You are here: Home > Things to Do > Arts and Culture > Let's Go Culture > Lets-Go Culture - Experiences
From art galleries to museums and independent theatres, there are plenty of places to discover culture. Learn about the lives of creatives like William Wordsworth and John Ruskin and see the places that inspired them. Visit world-class museums telling the story of our area; take part in arts and crafts workshops and create your own masterpiece; enjoy theatrical productions or catch a movie; and immerse yourself in our rich arts and heritage scene.
Across this beautiful part of Cumbria, you’ll find plenty to explore. Traditional country houses and Lakeland cottages once inhabited by some of the South Lakes’ most iconic figures are now open to the public, with exhibitions showcasing their lives and works. There are impressive gardens to stroll through, too, including the world’s oldest topiary gardens. Historic buildings and modern structures alike house fascinating museums, offering the chance to delve deeper into our past. Learn about our famous lakes and waters, and discover natural history and ancient artefacts.
There are art galleries featuring pieces from local and international names, as well as the opportunity to visit artist’s studios and speak with the makers. Theatres offer a vibrant calendar of performances from opera to kid’s shows, brought to the stage by local, national and international companies.
Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or visiting solo, there’s something for all to enjoy. Many attractions host children’s activities during school holidays, while a fantastic programme of exhibitions and shows keeps things fresh – there’s always something new to see or do. Plus, onsite cafes mean you can make a day of it with breakfast, lunch, or coffee and cake. Join us and discover a rich arts and culture heritage: you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 37
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Kendal
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent opening of this large gallery space in Kendal is an exciting new addition to the Lakeland arts scene. With around a hundred square metres of space, the…
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.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
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.…
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Penrith
A tranquil haven with an almost-forgotten industrial past. Walled garden with outstanding medicinal and culinary herb collection and orchards, woodland walks to a restored watermill.
Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Ulverston
The Coro is an historic arts, culture and entertainment venue presenting Theatre, Music, Comedy, Community, Talks and Dance all year round in Ulverston, Cumbria at the edge of the Lake District.
Penrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
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.
Kendal
Brewery Arts is a thriving and dynamic arts organisation with over forty years' experience of delivering an exciting and inspirational programme, including cultural events, festivals and creative learning courses. Our venue is a beautiful, historic…
Barrow-in-Furness
You will find a diverse range of events and activities at The Forum, as we again aim to bring exciting entertainment to Barrow-in-Furness. There should be something for everyone during the current season and we are very proud to welcome…
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.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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.
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…
Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL