Art Galleries in Cumbria

Polly Checkland Harding

Ranging from impressive, nationally-significant collections in Grade listed buildings, to historic houses that now have a particular focus on local, contemporary artists, Cumbria’s collection of art galleries is both varied and geographically diverse.

Our top picks

Tullie House

Tullie House, Castle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP - Visit now

Tullie House is Carlisle’s principal museum and gallery, with strong collections, exhibitions and activities.

Tullie House

Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Abbot Hall Art Gallery, Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5AL - Visit now

Abbot Hall in Kendal is a Grade I-listed gallery that holds one of the finest collections of historic, modern and contemporary art in the North.

Abbot Hall, Lakeland Arts.

Percy House Gallery

Percy House Gallery, 38-42 Market Place, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NG - Visit now

Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.

Percy House Gallery.

Brewery Arts Centre

Brewery Arts Centre, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 4HE - Visit now

The Brewery Arts Centre is the hub of daily cultural life in Kendal, with theatre, cinema, gallery, cafe and bar.

Image courtesy of Brewery Arts Centre.

Lowes Court Gallery

Lowes Court Gallery, 12 Main Street, Egremont, Cumbria, CA22 2DW - Visit now

Lowes Court Gallery in Egremont aims to showcase the quality of traditional and contemporary Cumbrian craft.

Image courtesy of Lowes Court Gallery

Where to go in Cumbria

Cumbria
Gallery
Red Barn Gallery

Red Barn Gallery is paramount in the Art World of the North West. Internationally renown works are put aside new artists, and the displays never ‘stand still’.

Cumbria
Gallery
Northern Lights Gallery

Nestled in Keswick’s beautiful rolling landscapes, Northern Lights Gallery exhibits art captivating enough to match the local surroundings.

Cumbria
Gallery
Carlisle Contemporary Arts

An eclectic display of Carlisle’s talent, this gallery not only platforms its community but hosts regular events and constantly changing exhibitions.

Shop stock image
Cumbria
Gallery
Weft Studio

This gallery is a hidden gem, just outside Carlisle town centre. Beautiful hand-crafted textile artworks and creations, with delicate things in the shop to take home.

The Armitt Museum
Cumbria
Gallery
The Armitt Museum

Full of interesting and unusual objects, The Armitt is a museum that shares the history and heritage of Ambleside and its people.

Cumbria
Gallery
EVAN Gallery & Studios

A gallery and studio space displaying works by local artists – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles, as well as gift items.

Cumbria
Cinema
Rheged Centre

A visitor centre off the A66, containing gallery spaces, cinema screen, artisan shopping and local produce, as well as cafes and children’s play areas.

Cross Lane Projects, Kendal, Cumbria. Art gallery, artist studios and exhibition space
Kendal and Sedbergh
Gallery
Cross Lane Projects

Founded by artists Rebecca Scott and Mark Woods, Cross Lane Projects brings new contemporary art to Cumbria and is situated in a former Kendal Mint Cake factory in central Kendal.

Cumbria
Gallery
Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Built in 1759 as a private home, today the Gade I listed Abbot Hall Art Gallery is one of the best centres for visual art in Cumbria.

Cumbria Visitor Guides

Tasting Menus in The North

Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.

Stately Homes in the North

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

Literary places in Cumbria
Literary places in Cumbria

It was good enough for Wordsworth and Wainwright... From Kendal in the south to Carlisle in the north, we sniff out the best bookish shenanigans in Cumbria.

Walks in Penrith
Walks in Penrith

A selection of some of most rewarding and beautiful walks in Penrith, full of chances to catch open air and natural attraction.

Walks in Kendal

A round-up of the best walks in Kendal, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.

Museums in Cumbria

Cumbria is studded with fantastic museums - read our picks of the best here.

Restaurants in Cumbria

Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.

Music Venues in Cumbria

When the sun goes down and you've had your fair share of Cumbria's great outdoors, head to the area's music venues to catch folk and jazz sessions, as well as regular performances by touring musicians.

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.