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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 101 to 119.
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.
Penrith
One mile east of Orton is the ancient Gamelands stone circle. One of the largest in Cumbria, all of its stones have fallen over so none are higher than one yard but they are 100 yards in circumference.
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 reviewsUlverston
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.…
SEASCALE
The smallest church near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England.
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…
BRAMPTON
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner and the only church designed by preRaphaelite architect Philip Webb.
Cumbria
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is on private land belonging to Seascale How Farm, but can be seen from a nearby footpath.
Keswick
Located in Keswick, the home of the first pencil, visitors enter this museum through a replica graphite mine which would have served as the source of the pencil industry over three centuries ago.
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Brampton
Standing close to Hadrian's Wall, this beautiful 13C church stands to its full height and remains remarkably well-preserved.
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…
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.
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.
Cumbria
Early 13thC castle, formidable barrier for Scots invaders, restored by the indomitable Lady Anne Clifford.
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.
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,…
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.
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