You are here: Home > Things to Do > History and Heritage
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.
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…
The beer hall is the Brewery Tap, sampling room, visitors centre and beer shop. it is a fully…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
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…
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: 119
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
143 reviewsCockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
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.
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
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.
Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
367 reviewsPenrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Eskdale
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished by the occurance within them of small cairns. Construction date is thought to be around 2000BC.
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.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
247 reviewsNr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
CARLISLE
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…
PENRITH
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home of the Dacre Bears, four unique medieval stone statues.
AMBLESIDE
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District church. It has literary connections with Wordsworth and was also the home the home of Archbishop Sandys in the 16th century.
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.
SEDBERGH
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed windows, Cautley Wesleyan chapel is a good example of its type and date.
Penrith
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL