Great Art and Theatre

Given the Lake District's association with some of the greatest creative geniuses of the last 250 years, it seems only natural that we can find a rich array of art galleries and theatrical venues within the national park and the surrounding area.

And, encompassed by such spectacular scenery, we should not be surprised that so many of the galleries feature beautiful landscapes as dominating themes.

Here are some of the best places around to be a culture vulture.

Artcrystal

A crystal engraving studio at Main Street , Grange-over-Sands, which specialises in hand-engraved Lakeland scenes.

Original book illustrations by the children's author Beatrix Potter are on display in this Hawkshead gallery, which was once the office of her solicitor husband William Heelis.

Brewery Arts Centre

A dynamic multi-purpose venue in Kendal, which hosts a range of art exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to the galleries there are cinemas, a theatre, bars and restaurant.

This contemporary art gallery occupies a listed Georgian house in Cockermouth and specialises in showing northern Scottish artists, Royal Academicians and emerging young artists.

Farfield Mill Arts and Heritage Centre

Situated just outside Sedbergh to the east is Farfield Mill, an arts and heritage centre over four levels. There are 20 working studios featuring artists and craftspeople at work and large galleries with changing exhibitions.

Finestra Gallery

This Kirkby Lonsdale gallery features an exhibition of traditional and contemporary painting, handmade glassware, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery and furniture by local and international artists.

Gallery 26 at 27

The name of this gallery derives from two numerical connections � it exhibits the work of Nelsonn, a painter and sculptor who works in series of 26 and it is situated at 27 Station Street , Keswick.

Gallery H

This stylish gallery is situated on The Promenade at Arnside, beside the beautiful estuary formed by the River Kent as it enters Morecambe Bay .

Gossipgate Gallery

Art and craftwork from the north of England is featured in a continuous programme of exhibitions at the Gossipgate Gallery in Alston.

Greystoke Gill Pottery

Both the gallery and workshop are open to the public at this small studio pottery in Geystoke Gill, Penrith. Wood-fired and soda kilns can both be seen at the studio.

John Kershaw Studio Pottery

This workshop and showroom, established since 1972, exhibits and sells a wide range of ceramics by John Kershaw.

Kirk Neuk Studio and Gallery

The work of some of Britain 's best figurative ceramic artists is showcased at this gallery at Lazonby in Penrith. There is a regularly changing exhibition of ceramic animals, alongside internationally acclaimed African figures.

Lowes Court Gallery

The Lowes Court Gallery , which shares an 18 th century building with the tourist information office at Main Street , Egremont, was established in 1972. There are changing exhibitions in the upper gallery.

Pinfold Gallery

The Pinfold Gallery in Bowness showcases original fine art, contemporary designer crafts and jewellery. The gallery prides itself on featuring work from both new and established artists and designers.

The Abbot Hall Art Gallery

An elegant Georgian building provides a superb setting this collection of 18 th , 19 th and 20 th century fine art. There are changing exhibitions in the upper galleries.

The Armitt Collection

An art gallery, local museum and reference library in Rydal Road, Ambleside, which specialises in Kurt Schwitters, Beatrix Potter, The Romans, literature and the arts.

The Gallery

An art gallery at Cavendish Street , Barrow, which also provides a picture farming service.

The Heaton Cooper Studio

An art gallery and art shop run by the renowned Heaton Cooper painting dynasty in Grasmere , selling original paintings and prints from four generations of the family.

The Northern Lights Gallery

The gallery in John Street , Keswick, features contemporary art and craft products and exhibits paintings, ceramics, furniture, glassware and photographs produced by locally-based artists.

Thornthwaite Galleries

The work of more than 130 mainly local artists and craftspeople is exhibited at this gallery in Thornthwaite near Keswick.

Upfront Gallery

Four gallery spaces are featured in these beautifully converted 17 th century farm buildings at Unthank, near Hutton-in-the-forest, Penrith. There is also a sculpture garden.

THEATRE AND MUSIC VENUES

Brewery Arts Centre

The Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal is renowned throughout Cumbria , north Lancashire and beyond as a superb venue for live theatre, music and cinema.

Coronation Hall

A town theatre in Ulverston, which also provides space for conferences, exhibitions and seminars.

Dukes Theatre and Cinema

Since opening its doors as a theatre in 1971, with help of Lancaster City Council, the former St Anne's Church at Moor Lane , Lancaster , has hosted more than 250 theatrical productions. Dukes independent cinema boasts the largest screen in the region.

Forum 28

An arts and entertainment centre in Duke Street , Barrow, offering a varied programme of events and entertainment as well as conference facilities.

Lancaster Grand Theatre

One of the country's oldest theatres, operating for more than 200 years. A member of the Little Theatre Guild, Lancaster Grand Theatre at St Leonard 's Gate is renowned for its wonderful mix of live theatre and musical events.

Millom Palladium

This theatre at Horn Hill, Millom, offers itself as a venue for an eclectic mix of shows and other entertainment events.

Morecambe � The Platform and The Dome

Between them, Lancaster City Council's two live entertainment venues in Morecambe provide an extremely varied programme of year-round entertainment, mostly of a musical variety. The Platform is based in the Old Station Building , Central Promenade and The Dome is in Marine Road Central.

Rosehill Theatre

This arts venue at Moresby, Whitehaven, provides a year-round programme of drama, music, dance and other live shows. There is also a weekly cinema.

Theatre by the Lake

As the name suggests, this Keswick theatre has wonderful setting on the shore of Derwentwater . The theatre offers a summer season of six plays, a Christmas show, Easter production and visiting drama as well as music, dance, comedy and films.

The Canteen

The Canteen Media and Arts Centre at Barrow is billed as �the region's newest and most exciting multi-purpose venue�. It is primarily a music venue � for example, Furness Rocks Against Racism (May 25) and the Manchester band Gabrielle's Wish (June 2) � but does also feature comedy nights.

The Nuffield Theatre

Lancaster University 's theatre at Bailrigg is run by Lancaster University Theatre Group and offers an extensive range of theatre an live entertainment.

The Old Laundry Theatre

Situated in the centre of Bowness, the Old Laundry is a popular venue for drama, music and dance events.