The Lake District isn’t just about views and outdoor adventure. It’s also packed with history and culture.
If the weather is rainy or you just fancy a break from walking the fells, these museums in the Lake District are a brilliant way to learn more about the area.
Let’s take a little tour…
Museums in and Around the Lake District
1. Abbot Hall Art Gallery – Kendal, Cumbria
This little gem in Kendal is all about art.
Housed in a lovely old Georgian building by the River Kent, it’s got paintings from the 18th century right up to today.
If you love a good picture or just want a quiet wander, it’s a cracking spot to pop into.
2. Acorn Bank – Temple Sowerby, near Penrith, Cumbria
Acorn Bank is a cosy National Trust place with a bit of history to share.
It’s got an old house with some exhibits about the folks who lived there, plus a watermill and gorgeous gardens.
Perfect if you like a mix of indoors and outdoors.
3. Beatrix Potter Gallery – Hawkshead, Cumbria
Love Peter Rabbit? This gallery in Hawkshead is all about Beatrix Potter’s life and her cute drawings.
You’ll see her original sketches and see how she fell for the Lake District.
It’s a great stop for fans of her books.
4. Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House – Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
Step into this stunning house near Windermere and you’re back in the early 1900s.
It’s an Arts and Crafts beauty with impressive furniture and designs, plus lovely lake views.
If you’re into culture and history, you’ll love it here.
5. Brantwood – Coniston, Cumbria
Brantwood was home to John Ruskin, a big thinker and artist.
Overlooking Coniston Water, it’s full of his paintings and ideas, plus lovely gardens.
It’s a peaceful place to soak up some culture and nature together.
6. Brougham Hall – Brougham, near Penrith, Cumbria
This old hall near Penrith has a crafty vibe with workshops and history bits to explore.
It’s not your typical museum – more of a living space with stories of the past. Great if you like something a bit different.
7. Carlisle Cathedral – Carlisle, Cumbria
Not just a church, Carlisle Cathedral has exhibits about its 900-year history.
It’s a great spot to visit with cool old stuff to see, like carvings and stained glass. Pop in if you’re near Carlisle and fancy a bit of awe.
8. Castlerigg Stone Circle Interpretation – Near Keswick, Cumbria
Castlerigg Stone Circle is a Neolithic monument near Keswick in the Lake District, Northwest England.
Dating back to around 3200 BC, it is one of Britain’s earliest stone circles.
It consists of 38 volcanic stones arranged in a flattened oval approximately 30 meters in diameter.
Set within a stunning natural amphitheatre of surrounding fells, including Helvellyn and Skiddaw, it’s renowned for its dramatic setting and historical significance.
9. Cleator Moor Civic Hall and Mining Museum – Cleator Moor, Cumbria
A little place in Cleator Moor that digs into the area’s mining past.
It’s got tools and tales from the coal days – simple but packed with local heart. Worth a look if you’re curious about West Cumbria’s roots.
10. Cockermouth Toy and Model Museum – Cockermouth, Cumbria
This quirky spot in Cockermouth is full of old toys and models. It’s a nostalgic trip with dolls, trains, and more.
It might be closed now, so check first, but if it’s open, it’s a fun blast from the past.
11. Conishead Priory – Ulverston, Cumbria
A grand Gothic mansion near Ulverston with a Buddhist twist.
It’s got exhibits on its wild history and a peaceful temple.
If you like quirky buildings and a calm vibe, this one’s a treat.
12. Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life – Carlisle Castle, Carlisle, Cumbria
Inside Carlisle Castle, this museum is all about soldiers and battles from Cumbria’s past.
Think uniforms, weapons, and stories of bravery. It’s a must if you’re into military history.
13. Dalemain Historic Mansion – Dalemain, near Ullswater, Cumbria
Near Ullswater, Dalemain is a charming old house with exhibits on its long history.
It’s got a cosy feel, plus gardens and even a marmalade festival. A lovely stop for a relaxed day out.
14. Derwent Pencil Museum – Keswick, Cumbria
Yes, a museum about pencils. In Keswick, it’s got the world’s biggest pencil and fun stories about how they’re made.
It’s quirky, cheap, and perfect for a quick visit on a rainy day.
15. Dock Museum – Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Down in Barrow, this museum dives into shipbuilding and local life.
It’s got cool models and tales of the sea – great if you’re into boats or just want to know more about the area.
16. Dove Cottage – Grasmere, Cumbria
Wordsworth’s old home in Grasmere is a little time capsule.
You will see where he wrote his famous poems and feel the historic vibes.
Pair it with Wordsworth Grasmere for the full poety experience.
17. Egremont Heritage Centre – Egremont, Cumbria
A small spot in Egremont with bits of local history.
