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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.
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience. Over 100 years…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art…
Three stone circles and two smaller settings of boulders 12' across. Inside one of the circles was…
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…
The stream which flows over Aira Force is Aira Beck, which rises on the upper slopes of Stybarrow…
Egremont Castle Park in the town of Egremont, offers 2.8 acres of beautiful green space that is…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
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: 121
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Millom
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a long farm track from a minor road branching off the A595. Well worth the walk!
Greystoke
Greystoke Castle, a 12th-century gem in the Cumbrian countryside, offers 800 years of history, including connections to Catherine Howard and Tarzan. Explore its grand halls, Tarzan Trails, and seasonal events, then relax at the Butler’s Pantry café.…
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
CARLISLE
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of its past. The church serves the scattered population in the rural parish of Kirkandrews on Esk, once the centre of the historic and lawless Debateable…
Carlisle
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a working fortress until well within living memory. Today's highlights include the Prisoners' beautiful carvings, the exhibition and wall walk.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
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.
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1668 reviewsBowness-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.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
MILNTHORPE
St Peter’s, the oldest site of worship in the old county of Westmorland and the building we see today reflects its long and fascinating history.
Ulverston
Come and join us at The Old Calf Shed for a behind-the-scenes look at our distillery, followed by a relaxed spirits tasting in our stylish visitor bar.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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137 reviewsPenrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
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.
Penrith
Imagine coming to a ruined castle, walking through its gardens and into the woodlands and stumbling across one of the largest adventure playgrounds in the country. When you do this at Lowther, you have found the lost castle.
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…
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.
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379 reviewsKESWICK
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.
SEDBERGH
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from 1130, is a haven of peace.
Penrith
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination of history, architecture and family which is both a Cumbrian and national story. Dalemain is an award-winning delight and is part of the UNESCO World…
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