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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
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Rowrah
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and consistency championing the highest quality of malts, whole cone hops and Lake District water, our in house yeast strain derived from traditional…
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