It’s not flashy, but it’s got heart – think old photos and stories from the town. Nice for a quick peek if you’re nearby.
18. Eskdale Mill – Boot, Eskdale, Cumbria
Tucked in Eskdale, this old watermill still works.
It’s a lovely look at how corn was ground way back when, with a pretty setting.
A hidden gem for history buffs.
19. Farfield Mill – Sedbergh, Cumbria
In Sedbergh, this old wool mill now mixes art and history.
You’ll see looms, crafts, and exhibitions – plus a tea room. It’s a chilled spot to spend an afternoon.
20. Florence Arts Centre – Egremont, Cumbria
An old mine turned artsy hub in Egremont.
It’s got exhibits on mining life plus cool art displays. If you like creativity with a bit of grit, this one’s for you.
21. Gleaston Water Mill – Gleaston, near Ulverston, Cumbria
Near Ulverston, this watermill has history and a café too.
It’s a simple stop with old milling gear and a relaxed vibe – great for a coffee and a wander.
22. Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre – Grizedale, near Hawkshead, Cumbria
In Grizedale Forest, this centre has exhibits on the woods and art sculptures. It’s more outdoorsy, but the displays are worth a look if you’re exploring the area.
23. Haig Colliery Mining Museum – Whitehaven, Cumbria
This Whitehaven spot digs into coal mining history.
It’s got pit gear and stories from the deep – check it’s open, though, as it’s had ups and downs.
24. Hawkshead Grammar School Museum – Hawkshead, Cumbria
An old school in Hawkshead where Wordsworth studied.
It’s got desks and tales from the 1500s onwards. A quick, charming stop for a history fix.
25. Hill Top – Near Sawrey, Cumbria
Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse near Sawrey is like stepping into her books.
It’s kept just as she left it, with little exhibits about her life. A must for Potter fans.
26. Holker Hall and Gardens – Cark-in-Cartmel, near Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
A posh house near Grange-over-Sands with history displays and fab gardens. It’s got a grand feel and a café – perfect for a fancy day out.
27. Honister Slate Mine – Borrowdale, Cumbria
Up in Borrowdale, this working slate mine has tours and exhibits.
You’ll see how slate’s made and can even climb around. It’s rugged and brilliant fun.
28. Hutton-in-the-Forest – Skelton, near Penrith, Cumbria
A historic house near Penrith with exhibits on its past.
It’s got old rooms and gardens to explore – think castles and fairy tales.
29. J.B. Banks and Son Ltd – Cockermouth, Cumbria
This Cockermouth ironmonger has a free museum bit with old tools.
It’s not huge, but it’s a cool peek at local trade history if you’re passing through.
30. Kendal Museum – Kendal, Cumbria
In Kendal, this museum’s got everything – old bones, Roman bits, and local stories.
It’s a proper mix, great for a nosy around town history.
31. Keswick Brewery – Keswick, Cumbria
A small brewery in Keswick with some museum-like tours.
You will get to see how beer’s made and maybe taste some. A fun, laid-back stop for beer lovers.
32. Keswick Museum – Keswick, Cumbria
Keswick’s local museum has oddities like a giant musical stone and tales of the area.
It’s small but packed with character – ideal for a quick visit.
33. Lakeland Motor Museum – Backbarrow, near Newby Bridge, Cumbria
Near Newby Bridge, this place is car heaven.
Old bikes, motors, and even Donald Campbell’s Bluebird stuff. A top pick for petrolheads or rainy days.
34. Laurel and Hardy Museum – Ulverston, Cumbria
In Ulverston, Stan Laurel’s birthplace, this museum’s all about the comedy duo.
It’s got films, props, and laughs – perfect for a light-hearted hour.
35. Levens Hall – Levens, near Kendal, Cumbria
A grand house near Kendal with history exhibits and epic topiary gardens. It’s fancy and fun – great for a stroll and a snoop inside.
36. Lowther Castle & Gardens – Lowther, near Penrith, Cumbria
A ruined castle near Penrith with a gallery on its past. The gardens are huge and wild – ideal if you like history with a bit of adventure.
37. Maryport Maritime Museum – Maryport, Cumbria
Up in Maryport, this museum’s about the sea and ships. It’s got old sailing gear and local tales – a nice one for coastal history fans.
38. Millom Heritage and Arts Centre – Millom, Cumbria
In Millom, this centre mixes history with art. Think mining stories and local crafts – small but full of southern Lake District spirit.
39. Muncaster Castle – Ravenglass, Cumbria
A proper castle in Ravenglass with exhibits on its 800-year history. It’s got spooky vibes, gardens, and owls too – a cracking day out.
40. Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry – Kendal, Cumbria
In Kendal, this museum shows how folks lived and worked in the Lakes. Old tools, clothes, and even a fake street – super interesting.
41. Penrith and Eden Museum – Penrith, Cumbria
Penrith’s little museum has local treasures like Roman bits and old photos. It’s a friendly spot to get the lowdown on the Eden Valley.
42. Quaker Tapestry Museum – Kendal, Cumbria
A unique Kendal museum with huge tapestries about Quaker history. It’s colourful and calm – great if you like stories in stitches.
43. Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway La’al Ratty – Ravenglass, Cumbria
This tiny railway in Ravenglass has a museum bit with old train stuff. Ride the rails, then check out the history – fun for all ages.
44. Ravenglass Railway Museum – Ravenglass, Cumbria
Next to La’al Ratty, this museum dives deeper into railway tales. It’s got models and relics – perfect for train nerds.
45. Roman Army Museum – Greenhead, near Brampton, Cumbria
Near Hadrian’s Wall, this museum’s all about Roman soldiers. Cool gear and films make it feel alive – a top pick for history lovers.
46. Roman Bath-house – Ravenglass, Cumbria
A little Roman ruin in Ravenglass with info boards. It’s small but neat – tall walls from 2,000 years ago. Pair it with a coastal walk.
47. Ruskin Museum – Coniston, Cumbria
In Coniston, this museum’s about John Ruskin and local life. It’s got his art, plus bits on speed king Donald Campbell – lovely mix.
48. Rydal Mount – Rydal, near Ambleside, Cumbria
Wordsworth’s later home near Ambleside has exhibits on his life. It’s got gardens he loved – peaceful and poetic.
49. Senhouse Roman Museum – Maryport, Cumbria
In Maryport, this museum’s packed with Roman finds from a fort. Altars and statues galore – great if you’re into ancient stuff.
50. Solway Aviation Museum – Carlisle Airport, Carlisle, Cumbria
At Carlisle Airport, this museum’s got planes from WWII and beyond. It’s hands-on and fun – ideal for plane spotters.
51. Stott Park Bobbin Mill – Newby Bridge, Cumbria
An old mill near Newby Bridge that made bobbins for weaving. It still runs, and the tours are ace – proper industrial history.
52. Swarthmoor Hall – Swarthmoor, near Ulverston, Cumbria
Near Ulverston, this Quaker house has exhibits on their early days. It’s quiet and full of old charm – a hidden gem.
53. The Armitt Museum – Ambleside, Cumbria
In Ambleside, this museum’s got local history and art, like Beatrix Potter’s drawings. It’s small but packed with Lake District goodies.
54. The Beacon Museum – Whitehaven, Cumbria
Whitehaven’s museum covers the coast and industry. It’s got fun displays and views – nice for a town day out.
55. The Puzzling Place – Keswick, Cumbria
A wacky Keswick spot with optical illusions and mind-benders. It’s not history, just pure fun – great for kids and adults.
56. The Rum Story – Whitehaven, Cumbria
In Whitehaven, this museum tells the wild tale of rum and the slave trade. It’s dark but fascinating – a real story spot.
57. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction – Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria
In Bowness, this is Potter’s tales brought to life. Cute models and her stories everywhere – fab for little ones.
58. Threlkeld Quarry and Mining Museum – Threlkeld, near Keswick, Cumbria
Near Keswick, this museum’s got old quarry gear and mining tales. You can ride a train too – proper rugged fun.
59. Townend – Troutbeck, near Windermere, Cumbria
A 1600s farmhouse near Windermere with exhibits on old Lakeland life. It’s cosy and real – step back in time.
60. Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery – Carlisle, Cumbria
In Carlisle, this big museum’s got Roman stuff, art, and Cumbrian history. It’s got a bit of everything – top-notch.
61. Ulverston Heritage Centre – Ulverston, Cumbria
A small Ulverston spot with local history bits. Think old photos and town tales – simple but sweet.
62. Waterbird – Wings over Windermere – Windermere, Cumbria
Part of Windermere Jetty, this exhibit’s about early seaplanes. It’s cool and quick – aviation fans will love it.
63. Windermere Jetty Museum – Windermere, Cumbria
On Windermere, this museum’s all about boats – old steamers to speedsters. It’s got lake views and hands-on bits – brilliant.
64. Wordsworth Grasmere – Grasmere, Cumbria
In Grasmere, this museum’s all about Wordsworth’s poetry and life. Manuscripts and views galore – perfect for book lovers.
So, there you have it – a whopping list of museums to explore in the Lake District.
Whether you’re into art, history, or just something odd, there’s a spot for you.
Grab your coat, pick a few, and enjoy a cracking day indoors in the English Lake District National Park and surrounding area.
