Let’s Go Culture - Map & Attractions
1 ABBOT HALL Kirkland, Kendal, LA9 5AL • 01539 637940 lakelandarts.org.uk/abbot-hall
2 ACORN BANK (NATIONAL TRUST) Temple Sowerby, Penrith, CA10 1SP 01768 361893 nationaltrust.org.uk/acorn-bank
3 ALLAN BANK (NATIONAL TRUST) Grasmere, LA22 9QB • 015394 35143 nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/allan-bank-and-grasmere
4 BLACKWELL - THE ARTS & CRAFTS HOUSE Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3JT • 015394 46139 lakelandarts.org.uk/blackwell
5 BRANTWOOD - HOME OF JOHN RUSKIN East of Lake, Coniston, LA21 8AD • 015394 41396 brantwood.org.uk
6 BREWERY ARTS
122A Highgate, Kendal, LA9 4HE 01539 725133 breweryarts.co.uk
7 BROUGHAM CASTLE (ENGLISH HERITAGE) Brougham, Penrith, CA10 2AA • 01768 862488 english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/brougham-castle
8 BROUGHAM HALL Brougham, Penrith, CA10 2DE • 01768 868184 broughamhall.co.uk
9 EVAN GALLERY & STUDIOS
4 Corney Place, Penrith, CA11 7PX • 079680 95597 edenvalleyartisticnetwork.co.uk
! FARFIELD MILL
Garsdale Road, Sedbergh, LA10 5LW 01539 621958 farfieldmill.org
al FURNESS ABBEY (ENGLISH HERITAGE)
Manor Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA13 0PJ • 01229 823420 english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/furness-abbey
am GRIZEDALE FOREST & VISITOR CENTRE (STUDIOS & GALLERY)
Hawkshead, Hawkshead, LA22 0QJ • 0300 067 4495 forestryengland.uk/grizedale
an HAWKSHEAD GRAMMAR SCHOOL MUSEUM
Main Street, Hawkshead, LA22 0NT • 015394 36674 hawksheadgrammar.org.uk
Let’s Go Culture in Westmorland & Furness
Welcome to the rich artistic and cultural scene of Westmorland & Furness: a place where old and new combine to create a unique experience filled with wonder and surprise. This is the place where world famous poets, artists and writers found inspiration; and where a new generation of creatives are making their mark. Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone.
From the luxurious interiors of country halls to the humble rooms of a poet’s cottage; from interactive museums telling the fascinating story of our industrial heritage to contemporary spaces showcasing the work of artisans, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Stretching from Barrow in Furness in the south, to the market town of Alston in the north, this beautiful part of Cumbria offers so much to explore. Join us and discover it all for yourself.
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ao HEATON COOPER STUDIO
The Studio, Grasmere, LA22 9SX • 015394 35280 heatoncooper.co.uk
ap HILL TOP BEATRIX POTTER’S HOUSE (NATIONAL TRUST)
Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, LA22 0LF • 015394 36269 nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/hill-top
aq HOLKER HALL & GARDENS
Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, LA11 7PL • 015395 58328 holker.co.uk
ar HUTTON-IN-THE-FOREST HISTORIC HOUSE
Hutton-in-the-Forest, Penrith, CA11 9TH • 017684 84449 hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk
as KENDAL MUSEUM
Station Road, Kendal, LA9 6BT • 01539 815597 kendalmuseum.org.uk
at LAKELAND MOTOR MUSEUM
Old Blue Mill, Back Barrow, Newby Bridge, LA12 8TA • 015395 30400 lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk
bu LEVENS HALL, GARDENS & KITCHEN
Levens, Kendal, LA8 0PD • 015395 60321 levenshall.co.uk
bl LOWTHER CASTLE & GARDENS
Lowther, Penrith, CA10 2HH • 01931 712192 lowthercastle.org
bm NENTHEAD MINES
Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PB • 07494 497868 nentheadmines.com
bn PENRITH & EDEN MUSEUM
Middlegate, Penrith, CA11 7PT • 01768 865105 eden.gov.uk/museum
bo QUAKER TAPESTRY MUSEUM
Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4BH • 01539 722975 quaker-tapestry.co.uk
bp RHEGED Redhills, Penrith, CA11 0DQ 01768 868000 rheged.com
bq SIZERGH CASTLE (NATIONAL TRUST)
Sizergh, Kendal, LA8 8AE • 015395 60951 nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/sizergh
br STOTT PARK BOBBIN MILL Finsthwaite, Ulverston, LA12 8AX • 01539 531087 english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stott-park-bobbin-mill bs SWARTHMOOR HALL Swarthmoor Hall Lane, Ulverston, LA12 0JQ 01229 583204 swarthmoorhall.co.uk/
