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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.
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. …
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Castle open to public at all times. Church open to public dawn to dusk. Bewcastle Cross Shaft Anglo…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
The beer hall is the Brewery Tap, sampling room, visitors centre and beer shop. it is a fully…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
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 21 to 40.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Cockermouth
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.
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
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.
Nr Seascale
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a low central cairn. The third is immediately north of the second, it is 24' across and also encloses a small cairn.
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Newby Bridge
A unique combination of interrelated stories and a fascinating visitor experience.
Over 100 years of motoring history, the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, IOM TT tribute display and the Leven Valley heritage centre. Gift shop and Cafe Ambio.
SEASCALE
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
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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1650 reviewsWhitehaven
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games and history.
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322 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
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands on the site of a Saxon church and contains many ancient relics.
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.
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225 reviewsBrampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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.
Millom
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one of them having contained a cremation.
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…
Ravenglass
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway!
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. Excellent…
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1940 reviewsKendal
A stunning Elizabethan mansion with spectacular interiors and impressive collections of antiques. Also home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, designed by Guillaume Beaumont, retain many original features. Cafe, Gift Shop and Plant Centre.
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706 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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