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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.
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
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: 117
, currently showing 101 to 117.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
AMBLESIDE
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.
Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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.
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
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968 reviewsBrampton
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.
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.
Cumbria
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.
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…
Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
Finsthwaite, Lakeside
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and produced millions of wooden bobbins, vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
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.
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