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Wherever you are in Cumbria and the Lake District you can feel the shadow of a deep cultural heritage. Here are the standing stones and circles of the ancients, the powerful traces of Rome and the mighty fortresses of the Normans. The history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind, including fell, dale, beck, ghyll, mere, tarn and howe.
Later arrivals came not to conquer but to bask in the beauty of the landscapes and let it inspire them to artistic greatness: William Wordsworth, John Ruskin, Beatrix Potter, JMW Turner, Kurt Schwitters and Andy Goldsworthy are just a few of the names who carved their creativity out of Cumbrian stone; today, a rich creative life builds on this exceptional heritage.
You can see it and feel it within a few short miles; the artworks in mountains and forests, the scores of galleries and artists’ studios, the packed programme performances and festivals – not just music and comedy but wool, print and ceramics. It's the intimate venues and outdoor stages in stunning settings that make a cultural break here something unique.
For a taste of the art and culture waiting for you in England’s best-known landscape explore the sections below and at www.lakesculture.co.uk.
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
Whether you see yourself as an aviation enthusiast or simply a curious explorer, Solway Aviation…
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
Mirehouse is a beautiful family home in a breathtaking setting, welcoming visitors of all ages.…
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Wherever you are in Cumbria the history of the Vikings, the Angles and the Saxons is read in the names they left behind
Number of results: 125
, currently showing 1 to 20.
KESWICK
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and tranquillity, it can be traced back to the mid 16th century, although it was substantially refurbished in the 1840s.
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.
Cockermouth
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Kendal
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of Kendal, Cumbria, in northern England.
WIGTON
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution of the Monasteries for this church, when the local people successfully petitioned Thomas Cromwell to allow them to continue to use the church.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
PENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
CARLISLE
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for nearly 1500 years. The church is somewhat simpler and certainly younger, with some parts of it dating from 1277, although mostly it is from the…
Grasmere
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
CARLISLE
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I (Longshanks) lay in state in the church for ten days in 1307.
Burgh by Sands is a very interesting church with layers of history.From the 12th century and on…
Penrith
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.
Newby 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.
PENRITH
There has probably been a church in Great Salkeld since 880 AD, when the body of St Cuthbert was rested here after being brought from Holy Island. The Pele Tower was added in 1380, with an iron door for defence of the inhabitants against the Scots.
Ulverston
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley. Licensed tea room, gift shop, engine shed, picnic area & playground.
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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
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