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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 81 to 100.
Eskdale
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It measures just three-acres and the fort at Hardknott enjoyed command of the Eskdale Valley and the Roman road to Ravenglass.
Boot, Holmrook
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations. This charming site embodies the Lake District’s heritage. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District.
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.
Ulverston
The Laurel and Hardy Museum celebrates the life and career of Stan Laurel, born in Ulverston.
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
BRAMPTON
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner and the only church designed by preRaphaelite architect Philip Webb.
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.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
137 reviewsRavenglass
La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian railway, is an award-winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake District icon, living up to its “must do” reputation for all ages. There are lots of things to do including shopping facilities, a museum,…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1981 reviewsPENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
Bewcastle, Carlisle
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo Saxon 7thC, beside church. Dates from 1361, east wall 12thC.
SEDBERGH
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this Grade II building was originally built as a meeting house by the Society of Friends in 1701.
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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
228 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.
Whitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
329 reviewsGreystoke
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.…
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