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The Lake District, Cumbria, has provided inspiration for a whole host of artists throughout the years, so it may come as no surprise that we’ve got a rich arts and crafts scene across the area! Here, you’ll find a range of art galleries and exhibition spaces that host an ever-changing calendar of works in virtually every medium.
Discover pieces by local and nationally known artists at venues including independent galleries and studios, to museums and seasonal fairs. Some offer the chance to take a piece home with you, while others host regularly changing exhibitions as well as permanent art collections.
There’s even the opportunity to check out art in the great outdoors: there’s a sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest, for example, as well as open air exhibitions as part of festivals and events throughout the year.
If you fancy trying it for yourself, several galleries and studios also host workshops and classes. Often, you’ll be able to get inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of your venue as you learn a new skill or hone existing abilities.
As well as viewing some fantastic art pieces, here in Cumbria we also invite you to explore the studios and workshops where that work was made; and even meet the artists who create it.
Keep an eye out, too, for touring exhibitions to see something a little different while in the Lake District, Cumbria. Discover our galleries and exhibitions below.
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
Learn the art of contemporary gilding, how it has changed over time and how you can use it in your…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
Extended until Sunday 16 March! 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
We're hosting the Missing Lynx Exhibition, visiting local venues in the project area so that people…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 55
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sedbergh
Each summer at ArtyBird, we film our Creative Textile suite of courses. Soon my shell became the focus and star of them – surprising us on how inspiring just one shell can be.
This is a special shell, one that my husband brought me back from his…
W Strand, Whitehaven
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular…
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
Stramongate, Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
194 reviewsBrampton
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish Borders, Eden Valley, and English Lake District, so it should be no surprise that we have a wealth of artistic talent to call upon.
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7 reviewsCarlisle
We're hosting the Missing Lynx Exhibition, visiting local venues in the project area so that people can find out about this missing mammal and share their views on a potential lynx reintroduction.
The free, family-friendly exhibition is touring…
Sedbergh
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the inspiration for the work entered into the competition from internationally renowned textiles artists. There is a stunning array of figurative and…
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.
Whitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Newby Bridge
A new home interiors and renovation event that showcases the huge range of expert, independent
businesses and artisan craftsmanship within Cumbria will launch next Spring. Media stars and
upholsterers, Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke, (BBC's Money for…
Sedbergh
Sue Lancaster is a well-known as a textile artist working in machine embroidery, but her work starts well in advance of the production in stitch. In 'What's the Point' Sue will be exploring landscapes in a variety of media – it will be view point…
Brampton
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes 'Exploring 20's' describes his approach to painting.
At any stage Stephen will have 5 or 6 on the go and works on them in turn as his ideas about them…
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.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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330 reviewsSedbergh
I grew up in Huddersfield, in the heart of the textile industry, and spent many childhood days playing amongst the derelict mills that are our industrial heritage. After travelling extensively, I returned to my hometown and the rugged and remote…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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138 reviewsSedbergh
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring exhibition of small format hand woven tapestries. Weavers come from a diverse range of creative backgrounds, from novice weavers to those with…
Crosby-on-Eden
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation Museum has something to offer. Based on the site of RAF Crosby-on-Eden, a former WWII fighter base, the museum has been painstakingly created by a team…
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529 reviewsPenrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
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27 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL