Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William…

Historic Steam Trains at Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway in the Lake District, Cumbria
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Haverthwaite Station

Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…

Cautley Chaple, Sedbergh
Cautley Chapel, Sedbergh

Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…

Exterior, Grounds, and Gardens at Holker Hall and Gardens near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
Holker Hall and Gardens

A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…

Interior of West Walls Brewing Co in Carlisle, Cumbria
West Walls Brewing Co

Discover a hidden gem in the historic heart of Carlisle—West Walls Brewing Co., Cumbria’s first…

St. Oswald's Church, Grasmere
St. Oswald's Church, Grasmere

This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…

geograph-5177723-by-Mick-Garratt
Moor Divock

This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…

Exterior and grounds at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District © Robin Zahler
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…

Holy Trinity, Casterton
Holy Trinity, Casterton

Built in 1833 by William Carus Wilson, Founder of the Clergy Daughters School, as school chapel and…

Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown
Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown

Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…

Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
Crooked River Brewing Co

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

St Michael and All Angels church, Arthuret
St Michael and All Angels, Arthuret

Said to be the resting place of the legendary King Arthur. The church of St Michael & All Angels is…

Exterior and Gardens at Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens near Bassenthwaite, Lake District
Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens

Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…

PrevPrev
  • 1Hutton-in-the-Forest Historic House
  • 2Roman Army Museum
  • 3St. Peter's Church, Finsthwaite
  • 4Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
  • 5St Ninian, Brougham
  • 6Cartmel Priory
  • 7Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop
  • 8Lowther Castle & Gardens
  • 9Lacra Stone Circles
  • 10Bassenthwaite Lake Station
  • 11St John the Evangelist, Cowgill
  • 12Wordsworth Grasmere
  • 13Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Haverthwaite Station
  • 14Cautley Chapel, Sedbergh
  • 15Holker Hall and Gardens
  • 16West Walls Brewing Co
  • 17St. Oswald's Church, Grasmere
  • 18Moor Divock
  • 19Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House
  • 20Holy Trinity, Casterton
  • 21Holme Cultram Abbey, Abbeytown
  • 22Crooked River Brewing Co
  • 23St Michael and All Angels, Arthuret
  • 24Mirehouse Historic House and Gardens
NextNext

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

  • Arts & Culture, History & Heritage in The Lake District, Cumbria
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  1. Photo coming soon
    Photo coming soon
    Egremont Castle Park

    Address

    Bookwell, Castle Villas, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2JW

    Egremont

    Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is ideal for walkers and runners.

    Add Egremont Castle Park to your Itinerary

    More Details
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  2. Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Exterior at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Inside the cell at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Lockers at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    Instructions at The Vault in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
    The Vault, Kirkby Lonsdale

    Address

    The Vault, The Old Bank Buildings, 29 Main St, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, LA6 2AH

    Telephone

    015242 97177

    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.

    Add The Vault, Kirkby Lonsdale to your Itinerary

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  3. Interior of West Walls Brewing Co in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Interior of West Walls Brewing Co in Carlisle, Cumbria
    West Walls Brewing Co

    Address

    Unit 2, West Walls Building, W Walls, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 8UB

    Telephone

    07950038622

    info@westwallsbrewing.co.uk

    W Walls, Carlisle

    Discover a hidden gem in the historic heart of Carlisle—West Walls Brewing Co., Cumbria’s first city-centre microbrewery nestled within the iconic Twisted Wheel nightclub. Our venue blends rich history with modern flair, offering tourists an…

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  4. Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
    Interior seating and layout at Crooked River Tap in Keswick, Lake District
    Crooked River Brewing Co

    Address

    Crooked River Tap, 7 Packhorse Ct, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5JB

    Telephone

    017687 21705

    info@crooked-river.co.uk

    Keswick

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

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  5. Exterior at Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro in Rowrah, Cumbria
    Exterior at Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro in Rowrah, Cumbria
    Ennerdale Brewery

    Address

    Ennerdale Brewery, Tap & Bistro, Chapel Row, Rowrah, Cumbria, CA26 3XS

    Telephone

    01946 862977

    info@ennerdalebrewery.co.uk

    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…

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  6. Brewer with Malt at Carlisle Brewing Co. in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Brewer with Malt at Carlisle Brewing Co. in Carlisle, Cumbria
    Carlisle Brewing Co.

    Address

    The Carlisle Brewing Company, 2, 12A Kingstown Broadway, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0HA

    Telephone

    01228 594959

    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.

    Add Carlisle Brewing Co. to your Itinerary

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