DISCOVER A HIVE OF CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

CULTURE VULTURES ASSEMBLE! THIS REGION OFFERS THE PERFECT

MIX

OF GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS

The words ‘culture’ and ‘Cumbria’ go hand-in-hand. A land of mist-topped mountains and rolling fells, it’s no surprise that creative folk flock here to find inspiration. In fact, the picturesque county is rich with tributes to those who have come before. Famed authors, artists, poets and pioneers are honoured in the county’s museums and galleries. Meanwhile, forward-thinking festivals seal Cumbria’s status as a destination dripping in culture.

Cumbria and the Lake District’s cultural legacy may run deep, but it’s certainly not stuck in the past. Today the region brims with contemporary events, celebrating everything from live music to local heritage.

Awe-inspiring scenery is Cumbria’s calling card. The Lake District is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site which attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all around the world. How better to celebrate the great outdoors than with a festival around its mountain-mirrored lakes?

The famous Keswick Mountain Festival (KMF) has been postponed for 2023, but will return in summer 2024 with lake swims, bike rides and local crag walks as well as some of the biggest names from the adventuring world.

LIVE MUSIC & GUIDED ACTIVITES

In May, The KMF Trail Running Weekend pitches up in and around Keswick, featuring 5km, 10km, 25km and 50km races, as well as films, speakers, live music and guided activities around the local region.

Another must for nature lovers is Kendal Mountain Festival in November. Climbing and mountaineering gets big billing across its four days. There are a sprinkling of runs and races, but the main focus is on kicking back with like-minded folk and exploring the wildest wonders of the world through film, literature and speaker events. And beer. Copious amounts of beer.

The largest music festival in Cumbria and the Lake District is Kendal Calling. Held every July, it has grown in size and status since its conception in 2006 and features an impressive line-up across many musical genres. Past headliners include Blondie, Dizzee Rascal, Tom Grennan, Stereophonics, Doves and Manic Street Preachers. Don’t let the name confuse you – due to its popularity, the festival’s been held at Lowther Deer Park near Penrith since 2009. Be quick if you want tickets.

A festival of growing reputation is Bowness Bay Blues Weekend, which packs out several venues across Bownesson-Windermere in April. For fans of classical music, the Lake District Summer Music Festival in August lends a stage to chamber musicians, string quartets and jazz ensembles. A marvellous opportunity to admire emerging talent with the serene Lake District as your backdrop. Literary festivals are a given in a county that has sparked the imaginations of famous writers like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Alfred Wainwright and Beatrix Potter.

Borderlines Carlisle Book Festival takes place at venues across the city, while the Maryport Arts and Literature Festival sees writers, poets, photographers and artists descend on the Senhouse Roman Museum to celebrate work inspired by Cumbria and other remote and wild places. Kendal Mountain Book Festival features talks by leading authors and adventurers as part of the Kendal Mountain Festival.

Film Screenings

Each March the annual Keswick Film Festival comes to the town, hosted mainly at the Alhambra Theatre with the occasional stint at Theatre by the Lake and Rheged. Extensive screenings feature acclaimed films from around the world, as well as a handful of local filmmakers too.

From film to television, Another Fine Fest is held every June in Ulverston to honour the town’s comic poster child, Stan Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy fame. It brings eyepopping theatre and circus acts to the street.

On the artistic spectrum is Printfest in Ulverston, which gathers the UK’s best printmakers under one roof over the early May Bank Holiday weekend. There are talks, demonstrations and, of course, lots of opportunities to buy artwork of your own.

Established in 1978, Beckstones Art Gallery has earned a reputation around the world for exhibiting the highest quality original paintings by a hand-picked selection of the finest contemporary artists, covering a wide and varied spectrum of styles and subject matter.

Idyllically situated in a small hamlet, Beckstones is located only 5 miles from Ullswater and 6 miles from J40 of the M6. We are well signposted off the A66 (Penrith to Keswick) from 3 miles west of Penrith and the M6. Follow the brown and white signs.

Whatever you do, if you’re in Cumbria in October, don’t miss the Winter Droving in Penrith. This rural gathering is best known for the torchlit procession through Penrith’s streets, led by a band and populated by masked visitors dressed up as farmers. Sound wacky? It is, wonderfully so, and earlier in the day there are street performances, craft markets and plenty of hot food to stave off the cold.

Cumbria and the Lake District are a culture vulture’s dream. Forget slim pickings – this region has an abundance of fascinating museums, locally-inspired art and theatre to feast on.

Cultural Figurehead

On the shores of Coniston Water rests Brantwood historic house. The former home of writer and radical thinker, John Ruskin, is now a museum and an absorbing time capsule into the life and ideologies of this cultural figurehead. Make sure to wander the picturesque estate. You can even take a boat out across the water!

Poet William Wordsworth (yes, he of the “golden daffodils” fame) was born in Cockermouth. Wordsworth House and Garden, operated by the National Trust, throws open its Georgian townhouse doors during the summer months so you can see the rooms in which Wordsworth was raised. Later, he made Dove Cottage in Grasmere his home. At the reimagined Wordsworth Grasmere attraction,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT STEP BACK IN TIME AT DOVE COTTAGE, PART OF WORDSWORTH GRASMERE; HEAD TO BLACKWELL IN BOWNESSON-WINDERMERE; VISIT THE WORLD OF BEATRIX POTTER, BOWNESS-ONWINDERMERE; DISCOVER THE TOWN’S FASCINATING HISTORY AT WINDERMERE JETTY MUSEUM you can wander the rooms of his restored home, then visit the next-door museum to see an extensive collection of original letters, journals and handwritten poetry.

Close to the western edge of Lake Windermere, Hill Top farmhouse wasn’t just the home of children’s author, Beatrix Potter. No, it was also the home of her beloved creations: Peter Rabbit and friends. She faithfully recreated the property in her illustrations, so you may recognise scenes from the tales as you walk around each room.

Meanwhile, The World of Beatrix Potter visitor centre in Bowness-on-Windermere contains interactive 3D exhibits that bring her stories to life – kids love it. The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead displays original book illustrations for you to admire up close.

Also in Windermere, you shouldn’t miss the awardwinning Windermere Jetty Museum (run by Lakeland Arts), which is dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere.

Also run by Lakeland Arts, Blackwell is a Grade 1-listed building in Bowness-on-Windermere and is one of UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture. It offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.

Keswick Museum and Art Gallery is an award-winning attraction which delves deep into local history. From penny farthing bicycles to a mummified cat, the Victorian-style exhibits are curious and captivating in equal measure.

Be inspired by the lake

Discover fascinating stories of the people and boats connected to Windermere in the Lake District. Cruise on the water and see heritage boat conservation in action. Enjoy panoramic views from the lakeshore café.

Windermere LA23 1BN 01539 637940

The Arts & Crafts house

An outstanding example of a MH Baillie Scott designed home. This Grade 1-listed historic house is a rare architectural gem. A cosy team room and gift shop complete the experience.

Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JT 01539 637940

Experience world-class art

The art gallery is in a Grade 1-listed Georgian building in Kendal. From historic to contemporary art, over 50% of the collection is focused on landscape and includes works by JMW Turner, John Ruskin, Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, Paula Rego.

Kendal LA9 5AL 01539 637940

Thornthwaite Gallery is a hidden gem, nestled in the quiet village of Thornthwaite, just a short drive from Keswick. You cannot help but be in awe of the beautiful artwork on display whilst being situated amid the most fabulous landscape. You’ll find yourself in awe of the quality and spectrum of mediums adorning the walls and shelves – there are gifts, hand-made cards and jewellery for all budgets.

Thornthwaite Village offers some amazing walks too, so why not call into the Thornthwaite Gallery tea room before setting off for a caffeine hit and a bite to eat. Or unwind after a trek with a satisfying bowl of delicious hot soup or a well-earned sweet treat?

Thornthwaite Galleries and tea room is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and is open on Sundays 11am to 4pm. There is on-site parking and disabled access to the building.

T. 017687 78248

Thornthwaite

• E. info@thornthwaitegalleries.co.uk

• Keswick

• Cumbria

• CA12 5SA

THORNTHWAITEGALLERY.CO.UK

Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal has a 450-capacity music venue, a 200-seat theatre, three cinemas, two visual art galleries and a drama studio. Safe to say, if you want to sample the Lake District’s artistic influence, this is the place to do it! A range of annual festivals span everything from Japanese film to outdoor adventure, which are all worth checking out.

Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere primarily exhibits the landscapes of Alfred Heaton Cooper and his son, William Heaton Cooper. Their exquisite watercolours pay homage to the county’s terrain and influenced the way the Lake District has been viewed over the years. Temptation awaits in the gallery shop which sells beautiful prints and art supplies. However, it’s the café that requires real willpower. Home-made cakes with fantastic views – how could you resist?

The Old Courthouse Gallery in Ambleside devotes all its three floors to contemporary arts and crafts. The variety on offer is impressive: glasswork, furniture, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics and many other mediums. Throughout, local Lakeland talent takes centre stage.

Over in Carlisle, Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery is the city’s cultural epicentre with a stellar collection of Pre-Raphaelite art and oodles of Roman artefacts.

BIG-NAME ACTS

The county’s largest arts venue is The Sands Centre in Carlisle, which hosts many internationally acclaimed shows in its 1,500-capacity arena. Pay a visit for big names and endless entertainment. The city also stages amateur plays at the characterful The Green Room Club. The intimate playhouse is run entirely by volunteers and is all the richer for it.

After exploring the historic houses of south Cumbria, keep the good times flowing at The Forum in Barrow-in-Furness. A multi-purpose events venue, you’ll find musical concerts, comedy acts, theatrical productions and the occasional celebrity appearance within its walls.

Other mainstream venues around Cumbria and the Lake District are Carnegie Theatre in Workington, Kirkgate Arts in Cockermouth and Rosehill Theatre in Whitehaven. The latter is especially romantic with its rose-red theatre that’s straight out of a storybook.

If you’re keen to catch a show but can’t quite bear to leave the countryside behind, enjoy the best of both worlds at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. Mere metres from Derwentwater, it certainly wears the crown for ‘most picturesque playhouse’. The productions are top notch too.

Don’t let the name of the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere fool you. This superb ‘in-theround’ theatre has nothing to do with stinky socks. Instead, the vibrant programme will leave you feeling fresher than a daisy.

Upfront Arts Venue near Penrith is one of Cumbria’s more unusual cultural attractions. As well as a gallery, gift shop and vegetarian café, it’s home to a 140-seat playhouse that’s one of only four remaining puppet theatres in England, complete with puppeteer bridges and musical scores. As you might imagine, the shows are mostly aimed at kids but you’re just as likely to find delighted adults clapping along in the audience.

If you’re in Cumbria in the summer, why not make the most of the weather and catch an outdoor production?

Venues such as Muncaster Castle, Brantwood and Holker Hall stage plays and events for all ages out in the open air.

No doubt about it, Cumbria and the Lake District serve up culture on a platter. Whether you’re hot on local history, a bonafide literature-lover or simply wish to sample some of the epic festivals that rock up in this region, your next culture fix is never far away.