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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.
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Circle has a diameter of 60' and stands on a flattened mound or platform. There are 20 uprights,…
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Three circles and nine small cairns. The south circle is 104' across, the north-west is 72' with a…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
Caught in the Anglo Scottish wars of the 14th century, a good bit of luck followed the Dissolution…
A playful environment filled with vibrant colours, ambient sounds and digital creatures, inspired…
St Lawrence's church is a grade I listed building, of late 12th century foundation, rebuilt late…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to interactive science, games…
Several stone circles and many small cairns are visible on the moor. The circles are distinguished…
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time…
Welcome to Lakeland's oldest, longest and most scenic railway! La'aL Ratty, the little Cumbrian…
Second largest circle in England - 360' diameter. Long Meg is an outlying stone and is decorated…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Hadrian's Wall is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Carlisle Brewing Co is a small, family-run brewery based in Cumbria's capital city. We make beer…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
Penrith and Eden Museum is an Accredited Museum, which aims to collect, preserve and display…
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 61 to 80.
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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134 reviewsPenrith
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.
Stramongate, Kendal
A masterpiece of storytelling; 350 years of social history and a celebration of life, revolutions and remarkable people....made by 4,000 people. Facilities: Gift Shop, Cafe, Audio guides, Films, Interactive Displays, Children's Activities.
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191 reviewsRavenglass
Dominating the Lake District Coast where the mountains tumble into the sea and bursting with treasures and tales, haunted Muncaster oozes history from every rough stone which fashion the castle walls.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
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881 reviewsCARLISLE
A local landowner, Sarah Losh (1785-1853), designed St Mary's in 1840, partly in memory of her sister and parents. Influenced by the architecture seen on her Grand Tour of Europe, she created an original design that was very much at odds with the…
SEDBERGH
Brigflatts, near Sedbergh, Cumbria, is one of the most famous Quaker meeting houses, known and loved by Friends all over the world.
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.
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.
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.
Brewery Lane, Keswick
Come and visit our brewery to find out more about us and the beers we make. Only a 2 minute walk from Keswick town centre, enjoy a beer where it’s brewed. Explore on a tour, visit our Brewery Shop, and relax in our Flying Fox Bar.
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…
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 reviewsCockermouth
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.
KESWICK
The church is situated centrally in Keswick and stands out by virtue of its tall spire. The site for this church commands superb views of the surrounding Lakeland hills.
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
Carlisle
Discover 900 years of history and explore the tumultuous life of Carlisle Castle and its characters, in a new exhibition.
PENRITH
According to architectural historian Nicholas Pevsner, this is ‘the stateliest church of its time in the county’, rebuilt in 1720 on an ancient site
Penrith
Circle is 37' across, seven stones and the retaining kerb of a destroyed cairn. Nineteenth-century excavations produced a cremation.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
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