You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture > Galleries & Exhibitions
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.
Cosy up for a Christmassy crafting experience in our snug yurt and create your own handmade…
Design & make 'three Silver rings' with Sterling Silver and some Semi-Precious Stones with Melinda…
Abbot Hall presents Legacy, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Charmaine Watkiss. Discover a…
Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating…
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
know her textile art, but also, she still designs and creates jewellery, likewise clothes, restores…
From Friday 13 September to Sunday 24 November Ian Lawson returns to Rheged's Gallery after 9…
Linocut and Wood engraving relief prints inspired by the Cumbrian Landscape As a printmaker using…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
Members of the international Waterline project continue their collaboration with a new theme of…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Timed to coincide with the centenary of the 1924 Mount Everest expedition, the exhibition shares…
Wild Wreath Making Workshop Enjoy a wonderful evening with your friends, listen to your favourite…
Cumbrian photographer Tom Kay is offering a special festive version of his Better Photography With…
The Tiny roost is working with Bankground Farm Coniston. Using their wonderful jacob fleece to…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
Find the perfect Christmas gift and support over 20 independent artists and crafts people. Entry is…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
Threadmill are a group of fifteen textile and mixed media artists committed to the promotion of…
Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape,…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 66
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sedbergh
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
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February
2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance near the Summit of Everest, so what better time to choose Everest as the Exhibition theme for our Gallery, and bring lesser known stories and…
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.
Kendal
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of 18th-21st century art and hosts exhibitions. The…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
178 reviewsSedbergh
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving techniques, the international exhibitors produce beautiful thought provoking works.
Heallreaf is an Old English word meaning a tapestry hung in a public…
Kirkland, Kendal
Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating photography exhibition by photographer Johannes Pretorius.
Learn about Kendal-based regenerative farmers and step into the world of Strickley, a…
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
249 reviewsSedbergh
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…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds and digital creatures, inspired by ecosystems found in nature. Immerse yourself in the Microworld and discover a space where creatures respond to each other and to you.
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…
Kendal
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The Museum has a long history in Kendal Town and has occupied various sites but has been at its current location (previously a wool warehouse) since 1913.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
146 reviewsBoot, 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 reviewsBowness-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.
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
137 reviewsWindermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Brampton
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
7 reviewsKendal
Abbot Hall presents Legacy, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Charmaine Watkiss. Discover a collection of beautiful drawings exploring the connection between people and nature.
London-based artist Charmaine Watkiss (b.1964) examines…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
975 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL