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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.
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is…
Situated on the western coast in the rural village of Rowrah, our beer is brewed with quality and…
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
Situated in the beautiful valley of Dentdale, Cumbria yet within the boundary of the Yorkshire…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne…
The church was designed by Edward Welby Pugin (son of Augustus Welby Pugin) and built between 1873…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
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: 117
, currently showing 101 to 117.
Barrow-in-Furness
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire.
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
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.
CARLISLE
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for nearly 1500 years. The church is somewhat simpler and certainly younger, with some parts of it dating from 1277, although mostly it is from the…
Keswick
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles with the mountain of Helvellyn as a dramatic backdrop.
Penrith
Today, the principal feature is the Goggleby Stone, a 12 ton monolith, which was re-erected in 1975 after it had fallen - some 3500 years after first being set on end.
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
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…
CARLISLE
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed by ‘God’s Architect’ Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. The church retains all of its original elaborate architectural features, fittings and furniture,…
AMBLESIDE
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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