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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.
A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds and digital creatures, inspired…
Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating…
Abbot Hall presents Legacy, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Charmaine Watkiss. Discover a…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging…
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…
Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape,…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
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…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 71
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Kendal
An exhibition of striking photographs exploring the complexities of gender and identity.
The exhibition contains 42 contemporary giclee prints made from scans of Cahun’s original photographic self-portraits.
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178 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.
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…
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178 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 reviewsWhitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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329 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…
Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Kendal
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…
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146 reviewsPenrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Sedbergh
Members of the international Waterline project continue their collaboration with a new theme of Murmuration. A new series of handwoven tapestries capturing the marvel of a flock of birds flying closely together, a shape-shifting form creating…
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.
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194 reviewsConiston
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…
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.
Sedbergh
A coming-together of four very different artists/makers based in Cumbria – who all assemble ideas, subject matter, and materials to create harmonious objects and paintings.
Visitors will see an array of abstract painting using paint and mixed media…
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…
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.
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…
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
Sedbergh
This new body of work explores the ever-changing Lakeland landscape. The work is abstract, painted from memory and includes familiar shapes; field patterns on the fellside, ancient gate stoops weathered by the elements, a hog hole in a wall, the…
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