The Lake District Guide

Something a bit different......in the English Lake District

There's a wealth of local talent in the field of Lake District crafts, including skilled blacksmiths, wood turners, jewellery makers, toy makers, textile artists, artisan food producers, and more. See the map below and then select the number corresponding to the place you'd like to see. At the bottom of the page there's a list of places you can buy "Made in Cumbria" crafts.

Fell Foot: 4 Winds Lakeland Tipis Now here's something different. How about life in a tipi (or teepee)? This company are the leaders in Tipi tenting and operate from a site near Fell Foot. They chose their site for its magnificent views, forest areas, superb natural environment and basic facilities. They like to claim they have brought Native American style into the centre of the Lake District! You can stay there in a group, hire the tipis, use them as nomadic dwellings and have them sited where you wish for your function. Very unusual, very functional. Contact them through their website: www.4windslakelandtipis.co.uk and see if your dreams can come true.

Lake District Crafts

Ranging through art galleries and exhibitions via craft studios, the creative talent in the Lakes is unrivalled.

Happily, art galleries are well-represented and have given many artists the chance to live and work in the Lakes. Some of them rival the bets galleries to be found anywhere. The fascinating 3V Gallery in Grasmere (adjacent to Dove Cottage) is one of these, with a fascinating exhibition connecting the visual arts to poetry and prose. If you're in Keswick, a must-see is Gallery 26 at 27, who are specialists in contemporary art - and a visit to Thornthwaite Galleries is always worthwhile.

For a sculpture exhibition with a difference, explore the innovative High Head Sculpture Valley at
Ivegill or - for a real treat and a great day out - try the amazing sculpture trail in Grizedale Forest (with over 75 sculptures!).

There are plenty of places to buy works of art and high quality crafts. For example, Gallery H in Arnside boasts a collection of contemporary art and traditional crafts, works of fine ort and interior decorative objects.

There are some amazing contemporary jewellery pieces at the Necessary Angel in Keswick. For superb designer handmade furniture visit the ever-reliable Hall & Sons of Staveley.

Many craft workshops and artists are tucked away around the county. For example, visit Patrick McMahon in his Art Crystal studio located in Haverthwaite or call in at the Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, who have a massive collection of art materials.

There are many wonderful events and festivals which celebrate the wealth of artistic and creative talents in the Lake District. Ulverston has its Flag Fortnight, Print Fest and the ever-popular Lantern Procession. And for art lovers, Grange-over-Sands has an open-air prom festival, while Penrith has an amusing annual Potfest.

And for our final selection, why not visit the annual Cumbrian Artists' Open Exhibition, which is held at the Upfront Gallery, located near Hutton-in-the-Forest?