Cumbria’s museums do a fantastic job of showcasing the area’s historic figures and practices, with Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farm house – as much of a draw as The Wordsworth Museum, next to the writer’s first family home. Here’s our selection.
The Ruskin Museum tells the story of Coniston in Cumbria – a place of copper mines and slate quarries, Swallows & Amazons country where Beatrix Potter owned farms and Stone Age fell walkers once dwelled.
Windermere Jetty Museum, on the banks of one of England’s largest and most picturesque lakes, is a new museum dedicated to the timeless pleasure of boating.
Next door to Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s first family home, is the Wordsworth Museum, which houses an unsurpassed collection of the Wordsworths’ letters, journals and poems.
The Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry tells the story of how the unique landscape in the Lake District has shaped the lives of its inhabitants, tracing historic farming, mining and tanning practices as well as showcasing a typical Victorian farm house and high street.
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 with the proceeds from her first book; the 17th century farmhouse has since been turned into a time-capsule of her life, surrounded by a lovely cottage garden.
Dent Village Heritage Centre & Museum displays important, yet lesser known, histories. The centre itself has been built entirely through local labour, with the displays covering histories from vampires to slavery.
Interactive optical illusion, for each visitor to immerse themselves in. This specialty museum in Keswick will baffle, surprise and amuse.
Considered one of the best collections in the world, whether you are already a miniaturist fan, or a fresh face, you won’t leave this Museum without an appreciation.
Located in Carlisle Castle since 1932, now covering 300 years of history, and focused on the community links with Cumbria’s military.
Full of interesting and unusual objects, The Armitt is a museum that shares the history and heritage of Ambleside and its people.
From book launches to writing groups to poetry nights, there’s always something going on at Wordsworth Grasmere.
The Friends Meeting House in Kendal is the permanent home of the Quaker Tapestry, a monumental piece of popular textile art 15 years in the making.
Kendal Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, both historical and natural, from Neolithic treasures through to beautiful animals.
Unlike many of the ‘historic houses’ that dot the English countryside, Blackwell in Cumbria embodies the entire opposite of rarefied stately-home-stuffiness.
The Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry in Cumbria explores the region’s history through the unique customs and traditions of its past inhabitants.
A brand-new museum dedicated to the simple, timeless pleasure of boating on the banks of one of England’s largest and most picturesque lakes.
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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.
A selection of some of most rewarding and beautiful walks in Penrith, full of chances to catch open air and natural attraction.
A round-up of the best walks in Kendal, including the town centre, official tours and the surrounding area by Creative Tourist.
Ranging from impressive, nationally-significant collections in Grade listed buildings, to historic houses that now have a particular focus on local, contemporary artists, here's our guide to Cumbria's collection of art galleries.
Cumbria is far from short of good places to eat – here’s our guide to restaurants to put on your map of the area.
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.
From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.
Take me there
Spanning leftfield pop, forward-thinking classical and heady electronica, check out our latest music picks for autumn.
Film festivals, animation and the art of action are amongst our highlights of a busy month at the cinema.
Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.
Before the festive season completely takes over, we've rounded up some of the best exhibitions to see right now.
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Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.
