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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.
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden…
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
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: 119
, currently showing 1 to 20.
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Bewcastle, Carlisle
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo Saxon 7thC, beside church. Dates from 1361, east wall 12thC.
CARLISLE
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…
MILNTHORPE
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see today reflects its long and fascinating history.
Grasmere
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks we like to drink ourselves: refreshing beers & delicious gin. Try everything we make in The Good Sport, our Grasmere tap-room.
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518 reviewsKeswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
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1066 reviewsCarlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Hexham
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic country in England.
Penrith
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther Castle is one of the northwest's most spectacular visitor attractions. Its setting within the Lake District National Park is truly beautiful while the…
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
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.
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!
PENRITH
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home of the Dacre Bears, four unique medieval stone statues.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Millom
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one of them having contained a cremation.
Carlisle
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. Today's highlights include the Prisoners' beautiful carvings, the exhibition and wall walk.
Penrith
Three stone circles and two smaller settings of boulders 12' across. Inside one of the circles was a series of cremations, one in a collared urn.
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