In the Lake District. there’s plenty of stunning scenery, the freshest air and magical starlit night skies. It’s easy to associate the Lake District with a good walk. It’s a chance to breathe and enjoy the company of family and friends, with a sense of achievement to arrive at some beautiful vista. But there’s so much more to entertain, inspire and please you.
Are you ready for a smidgeon or two of arts and culture? For me, arts and heritage and a good café are my ingredients for an enjoyable trip. The beauty of nature is all around of course. Over and above this blessing, you’ll find some wonderful, indoor and outdoor historic and cultural places to visit.
My Arts and Heritage Heroes
Here are my starter suggestions. They just happen to be nearby when you come and stay at The Pheasant Lodge. These are our favourites, truly remarkable venues for all ages. We promise they are worth a visit. They all offer additional seasonal events and activities, with something for everyone. Check the calendars on their websites.
1.Blackwell, the arts and crafts house
First up is my personal favourite, Blackwell. This is a must-visit arts and heritage house, which exemplifies everything that is best about the arts and craft era (William Morris, John Ruskin to name just two icons from that time). You will find yourself transported by the inside and outside beauty of this house and location, with magnificent views over Lake Windermere.
Let’s start with the the outside view. As you arrive, you can look down over the picturesque gardens and see Lake Windermere in the distance. That’s just a bonus.
Walking through the front door next – the intense surprise for me was the interior design of this spectacular historic house. It was my first initiation into to the arts and craft style and its principles. Nothing prepared me for the visual impact. As I went from room to room, learning about the history of this compelling property. I found myself wanting to live there.
It started as a family home with the benefit of the architect Baillie Scott’s design. It morphed into a boarding school during the Second World War. All this history is embedded in the shape and design of this house. My favourite room is the White Drawing Room. It is for me the most perfectly designed room. It will not disappoint.
And I promise you, you will love this place, not just for this historic building but as a superb example of how heritage art and design can bring us joy. Your visit to this beautiful house, set in a magnificent setting will lift your heart . Nothing more is really needed but the series of exhibitions and a great café are the cultural icing on this cake.
2. The Windermere Jetty Museum
Next – something very different but equally impressive. The Windermere Jetty Museum, a modern building celebrates the fascinating legacy of boats and steam on Windermere.
A boat museum. How can that be so fascinating? Trust me – you will love it. Yes, you can learn about the history of boats, water speed records, the famous and not so famous owners. You can experience a building that seems to be half on land, and half on water as you walk down gangplanks to inspect heritage boats.
It is really such a unique museum and has lots of hands-on activities for adults and children including a dressing up section and a brilliant gift shop. The premium location right on the lake is enough to encourage you to visit. The café overlooking the lake will seal the deal.
3.Levens Hall
This extraordinary propriety boasts an Elizabethan family house, gardens, The Kitchen (a wonderful place for lunch, a superior café), and a gift shop. Part of it dates back to the thirteenth century. The inside rooms are so richly and historically furnished. When we were there at Easter, an Easter egg hunt and the dressing up box made this great fun for children.
However, the gardens are quite stupendous. These world-class topiary examples (trees like you have never seen before) take the hall to another level for me. You have to see these trees. The topiary will make you smile. Be astounded by the skill required to maintain the gardens and the magnificent trees (the world’s oldest topiary garden). It is such a special place.
This space is great for children to roam with the addition of a small adventure playground. Or if you just fancy sitting on a strategic bench and musing/meditating, this is the perfect place.
Immerse Yourself in Lake District Arts and Heritage
Finally, there is so much more to enjoy in the Lake District but these suggestions will get you started. We’re so lucky to be regular visitors at these arts and heritage venues and they never fail to please us.
Stay at Pheasant Lodge in Field Broughton. It’s just a hop, skip and a jump or a gentle stroll from Cartmel and close to these beautiful places. You can recharge with beauty, art, culture and heritage and refuel in a good café for lunch. I hope you give these amazing arts and culture heroes a try. You won’t be disappointed. Let’s hear what you think about them when you visit.
Kath