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The Lake District, Cumbria, has provided inspiration for a whole host of artists throughout the years, so it may come as no surprise that we’ve got a rich arts and crafts scene across the area! Here, you’ll find a range of art galleries and exhibition spaces that host an ever-changing calendar of works in virtually every medium.
Discover pieces by local and nationally known artists at venues including independent galleries and studios, to museums and seasonal fairs. Some offer the chance to take a piece home with you, while others host regularly changing exhibitions as well as permanent art collections.
There’s even the opportunity to check out art in the great outdoors: there’s a sculpture trail at Grizedale Forest, for example, as well as open air exhibitions as part of festivals and events throughout the year.
If you fancy trying it for yourself, several galleries and studios also host workshops and classes. Often, you’ll be able to get inspired by the stunning natural surroundings of your venue as you learn a new skill or hone existing abilities.
As well as viewing some fantastic art pieces, here in Cumbria we also invite you to explore the studios and workshops where that work was made; and even meet the artists who create it.
Keep an eye out, too, for touring exhibitions to see something a little different while in the Lake District, Cumbria. Discover our galleries and exhibitions below.
Tapestry weavers from England and New Zealand come together in this fourth international touring…
From Friday 6 December to Sunday 23 February 2024 is the centenary of Mallory and Irvine's…
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation…
Heallreaf 5 presents their latest exhibition of handwoven tapestry. Using centuries old weaving…
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's…
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes…
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
The International Textile Exhibition is back with new work from around the world. Oceans is the…
The world-renowned exhibition, now in its sixtieth year and on loan from the Natural History Museum…
A contemporary art gallery 9 miles east of Carlisle. located close to Hadrian’s Wall, the Scottish…
Roman museum displaying the internationally significant collection of Romano-British altars,…
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to…
Eskdale Mill is a unique experience, nestled in one of the Lake District's most beautiful locations…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 71
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Brampton
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it on Hadrian's Wall.
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1087 reviewsSedbergh
A collection of mixed media pieces aimed to inspire and initiate thought provoking conversation that may lead to action and ultimately, positive change.
If you had no access to pharmaceutical medicine, would you know what to forage for in…
Barrow-in-Furness
We are pleased to announce that our new Shipyard Town gallery is fully open. We are honoured to tell the stories of the men and women who made Barrow great and a world leader in engineering. There is so much to do and see in the gallery including…
W Strand, Whitehaven
Cumbrian photographer Tom Kay is offering a special festive version of his Better Photography With Any Camera course. Whether you want to improve those snowy landscapes or take enchanting family photos, Tom will guide you towards taking magical…
Brampton
The title of this exhibition is a riff on 'Roaring 20's' but chosen because, for Stephen Warnes 'Exploring 20's' describes his approach to painting.
At any stage Stephen will have 5 or 6 on the go and works on them in turn as his ideas about them…
Sedbergh
This new body of work explores the ever-changing Lakeland landscape. The work is abstract, painted from memory and includes familiar shapes; field patterns on the fellside, ancient gate stoops weathered by the elements, a hog hole in a wall, the…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's ceramic sculptures explore the human experience, the fragility of life and its strength to overcome. His large thin-walled vessels appear robust, yet…
W Strand, Whitehaven
FEATURING 11 UNSEEN PERCY KELLYS
EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY – SOME OF WEST CUMBRIA'S MOST WELL-LOVED AND DISTINGUISHED ARTISTS, SHOWCASING THE POWERFUL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE AREAS LOCAL INDUSTRIAL PAST.
The Beacon Museums collection includes over…
Penrith
Brougham Hall is a creative haven where you can enjoy the perfect blend of crafts, coffee and restoration.
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138 reviewsSedbergh
Members of the international Waterline project continue their collaboration with a new theme of Murmuration. A new series of handwoven tapestries capturing the marvel of a flock of birds flying closely together, a shape-shifting form creating…
Penrith
From Friday 13 September to Sunday 24 November
Ian Lawson returns to Rheged's Gallery after 9 years to share his brand-new Herdwick portraits. With breathtaking landscapes and compelling stories, this beautiful exhibition will transport you to the…
Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Ambleside
Occupying three floors within an historic building this bright and welcoming gallery showcases the best arts and crafts in the Lakes and Britain today, including wall art, glass, wood and ceramics.
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26 reviewsWhitehaven
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic tropical island's rainforest in the Caribbean, that is just the start of your great adventure in The Rum Story.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Kendal
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging from the 1700's to the present. In our refreshed collection galleries discover the stories of our extraordinary collection pieces and the people…
Sedbergh
Farfield Mill is a Victorian woollen mill in the Yorkshire Dales. Home to artists’ studios, art exhibitions, heritage looms and tea room.
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249 reviewsPenrith
Rheged is a gallery, café, cinema, shopping venue, workplace and creative space on the edge of the Northern Lakes.
Kendal
Abbot Hall is one of Britain’s preeminent small art galleries, set in a Grade I listed Georgian building on the banks of the River Kent in Kendal. The gallery holds an outstanding collection of 18th-21st century art and hosts exhibitions. The…
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178 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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