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From art galleries to museums and independent theatres, there are plenty of places to discover culture. 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. 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: 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.
The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund 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: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
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.
Grange-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…
Coniston
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…
Grasmere
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.
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…
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
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.
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.
Penrith
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC additions. Extensive gardens in woodland setting walled garden, topiary, woodland walk and lake with cascade.
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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Built in a historic nineteenth century dock, the museum is home to a wealth of objects on the social and industrial history of the Furness area. The museum is a great day out for all with a popular playground, attractive Channelside walks, cafe…
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.
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
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!
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Barrow-in-Furness
You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring exciting entertainment to Barrow-in-Furness. There should be something for everyone during the current season and we are very proud to welcome…
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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