to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
With the holidays fast approaching, there’s a cultural feast available for everyone in South Lakeland this Easter.
If you’re looking for creative activities to keep the kids entertained, South Lakeland is the perfect place to be. There are theatre experiences, art exhibitions, live music, museums and plenty more to enjoy, with lots for younger visitors to discover. Here’s a selection of cultural attractions to visit and events to keep everyone happy during the Easter break.
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Image: Wordsworth Grasmere / Tom McNally Photography
Walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth
The poet and his sister Dorothy spent much of their lives in the South Lakes, finding inspiration in their natural surroundings. Begin with a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere, home to Dove Cottage as well as a modern museum telling of William’s life and Dorothy’s fascinating Grasmere Journal. On 4 April, there’s a free kids activity, Biodiversity and the Wordsworths.
From Dove Cottage, Wordsworth moved to the National Trust’s Allan Bank which is open to visit today. Between 8 – 16 April, there’s a daily Easter Bonnet Parade at 11am; as well as an Easter Trail to explore. Bring your own Easter bonnet or make one on site with one of Allan Bank’s ‘bonnet kits’.
Wordsworth chose Rydal Mount as his final home, staying here until his death in 1850. You can even visit Hawkshead Grammar School, where he was educated as a boy - it reopens to visitors on 1 April.
Image: © National Trust
Experience Living Heritage
From horsepower to steam power, our museums offer a unique experience. Head to the Lakeland Motor Museum and Stott Park Bobbin Mill to uncover our industrial heritage. Book a trip on a heritage craft at the Windermere Jetty Museum.
Literature, Arts and Crafts are a significant part of our culture. Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a beautiful showcase of that era, and enjoys stunning views over Windemere towards Sawrey - where you will discover Hill Top, a traditional Lakeland Farmhouse and the former home of Beatrix Potter.
Image: © Levens Hall
Explore Historic Homes
The South Lakes is home to fascinating historic homes, country houses and beautiful Lakeland farmhouses. Explore Holker Hall, Levens Hall (open from 2 April) and Sizergh Castle. John Ruskin’s former home, Brantwood, is a vibrant centre for arts, with regular exhibitions and summer outdoor theatre.
Townend is a cosy farmhouse near Windermere brimming with character. Once home to the Browne family, who lived there for over 400 years, the house is now open to the public and full of original objects from the Browne’s time here.
Image: © The Quaker Tapestry Museum
Immerse Yourself in Local History
At The Armitt Museum, a fascinating range of exhibitions tells the story of Ambleside’s history and heritage. From Beatrix Potter to Kurt Schwitters, learn more about the figures who were inspired by our landscapes. Current exhibitions include Beatrix Potter: Passions in Paint, which offers an insight into the early interests of Beatrix Potter.
The Ruskin Museum tells the fascinating story of Coniston and showcases local history. Fans of Arthur Ransome and Donald Campbell will find much to discover here.
Uncover social history and wonder at the incredible needlework on display at the Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal. This Easter, there are lots of family activities to enjoy – plus, kids go free!
In Ulverston, the Laurel and Hardy Museum is dedicated to the iconic comic duo, with daily films and a varied collection of exhibits.
Image: © Lakeland Arts
See Artists at Work & Take in an Exhibition
Farfield Mill is home to a creative community of resident and visiting artisan makers, showcasing traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Admission to the mill and exhibitions is free.
The Heaton Cooper Studio in the heart of Grasmere exhibits the works of three generations of the Heaton Cooper family.
At The People’s Gallery, in Kendal Museum, you can see the “Art Forms in Nature” exhibition from April 6 to April 29.
Wray Castle is shedding new light on fabulous old photographs in its Brought to Light exhibition, featuring historic prints by two of the Lake District’s great photographers: Herbert Bell and Rupert Potter (father of Beatrix Potter).
The Windermere Jetty Museum has the fabulous Forty Farms exhibition running throughout Easter. Featuring photographs by British Life Photographer of the Year, Amy Bateman it offers a unique insight into the everyday lives, fears and hopes of 40 extraordinary Cumbrian farmers.
At Wordsworth Grasmere, there’s the “To the Lakes!” exhibition where you can experience the Lake District through the words and images captured by tourists 200 years ago. Costumes and games will help families imagine their own 18th/19th-century tour of the Lakes!
Discover arts and culture at Grizedale Forest: as well as stunning outdoor landscapes, it’s also home to resident artists and exhibitions. This Easter, don’t miss the Earth Photo Exhibition: an international photography project on display until 23 April. There’s also a sculpture trail in the forest itself.
At Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, enjoy a Paper Wildflower Workshop with Amy Williams as part of the ‘Unearthed’ exhibition, now showing until June 4. Held on 15 April, it’s suitable for ages 16+ and attendance is free with an admission ticket. Book ahead to secure your space.
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Image: © The Old Laundry Theatre
Catch a Show
Round off your day with a night of comedy, theatre or live music!
The Old Laundry Theatre is staging Buffy – Revamped! at 8pm on 7 April, fresh from an award-winning run at Edinburgh Fringe.
At Brewery Arts in Kendal, there’s something for everyone. One of the UK’s top stand-up comedians Chris McCausland takes to the stage on 8 April. For a younger audience, how about The Adventures of the Little Red Hen: an energetic adaptation of this much-loved story, showing on 12 & 13 April.
There’s a great mix at The Coro in Ulverston this Easter. For family fun, try the delightful family show The Tiger Who Came to Tea (1 – 2 April). For a musical blast, The Cavern Beatles will take you on a magical musical history tour through the works of the world's greatest pop music phenomenon (15 April).
There really is something for everyone in the South Lakes. Join us and explore it all for yourself: head to visitlakedistrict.com/cultureinsouthlakes and plan your trip.
The Culture in South Lakes campaign is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund | #UKSPF
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The fund aims to provide pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local businesses, and people and skills. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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