bt THE ARMITT MUSEUM Nook Lane, Ambleside, LA22 9BL • 015394 31212 armitt.com
cu THE CORO County Square, Ulverston, LA12 7LZ • 01229 588994 thecoro.co.uk
cl THE DOCK MUSEUM
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2PW • 01229 876400 dockmuseum.org.uk
cm THE FORUM
28 Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1HH 01229 820000 theforumbarrow.co.uk
cn THE OLD LAUNDRY THEATRE Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BX • 015394 40872 oldlaundrytheatre.co.uk
co THE RUSKIN MUSEUM Yewdale Road, Coniston, LA21 8DU • 015394 41164 ruskinmuseum.com
cp TOWNEND (NATIONAL TRUST) Troutbeck, Windermere, LA23 1LB • 015394 32628 nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/townend
cq WINDERMERE JETTY MUSEUM Rayrigg Road, Windermere, LA23 1BN 01539 637940 lakelandarts.org.uk/windermere-jetty-museum
cr WRAY (NATIONAL TRUST)
Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA • 015394 33250 nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/wray
cs WORDSWORTH GRASMERE
Town End, Grasmere, LA22 9SH • 015394 35544 wordsworth.org.uk
Front cover image credits: (clockwise from centre) Levens Hall & Gardens, Lakeland Arts, Rheged, Hutton-in-the-Forest, Wordsworth Grasmere ©Tom McNally, The Dock Museum, The Ruskin Museum.
Ambleside & Grasmere
Ambleside is often heralded as a base for outdoor adventure – but before you head for the hills take time to discover this picture-perfect Lakeland town.
For the complete story of Ambleside and surrounding area, visit The Armitt Museum. Here you’ll find interesting and unusual objects telling the history of Ambleside and its people, including Charlotte Mason, who established her famous girl’s college in Ambleside; German-born artist Kirt Schwitters, who settled here as a WWII refugee; and Beatrix Potter, whose drawings show her passion for the world around her.
Just south of Ambleside at Townend in Troutbeck is the Browne family farm. A traditional Lakeland farmhouse which was lived in and farmed by the same family for 400 years and is now maintained by the National Trust.
In Grasmere, declared by William Wordsworth to be ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’ you will find Wordsworth Grasmere and Dove Cottage. The modern museum sits alongside the traditional Dove Cottage and gardens, where Wordsworth created some of his best-known work and Dorothy kept her famous Grasmere journals. Wordsworth loved the vale so much that he never moved away from it, moving his family just a couple of miles from Dove Cottage to Allan Bank in 1808.
From the 18th century artists journeyed to the area in search of ‘the picturesque and sublime’. JMW Turner visited in 1797. Now the work of one family of artists, the Heaton Coopers, continues to be inspired by the beauty and energy of the Lake District. The Heaton Cooper Studio in the heart of the village, exhibits the work of three generations.
Kendal, Sedbergh & Kirkby Lonsdale
Kendal’s heritage may be rooted in its medieval past, but its art scene is 100% 21st century. Some of the town’s oldest buildings have been revitalised as art galleries, museums and creative hubs. Brewery Arts a former brewery, has been the town’s premier hub for contemporary culture and creativity for over 50 years. This historic venue boasts a dynamic array of world class entertainment options.
Abbot Hall is one of the UK’s best small galleries. Established in 1962 in a Grade 1-listed Georgian building, it has an outstanding collection of British art which explore themes of landscape and identity. The town also has two museums. Kendal Museum is one of the UKs oldest museums and The Quaker Tapestry Museum is home to an international tapestry project, with 77 panels telling the story of Quakers through the ages. Just south of the town are two fine historic houses: Sizergh Castle, which was built by the Strickland family in 1350 and is now managed by the National Trust and Levens Hall which dates back to 1170 and is best known for the world’s oldest topiary gardens.
