Discover the rich artistic and cultural scene of the South Lakes: a place where traditional and contemporary combine to create a unique experience filled with wonder and surprise.
Explore fascinating attractions and museums telling the story of this beautiful region.
In Ambleside, the Armitt Museum showcases this Lakeland town and its people, including artist Kurt Schwitters, and features the drawings of a young Beatrix Potter. In Kendal, visit the Quaker Tapestry Museum were 350 years of social history and Quaker stories are brought to life in vibrantly embroidered tapestry panels.
On the shores of Windermere, the award-winning Windermere Jetty Museum is dedicated to the heritage of boat building, with a working conservation shed and spectacular views framed by modern architecture.
Visit one of the region’s historic houses, and discover the lives of some famous South Lakeland residents. Brantwood in Coniston was formerly home to Victorian art critic John Ruskin.
Wander its impressive rooms and gardens; there are also art exhibitions and outdoor theatre. In Bowness, Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house was designed in the Arts & Crafts style by renowned architect MacKay Hugh Baillie Scott.
Walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth: the poet and his sister Dorothy spent much of their lives here, finding inspiration in the natural surroundings. Begin with a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere, home to Dove Cottage as well as a modern museum telling of William’s life and Dorothy’s fascinating Grasmere Journal.
From Dove Cottage, Wordsworth moved to the National Trust’s Allan Bank, which is open to visit today. He chose Rydal Mount as his final home, staying here until his death in 1850. You can even visit Hawkshead Grammar School, where he was educated as a boy.
Beatrix Potter also found inspiration in our landscapes. Her former home of Hill Top House remains full of a lifetime of her favourite things and inspired many of her famous tales.
South Lakeland’s arts scene is vibrant and exciting, with a whole host of galleries and theatres to enjoy.
Catch a show at the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness or The Coro in Ulverston, which hosts local and international performances. Head to Brewery Arts in Kendal for an inspirational programme of cultural events, including the internationally renowned Kendal Mountain Festival.
See artists at work at Farfield Mill: home to a creative community of resident and visiting artisan makers, showcasing traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. In nearby Kendal, the Abbot Hall art gallery is set to reopen on May 20 after a period of refurbishment, with a major exhibition by internationally renowned artist Julie Brook.
Discover more arts and culture in the South Lakes at www.visitlakedistrict.com/cultureinsouthlakes
The Culture in South Lakes campaign is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
