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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.
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a…
The Gather is a “bureau des guides”, a community of qualified outdoor leaders focused on providing…
Join us at Ravenglass Railway Museum in 2025, as we celebrate 150 years of the Ravenglass and…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 62
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W Strand, Whitehaven
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST WELL-LOVED AND DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS, SHOWCASING THE POWERFUL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE AREAS LOCAL INDUSTRIAL PAST.
The Beacon Museums collection includes over…
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.
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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
A rusty 'tin shed' beside a dramatic waterfall in a remote valley just outside Keswick – this building is a tribute to human engineering and ingenuity, and it has a powerful story to tell about humanity's impact on the planet. Before closing in…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Sedbergh
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…
Penrith
Extended until Sunday 16 March!
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 Everest…
The Promenade, Maryport
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars, inscriptions and sculptures from the adjacent Roman fort and civilian settlement.
Barrow-in-Furness
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to tell the stories of the men and women who made Barrow great and a world leader in engineering. There is so much to do and see in the gallery including…
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.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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…
Sedbergh
Sue Bibby designs and makes with fabric, stitch and her trusty Bernina sewing machine. Her first love is drawing, and her work begins with first-hand observation and sketches. She never ventures far without a sketch book and find gardens and…
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…
Windermere
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.
Carlisle
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events, family activities, refreshments or simply a moment of peace - a warm welcome awaits.
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.
Ambleside
If you’re visiting the Ambleside area why not pop into the Old Courthouse Gallery? We have a fantastic collection of art & crafts by some amazing artists, many of them local to the area.
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…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's ceramic sculptures explore the human experience, the fragility of life and its strength to overcome. His large thin-walled vessels appear robust, yet…
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