Sedbergh is a busy market town and England’s official book town. Farfield Mill, a restored Victorian woollen mill and arts and heritage centre, is just a riverside walk or short drive from the town centre. Here you will find a creative community of resident and visiting artisan makers showcasing traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. Whether you are travelling to or from Sedbergh, be sure to make a trip to Kirkby Lonsdale – this vibrant country town will not disappoint. Walk through history along its picturesque streets to the Parish Church of St Mary’s.
Barrow & Ulverston
Sitting on the southern tip of the beautiful Furness peninsula, Barrow is widely known for its maritime history. However, delve a little deeper and you will discover an incredible heritage that is present at every turn. Walk through history by exploring the Barrow-in-Furness section of the 25mile long Cistercian Way: it travels from Piel Island to Furness Abbey, following in the 12th century footsteps of the Cistercian Monks.
A visit to the award-winning Dock Museum is a must. This popular attraction tells the story of shipbuilding in Barrow and the people who worked in its dockyards. Enjoy the wealth of internationally important Vickers ship models on display, and discover more about the history of Furness.
Barrow’s lively event programme and inspiring arts scene offers something for all the family. From the vibrant Festival of Colours, organised by BarrowFull, in early spring to panto at The Forum during the festive season, there is a rich entertainment programme to be enjoyed. Many events are free to attend, while others bring local and international talent to the coastal town – from acclaimed comedians to nationally renowned orchestral performances.
With a long and proud history, Ulverston has always had a strong identity. Past residents have put the town on the map – in the 17th Century, Ulverston became the birthplace of the Quaker movement as George Fox, founder of the Quakers, established a meeting place at nearby Swarthmoor Hall There’s also the town’s most famous son Stan Laurel who, with Oliver Hardy, became one of the most famous comedy duos in the 20th century.
Ulverston’s vibrant programme of events includes the annual Ulverston International Music Festival, with many concerts being held at The Coro
Lowther & Brougham
Just a few miles south of Penrith lie the impressive ruins of Lowther Castle. The Castle itself was first constructed in the early 19th century. For 130 years or so, the castle was a beacon of grandeur in the northwest – a place where the great and the good came to enjoy a remarkable art collection and fabled setting. But after two wars and a prolonged period of underinvestment, the castle’s fortunes turned. In 1957, its roof was removed while the gardens were overplanted with a commercial spruce crop.
Today, thanks to a great deal of hard work and investment, the castle ruins are stable while the gardens themselves have extensively been brought back to life. Learn more about the castle’s fascinating past by visiting the Story of Lowther exhibition. Younger visitors will enjoy The Lost Castle Adventure Playground -one of largest outdoor adventure playgrounds in the country.
Nearby you will find Brougham Hall, a medieval site that has been fortified and settled for centuries. A large part of the hall has now been restored and is home to an amazing array of arts and crafts studios, plus a gin distillery. The Hall’s beautiful grounds are open for all the family to explore and dogs on leads are welcome. Visit artists at work, buy locally made arts and crafts and enjoy delicious treats at the charming on-site café. Check website for details of special events. Brougham Castle is just a short drive from Brougham Hall. Operated by English Heritage, the ruins of this medieval castle sit in a picturesque setting beside the river Eden.
Bowness & Windermere
During the 19th Century, Bowness grew from a small fishing village to the bustling tourist town we know and love today. Wordsworth’s famous campaign to halt the train line expansion resulted in the Kendal line terminating at the hamlet of Birthwaite, which later became Windermere Station.
Benefitting from the new railway line, the area saw an influx of tourism which brought a boost for the local hoteliers and the boat building industry, as visitors requested elegant accommodation and boats to enjoy the lake.
It was during this period that Windermere became a popular location for successful northern industrialists, one of whom gave the area one of England’s finest architectural gems in Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. The holiday home built for wealthy Manchester brewer Sir Edward Holt, designed by architect Mackay Hugh Bailie Scott is now one of England’s finest examples of an Arts & Crafts house. Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is open daily.
Windermere Jetty Museum celebrates the stories of boats, steam and pioneering people connected to the lake. The lakeshore café offers spectacular panoramic views of the lake and fells.
Bowness also had an ambitious theatre, established in 1992 and set in an old laundry. The theatre’s creation was supported by one of the country’s most famous playwrights – Sir Alan Ayckbourn. His encouragement to founders Roger Glossop and Charlotte Scott gave them the confidence to form The Old Laundry Theatre an intimate space with big productions! The Theatre is located in the same complex as The World of Beatrix Potter, an enchanting attraction which brings Beatrix Potters stories to life.
