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The Lake District, Cumbria, has provided inspiration for a whole host of artists throughout the years, so it may come as no surprise that we’ve got a rich arts and crafts scene across the area! Here, you’ll find a range of art galleries and exhibition spaces that host an ever-changing calendar of works in virtually every medium.
Discover pieces by local and nationally known artists at venues including independent galleries and studios, to museums and seasonal fairs. Some offer the chance to take a piece home with you, while others host regularly changing exhibitions as well as permanent art collections.
There’s even the opportunity to check out art in the great outdoors: there’s a sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest, for example, as well as open air exhibitions as part of festivals and events throughout the year.
If you fancy trying it for yourself, several galleries and studios also host workshops and classes. Often, you’ll be able to get inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of your venue as you learn a new skill or hone existing abilities.
As well as viewing some fantastic art pieces, here in Cumbria we also invite you to explore the studios and workshops where that work was made; and even meet the artists who create it.
Keep an eye out, too, for touring exhibitions to see something a little different while in the Lake District, Cumbria. Discover our galleries and exhibitions below.
Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape,…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging…
Abbot Hall presents Legacy, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Charmaine Watkiss. Discover a…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's…
A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds and digital creatures, inspired…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 71
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Sedbergh
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring exhibition of small format hand woven tapestries. Weavers come from a diverse range of creative backgrounds, from novice weavers to those with…
Sedbergh
Each summer at ArtyBird, we film our Creative Textile suite of courses. Soon my shell became the focus and star of them – surprising us on how inspiring just one shell can be.
This is a special shell, one that my husband brought me back from his…
Kendal
Uncovering the story of a British artist and his influence on 20th century art during the inter-war period. For the first time in over 50 years, a selection of Gilbert Spencer’s major paintings will be exhibited alongside examples of preparatory…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
178 reviewsHawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
Ambleside
Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the life and legacy of Alfred Wainwright at The Armitt museum from February to December 2025.
The Armitt museum and Alfred Wainwright Books & Memorabilia are thrilled to announce a collaborative and…
Kirkland, Kendal
Discover the Ecology Gallery, a space dedicated to exploring the stories of our local landscape, ecology, and the impact of human activity on the environment.
More than an exhibition, the Ecology Gallery is a dynamic space featuring…
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.
Penrith
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February
2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's disappearance near the Summit of Everest, so what better time to choose Everest as the Exhibition theme for our Gallery, and bring lesser known stories and…
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.
W Strand, Whitehaven
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at The Beacon Museum on Saturday 26 October, featuring exceptional images that capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular…
Sedbergh
A coming-together of four very different artists/makers based in Cumbria – who all assemble ideas, subject matter, and materials to create harmonious objects and paintings.
Visitors will see an array of abstract painting using paint and mixed media…
Brampton
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes 'Exploring 20's' describes his approach to painting.
At any stage Stephen will have 5 or 6 on the go and works on them in turn as his ideas about them…
Newby Bridge
A new home interiors and renovation event that showcases the huge range of expert, independent
businesses and artisan craftsmanship within Cumbria will launch next Spring. Media stars and
upholsterers, Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke, (BBC's Money for…
Ambleside
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes. Collections include Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, photography, fine art and local history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
104 reviewsWhitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
329 reviewsAmbleside
Timed to coincide with the centenary of the 1924 Mount Everest expedition, the exhibition shares important photographs and artefacts from the Royal Geographical Society and the Mountain Heritage Trust. Large format photography will tell the almost…
Grasmere
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. The sights, sounds and smells bring to life the bustling family home the Wordsworths would have known over 200 years ago.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
975 reviewsWhitehaven
Since 2023, Handpicked productions have been busy working on their National Lottery Heritage Fund funded project, Sekers Objects. With your help they've looked under beds, peeked in sheds and scoured mantle pieces, collecting objects that tell the…
Kirkland, Kendal
Discover the innovative methods farmers are using to rewild Britain's landscape in a captivating photography exhibition by photographer Johannes Pretorius.
Learn about Kendal-based regenerative farmers and step into the world of Strickley, a…
Sedbergh
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving techniques, the international exhibitors produce beautiful thought provoking works.
Heallreaf is an Old English word meaning a tapestry hung in a public…
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