Cumbria Museums

Armitt Museum & Library Centre 

Ambleside has 2000 years of history which is reflected in this museum. Explore how the town developed, see works by Beatrix Potter, letters written by John Ruskin, paintings and collage by Kurt Schwitters. Special exhibitions throughout the year and a specialist lake District library.

Rydal Road, Ambleside, LA22 9BL  Tel: 015394 31212   Email

Cars of the Stars Motor Museum

World Famous Cars of the Stars Motor Museum features celebrity 1V and film vehicles. rhese Include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, James Bond, Batmobile,  Bean’s mini and many others. Also souvenir shop and autographs available.

Standish Street, Keswick, CA12 5LS Tel: 017687 73757  Email

The Dock Museum

A stunning museum built over an original Victorian dry dock. Exhibits include spectacular ship models, computer interactives, film show and 'Shipbuilders to the World' exhibition. Landscaped coastal site. Adventure playground. Free admission.

North Road, Barrow-in-Furness,  LA14 2PW Tel: 01229 894444   Email

Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum 

Beautifully preserved Grasmere home of England’s finest poet William Wordsworth. Award-winning attraction offers guided tours of his inspirational cottage. The adjacent Wordsworth Museum displays priceiess national treasures. Onsite tearooms and book & gift shop. Reciprocal discount ticket with Rydal Mount and Wordsworth House.

Kendal Museum of Natural History & Archeology 

A popular family attraction, with fascinating collections of local and worldwide natural history. See an interactive Kendal Castle display, exhibits charting Kendal’s history through Roman and Medieval times, and objects and drawings belonging to Alfred Wainwright. Events, lectures and exhibitions run throughout the year.

Keswick Museum & Art Gallery 

Local Victorian Museum revealing Keswick’s surprising past from industrial mining centre to tourist town with some very famous residents. Art exhibitions monthly.

Fitz Park, Station Road, Keswick, CA12 4NF Tel: 017687 73263   E mail

Museum of Lakeland Life 

The Museum shows how  Cumbrian ancestors worked, lived and entertained themselves for the last 200 years. Exhibits include reconstructions of a Victorian Street scene, pharmacy, toy shop and market stall. There is also a re-creation of Arthur Ransome’s study, author of ’Swallows and Amazons’.

Kendal,  LA9 5AL   Tel: 01539 722464  Email

Ruskin Museum 

Be inspired by the life-changing political philosophy of John Ruskin, artist, critic, social reformer. Marvel at the outstanding courage of the water speed ace, Donald Cambell racing over Coniston in Bluebird. Slate, copper, walls, wool, linen.

Quaker Tapestry Exhibition Centre 

Inspiring, colourful embroidery made by 4000 men, women and children from 15 countries. Enjoy the Quaker Tapestry in the peaceful atmosphere of Kendal Meeting House as you explore 77 unique panels of embroidery beautifully Illustrating 350 years of social history. Video, costume, shop, garden, tearooms.

Friends Meeting House, Stramongate, Kendal, LA9 4BH Tel: 01539 722975   Email 

Windermere Steamboats & Museum

An amazing collection of Lake Windermere’s nautical heritage. Spectacular Lakeside setting. Guided tours of Museum and ’Esperance’ (Ransome’s inspiration for Captain Flint’s houseboat). Exhibitions: 'Swallows and Amazons', 'Model Boats: You Too Can Do It' Shop, Tea Room, Picnic area.

Rayrigg Road, Windermere, LA23 1BN Tel: 013394 45565   Email