Museums and galleries - Lake District National Park

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Home Explore Things to do Historical places Museums and galleries

Great for wet weather rainy days, the Lake District has some fascinating museums and galleries showing the rich and varied lives of the people who have lived and worked here.

There are also some inspiring historical houses, many with collections and artwork to see.

Image credits: visitlakedistrict.com

external building of Windermere Jetty on the shore of Windermere with large glass panels

Windermere Jetty

Hear tales of workers and boat owners, their lives and adventures, and discover the fascinating developments in design and technology that drove boat-building in the Lake District. Stunning views over the lake from the cafe.

Location: Central Lake District, in Windermere.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1BN

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A couple walking through the Ruskin museum with artefacts on display

Ruskin Museum in Coniston Village

The museum, in the centre of Coniston village, tells the story of Coniston from the first Stone Age fell-walkers, who made and traded stone axes, to the Jet Era when the 1950s speed ace Donald Campbell used Coniston Water as Bluebird K7’s race-track.

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Two young women writing with a feather pen

Wordsworth Grasmere

Visit Dove Cottage, the home of famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy and allow yourself to be transported back to a time when iconic writing was created within its walls. The contemporary Museum explores William’s life, work and fascinating objects from the time including paintings and prints, with plenty of hands-on activities for all ages. Also onsite is a Café, the Garden-Orchard and Woodland, and changing exhibitions in the Museum Gallery and Community Space.

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Exterior of Abbott Hall building with large lawn and tree branches framing the image

Abbot Hall Art Gallery

Changing exhibitions from national and international artists, as well as local portrait artist George Romney, the permanent collection is mainly eighteenth and twentieth-century British paintings. The gallery has been adding contemporary British works to its collection.

Location: South of the Lake District, in Kendal.
Kirkland, Kendal LA9 5AL

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statues of Laurel and Hardy outside museum

Laurel and Hardy Museum

Devoted to film stars Stan Laurel and Olly Hardy in Ulverston, birthplace of Stan.

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external of keswick brewery with pavement sign outside with tour opening hours

Keswick Brewery

Tour a small craft brewery in the scenic Lake District.

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