browsing galleries and exhibitions

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, Tel: 01539435544, Email, www.wordsworth.org.uk/events

Get a 15-minute glimpse behind the scenes, and see some of the 65,000 artefacts from the collection not normally on show (Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri: 2nd May - 27th Sept).

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH, Tel: 015394 35544, Email, www.wordsworth.org.uk

This exhibition will follow Dorothy’s writing through seasons and through years.

Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD, Tel: 015394 41396, Email, www.brantwood.org.uk

Brantwood is a vibrant centre of exhibitions, both historic and contemporary. The programme features exhibitions of Ruskin's own exquisite studies as well as important contemporary shows of both well known and up and coming artists.

Abbot Hall, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL, Tel: 01539 722464, Email, www.abbothall.org.uk

Abbot Hall is an exquisite gallery in the northwest of England on the edge of the Lake District. Works of art can be enjoyed in this beautiful Georgian villa, drawn both from its important collections and the changing series of exhibitions.

Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8UR, Tel: 01228 625600, Email, www.english-heritage.org.uk/carlislecastle

Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.

The Old Bank, The Promenade, Arnside, Lancashire, LA5 0HA, Tel: 01524 761762, Email, www.gallery-h.co.uk

Leading international contemporary and traditional design collections of fine art, furniture and jewellery pieces. Exhibitions are held throughout the year. Online shopping at www.galleryh.co.uk

Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0DQ, Tel: 01768 868000, Email, www.rheged.com

Wallace and Gromit are coming to Rheged, bringing with them a fantastic and activity-packed exhibition that reveals the artistry that goes into every scene of their classic animated adventures.

Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, Tel: 01228618781, Email, www.tulliehouse.co.uk

George Howard, 9th Earl of Carlisle: Artist and Patron This is the first comprehensive exhibition of George Howard’s work

Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, Tel: 01228618781, Email, www.tulliehouse.co.uk

Groundbreaking exhibition will explore the hidden world of Freemasonry.

Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, Tel: 01228618781, Email, www.tulliehouse.co.uk

The exhibition will showcase the works of artists from across the North West.

Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP, Tel: 01228 618781, www.tulliehouse.co.uk

This exhibition will explore the interlocking landscapes of the South Solway Firth.

Unthank, Nr. Hutton-in-the -Forest, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 9TG, Tel: 017684 84538, Email, www.up-front.com

Upfront gallery has changing exhibitions throughout the year. There is a shop selling ceramics, jewellery, cards and gifts. A restaurant serving a wide selection of vegetarian meals, snacks and home-made cakes.

Tithe Barn Midtown, Caldbeck, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 8EA, Tel: 016974 78015, Email, www.hestascene.co.uk

The idea is for a working studio gallery showcasing a unique range of work from post-graduate students and established artists/makers, hence the name Hesta Scene? (hesta is 'have you' in Cumbrian dialect).

West Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7LY, Tel: 01946 592302, Email, www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

Home to the Copeland museum collection, gallery and new harbourside restaurant. From early history to modern day, The Beacon offers fun and learning for the whole family.

West Strand, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 7LY, Tel: 01946 592302, Email, www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

Historic photographs alongside stunning modern images Copeland.

Southey Works, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5NG, Tel: 017687 73626, www.pencilmuseum.co.uk

A monthly programme exhibited by professional pencil, watercolour, pastel and mixed media artists. View the work over a coffee or browse the gallery at your leisure. All works are for sale and are framed or on canvas.

The Old Laundry, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX, Tel: 0844 504 1233, Email, www.hop-skip-jump.com

The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attaction is a vibrant family visitor centre bringing to life all 23 enchanting stories in a magical recreation of the beautiful Lake District countryside complete with sights, sounds and smells.

Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ, Tel: 017687 72282, Email, www.theatrebythelake.com

Set on the shores of Derwentwater in Keswick, Theatre by the Lake is Cumbria's only year-round professional producing theatre. Hosting a wide range of visiting drama, music, dance, talks, comedy and film.