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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.
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden…
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Standing proudly in the city it has dominated for nine centuries, Carlisle Castle remained a…
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains…
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…
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: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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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1649 reviewsAmbleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
WORKINGTON
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873 - 1876 to replace a chapel in the grounds which now forms part of St Joseph's High School.
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.…
CARLISLE
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I (Longshanks) lay in state in the church for ten days in 1307.
Burgh by Sands is a very interesting church with layers of history.From the 12th century and on…
Nr Kendal
This imposing house stands proud at the gateway to the Lake District. Its rich and beautiful garden includes a pond, lake, a national collection of hardy ferns and a superb limestone rock garden. Sizergh Castle is a medieval house with Tudor…
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1568 reviewsBrampton
Birdoswald Roman Fort is the perfect place to see the longest continuous remaining stretch of this World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall. Explore the remains of the Roman fort and discover displays, artefacts and rest in the Tearoom.
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.
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102 reviewsCarlisle
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.
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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247 reviewsAPPLEBY-IN-WESTMORLAND
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late 13th after a raid by the Scots, restored 16th by Lady Anne Clifford, followed by two rounds of 19th century internal remodelling.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
Brampton
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
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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1937 reviewsPENRITH
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.
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.
Millom
Originally know as Sunkenkirk, consists of 50 stones at the foot of Black Combe. Access is via a long farm track from a minor road branching off the A595. Well worth the walk!
Nr 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
WHITEHAVEN
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red sandstone and distinctive shingled spire and clay tiled roof, an unusual feature in the Lake District.
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