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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.
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Cautley chapel was built in the early 1860s by the Upton family, when the London and North Western…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from Haverthwaite to Lakeside via the Leven valley.…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
Remnants of five stone circles and two possible stone avenues, circles range from 14' to 60', one…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and…
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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Bowness-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.
Penrith
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor Divock is 300 metres above sea level, forming part of Askham Fell, to the East of Ullswater.
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
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.
Ulverston
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of Quakerism as the movement was founded here almost 400 years ago. Visitors can relax in our cosy cafe or browse for something special in our gift shop.…
Cockermouth
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station buildings, with a level-access path along the former platform and through woodland teeming with wildlife. Serving interesting and fresh cafe food,…
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.
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…
Workington
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone. Eleven others survive, some only a few inches high.
Hawkshead, 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.
Brampton
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.
Ambleside
Dating back to the 17th century, this unique building stands over Stock Beck in the middle of Ambleside as a quirky reminder of Ambleside’s past.
Cumbria
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.
Finsthwaite, Lakeside
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and produced millions of wooden bobbins, vital to the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries.
Middlegate, Penrith
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display material reflecting the history and culture of the Penrith and Eden district.
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…
Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer because we simply love it - real ale is awesome! We've spent more years than we care to remember drinking real ale of all styles and flavours.
W Walls, Carlisle
Nestled in the historic heart of Carlisle, within the iconic Twisted Wheel nightclub, West Walls Brewing Co. is not just Cumbria’s first city-centre microbrewery — it’s a revolution in local craft beer. Our venue blends rich history with a fresh,…
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