to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
From art galleries to museums and independent theatres, there are plenty of places to discover culture in the South Lakes. Learn about the lives of creatives like William Wordsworth and John Ruskin and see the places that inspired them. Visit world-class museums telling the story of our area; take part in arts and crafts workshops and create your own masterpiece; enjoy theatrical productions or catch a movie; and immerse yourself in our rich arts and heritage scene.
Across this beautiful part of Cumbria, you’ll find plenty to explore. Traditional country houses and Lakeland cottages once inhabited by some of the South Lakes’ most iconic figures are now open to the public, with exhibitions showcasing their lives and works. There are impressive gardens to stroll through, too, including the world’s oldest topiary gardens. Historic buildings and modern structures alike house fascinating museums, offering the chance to delve deeper into our past. Learn about our famous lakes and waters, and discover natural history and ancient artefacts.
There are art galleries featuring pieces from local and international names, as well as the opportunity to visit artist’s studios and speak with the makers. Theatres offer a vibrant calendar of performances from opera to kid’s shows, brought to the stage by local, national and international companies.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or visiting solo, there’s something for all to enjoy in South Lakeland. Many attractions host children’s activities during school holidays, while a fantastic programme of exhibitions and shows keeps things fresh – there’s always something new to see or do. Plus, onsite cafes mean you can make a day of it with breakfast, lunch, or coffee and cake. Join us and discover a rich arts and culture heritage in the South Lakes: you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.
.jpg)
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 improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 26
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Kendal Museum, Station Rd, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BTTelephone
01539 815597Kendal
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Farfield Mill, Garsdale Rd, Sedbergh, Cumbria, LA10 5LWTelephone
01539 621958Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Tourism For All
Address
Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LBTelephone
015394 32628Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Lake District Music - Summer Festival - 26th July to 4th August 2024.
For almost 40 years the world’s finest classical musicians have performed in the stunning surroundings of the Lake District. Every summer they head to Cumbria for a festival like…
Tourism For All
Address
Stott Park Bobbin Mill, Colton Hill, Finsthwaite, Lakeside, Cumbria, LA12 8AXTelephone
01539 531087Finsthwaite, Lakeside
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and produced millions of wooden bobbins, vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Address
National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QBTelephone
015394 35143Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Tourism For All
Address
Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HETelephone
01539 725133Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Crag Bow, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BXTelephone
01539440872Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Tourism For All
Address
Old Blue Mill, Backbarrow, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8TATelephone
015395 30400Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, 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.
Tourism For All
Address
Swarthmoor Hall, Swarthmoor Hall Ln, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 0JQTelephone
01229583204Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of Quakerism as the movement was founded here almost 400 years ago. Visitors can relax in our cosy cafe or browse for something special in our gift shop.…
Tourism For All
Address
Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JTTelephone
015394 46139Bowness-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.
Address
Windermere Jetty, Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1BNWindermere
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.
Tourism For All
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Tourism For All
Address
Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
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!
Address
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41164Coniston
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…
Address
Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SXTelephone
015394 35280Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Address
Kendal Museum, Station Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6BTTelephone
01539 815597Kendal
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…
Address
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PLTelephone
015395 58328Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
