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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.
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
This area is rich in prehistoric remains including a standing stone, stone circle and cairns. Moor…
Imposing and well-preserved turret with adjoining stretches of Hadrian's Wall.
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Double Circle of stones surrounding cremations in urns (removed). 'Platform' cairn, small barrows,…
The beer hall is the Brewery Tap, sampling room, visitors centre and beer shop. it is a fully…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
The tranquility of St Andrew's church, set on the banks of the river Esk, belies the turbulence of…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
Kendal Museum is one of the oldest museums in the UK, founded in 1796 by William Todhunter. The…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
A 'very remarkable building with windows glowing with gemstone colours', according to architectural…
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.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
SEDBERGH
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed windows, Cautley Wesleyan chapel is a good example of its type and date.
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.
Eskdale
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It measures just three-acres and the fort at Hardknott enjoyed command of the Eskdale Valley and the Roman road to Ravenglass.
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.
Penrith
The mainly 15thC remains of a castle begun by Bishop Strickland of Carlisle and developed by the Nevilles and Richard lll. Set in a municipal park opposite the railway station.
AMBLESIDE
Visible from miles around that spire of St Mary’s nestles into the beautiful landscape of the Heart of the English Lake District.
GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
Founded in 1504 and Grade I listed this peaceful church is tucked away on the Fell, surrounded by a graveyard rich with wildflowers, the interior contains unusual box pews, a triple decker pulpit and stained glass both ancient and modern.
Hexham
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic country in England.
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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1940 reviewsFinsthwaite, 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…
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.
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.
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.
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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