Cumbria
Properties and events in Cumbria
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
'Writing under stress': the meaning and materiality of pauper letters
Free workshops provided by Nottingham Trent University in association with Cumbria Archives. Pauper Letters are a fascinating historical source. Join our team of specialists to get ‘under the skin’ of these enigmatic documents.
A journey through time, Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Michaels 150th Anniversary Celebration Tours
Journey back to 1876 with our tours of our Historic church, exploring the original 18 century miners cottages, Children's activities - a fun family day out. Come help us celebrate 150 years of this beautiful church and all it's hidden treasures.
Acorn Bank Watermill
Come and see the 19th Century mill in action and learn about the progress made in restoring the second waterwheel to working condition and and the stories of the people who lived and worked on the estate.
Appleby Heritage QR Code Trail
Enjoy a history themed trail throughout our town in Appleby! Look out for a QR Code poster on any of our heritage assets to see historic pictures and listen to a short audio clip which will tell you more about our history.
Blood, Beetles and Battlements: The Everyday History of Red Gold
Whose Hands Made Red Gold? From an orphaned earl's privateer cargoes to Lady Anne's rebuilding, Appleby's colour history is an everyday story. Join us to make Carmine Lake from cochineal — a pigment lineage five centuries in the making.
Brackenfell, Brampton, Cumbria
A modernist house built in 1938 by Sadie Speight and Leslie Martin for Alistair Morton, artist and director of Morton Sundour textiles and Edinburgh Weavers.
Brougham Hall Guided Tours
Walking tour around Brougham Hall Highlighting it history and future.
Cartmel Priory Gatehouse
Set in the picturesque village of Cartmel, this 14th century gatehouse is Grade II* listed and holds a fascinating and important past. This medieval monastic building along with the church, is all that remains of Cartmel's Augustinian Priory.
Castle Fine Arts: The Colour Makers House
The Colour Makers House (rebuilt in 1677) is home to a traditional artist's colour shop, and alchemy workshops show how paint and pigments are traditionally made.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - Open House
Come and see what we believe and what help we do for others in our community. Family History and Indexing historical records.
Drybeck Hall
Drybeck Hall dates from 1679. It is Grade II listed and a typical Cumbrian cross passage house with attached bank barn.
Everyday Quaker Life
Kendal's Grade II* listed Quaker Meeting House will be open for visitors to experience a 'mini' Meeting for Worship, see the Quaker Tapestry (much of which focuses on everyday Quaker life) and to explore the building and Peace garden.
Exploring Heritage Through Art: Abbot Hall Highlights
Curator tour(s): highlights of Abbot Hall Art Gallery – join Keeper of Collections Niall Hodson on a special tour of Abbot Hall Art Gallery. This 30-minute walkaround tour will introduce visitors to some of the highlights of Abbot Hall’s renowned art.
From Mill Workers to Makers: Farfield Mill
Celebrate Farfield Mill’s 25th anniversary during Heritage Open Days. Explore displays and exhibits revealing everyday working life through the ages, and discover stories of former mill workers and local history.
From Ruin to Revival: film screening plus a talk from Accredited Conservator-Restorer, John Wynn-Griffiths
Join us at Sizergh for a screening of our new short film for 2026, 'From Ruin to Revival'. This will be followed by an insightful talk from ICON Accredited Furniture Conservator-Restorer, John Wynn-Griffiths.
Guided Tours of Kendal Parish Church
Take a tour round Kendal Parish Church, Kendal's oldest building and the largest Church in the County. Learn some of its history its secrets and its stories as we take you round on a fun informative tour. Children's activities available.
Guided tours of St Michael's Burgh by Sands
St Michael's Church stands on the site of the Roman fort of Aballava on Hadrian's Wall and is made of stone from the wall itself. It has had an interesting history over the centuries and is well worth a visit.
Heritage tour - Allan Bank, Grasmere's first villa
Join a historic building conservator for a unique glimpse into the different phases of Allan Bank, Grasmere's first villa, from Wordsworth's time as the first tenant in 1808, to the present day.
Hidden Histories: Lives between the pages
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum and Library will be open free of charge with talks in our Historic Library examining the hidden stories between the pages of our book collection, and how we care for the books today.
Holy Trinity Church Kendal
Display of clergy copes and stoles.