Penrith & Hutton-in-the-Forest
The historic market town of Penrith is home to the much acclaimed annual Winter Droving festival and also has a range of productions at the Penrith Playhouse.
Start your day with a visit to the Penrith and Eden Museum to learn more about the region’s history, culture and geology. Located within the old Robinson’s School building, which is also home to the Penrith Tourist Information Centre, the museum features permanent displays and revolving exhibitions with ever changing displays of cultural and historical interest.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find the EVAN Gallery and Studios home to the work of over 40 artists, with unique artworks including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles on display across three gallery spaces. You can even see the artists at work at one of six working studios, and purchase artworks directly from those who created them.
A short bus ride from Penrith is Rheged – whatever the weather this unique grass-covered centre has something for everyone. A place to catch a film on the Giant Screen, find a unique gift by a craft producer, hear a talk or try some local produce. In the award-winning art gallery, leading artists, photographers and designers bring a Cumbrian theme alive, through four exhibitions a year. There’s also a programme of creative classes, from watercolour painting to weaving. Check ahead to see what’s on before you visit.
Hutton-in-the-Forest enjoys a stunning location on the northern edge of the Lake District, this fascinating house has been in the same family since 1605 and is thought to date back to as early as the 13th or 14th century, making it one of the most historic houses and gardens in Cumbria.
The Eden Valley
Famed for its outstanding natural beauty The Eden Valley is a land of contrasts. From the splendour of Ullswater and wild moorlands around Alston to the rolling countryside surrounding Appleby and Kirkby Stephen
Alston is one of highest market towns in England, and is filled with old-world charm. The quaint, cobbled streets, are lined with traditional independent shops and cafes. There is a narrow-gauge steam, South Tynedale Railway offering rides at weekends and Bank Holidays from April to October.
Nearby Nenthead holds the title of England’s highest village – 1500 feet above sea level. The village was a major centre for lead and silver mining and the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre offers a fascinating insight into this once thriving industry- the centre and Carrs Mine also open for guided tours on set dates (see website for details).
Steeped in history Appleby is the beautiful old county town of Westmorland. From St Lawrence’s Church in the centre of town to nearby Acorn Bank, living heritage surrounds you. Call into the Tourist Information Centre, located in the Moot Hall and pick up your free heritage leaflet. The town and surrounding area is home to an incredible community of artisans. Look out for displays of their work at craft fairs and exhibitions.
Nestled in the upper Eden Valley is the market town of Kirkby Stephen Romanesque red sandstone cloisters lead from the Market Square to the parish church, within which you will find the Loki stone, a carved cross shaft base depicting the Norse god Loki. Explore the town centre and its historic alley ways and yards. Railway heritage is celebrated nearby at Kirkby Stephen East station.
©LakelandMotorMuseum
West Side of Windermere
Made famous by Donald Campbell and John Ruskin, Coniston is home to attractions which celebrate both their lives and local history. John Ruskin lived at Brantwood overlooking Coniston water from 1871 - 1900. The historic house and gardens are a now vibrant centre for the arts: with regular exhibitions and summer outdoor theatre.
The Ruskin Museum showcases local history from the Stone Age through to the 1960s. Fans of Arthur Ransome and Donald Campbell will find much of interest here including Campbell’s world record breaking boat Bluebird K7.
Hawkshead’s collection of stone houses and cobblestone streets have enchanted figures like William Wordsworth – who went to school at Hawkshead Grammar School, which is now a museum – and later, Beatrix Potter, who lived close by in Near Sawrey. Find out more about Beatrix Potter at Hill Top, her former farmhouse home.
Nearby visit Grizedale Forest, a place where nature and art combine in the UK’s first forest for sculpture.
West of Hawkshead is Newby Bridge with two fascinating museums that celebrate power …. That’s horsepower and steampower! The Lakeland Motor Museum with its unique collection of over 30,000 exhibits –including classic cars, motorcycles and bicycles – is a nostalgic day out for all the family. Nearby stands Stott Park Bobbin Mill, which once supplied millions of wooden bobbins to the great factories of Yorkshire and Lancashire.