SEARCH SITE BY TYPING (ESC TO CLOSE)

Skip to Content

Heritage

Cumbria has a rich cultural heritage, with the wide range of places to visit spanning centuries if not millennia of the county’s history.
We’ve chosen a few favourite destinations here, with links to the website of each. You will also more information about these and others in your cottage.
There are castles in various states of ruin, and much loved stately homes still inhabited by the owning families. Many have well maintained or recently restored gardens to explore.
Or you may choose to spend a day or two soaking up the history of the border of the Roman empire, visiting Hadrian’s Wall and its forts and interpretation centres.

Hutton-in-the-Forest

A house of many architectural styles, built over six centuries. Tour the main rooms of the house, and explore the walled and woodland gardens.

Visit website

Tullie House

Impressive museum and gallery, focussing on the rich history of Carlisle and the Borders. Includes the Roman Frontier Gallery and other visiting exhibitions.

Visit website

Hadrians Wall

Website covering the length of Hadrian’s Wall, showing forts, museums etc open to visitors. Walk a stretch then catch the bus back.

Visit website

Muncaster Castle

On the Cumbrian coast, reputedly the most haunted house in England, and home of the World Owl Centre, other attractions and the Festival of Fools.

Visit website

Dalemain

An historic mansion house and gardens near Ullswater. Tour the house and/or the gardens, and visit the Medieval Tea Room. Famous for its marmalade.

Visit website

Carlisle Castle

An originally Roman fortress standing proudly in the city centre, now a rich and varied visitor attraction reflecting its long and eventful history.

Visit website

Wordsworth Trust

Discover the best-loved poet’s life at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, and discover the riches of the Wordswort Trust in the adjoining museum.

Visit website

Carlisle Cathedral

One of the jewels of Cumbria, neither the biggest or most well-known medieval cathedral, but a delight to its many visitors and visiting worshippers.

Visit website

Lowther Castle

130 acres of fascinating lost gardens in various states of neglect and ongoing restoration, fronted by the dramatic ruins of the castle itself.

Visit website

Castlerigg Stone Circle

The most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all stone circles, with Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop, dating back to around 3000 BC.

Visit website

Lakes Motor Museum

A diverse and unusual collection of motor vehicles and memorabilia, including the Campbell Bluebird exhibition, close to Lake Windermere.

Visit website

The Rum Story

Fascinating exhibition taking you through the story of the Dark Spirit of Whitehaven, from a tropical rainforest through a slave ship to the original rum vaults.

Visit website

Settle to Carlisle Railway

Take a return trip on Britain’s most spectacular railway, including over the Ribblehead Viaduct, now restored for future generations.

Visit website

to-topto-top