Townend Farmhouse with a traditional kitchen garden in full bloom

Historical places to visit

Take a step back in time by visiting one of the remains of the Lake District’s past. From huge historic houses and grounds, to industrial structures, Roman settlements and stone age remains, many of these sites are free to visit.

Blackwell House on the shore of Windermere

Historic Houses and gardens

Farmhouses, tudor manor houses, castles and inspiring arts and crafts homes, these historical houses to visit in the Lake District let you peek into the lives and pasts of some fascinating characters.

Aerial view of Hardknott Roman Fort

Roman Remains

The Romans had some impressive forts in the Lake District, with Roman roads connecting them, including the fell top High Street path, which now has a fell named after it. These Roman sites are all free to visit.

Swimside stone circle

Stone Circles

There are well preserved stone circles in the Lake District, all of which are free to visit. There are also other Stone Age and Bronze age remains, from single cairns to the footprints of larger settlements.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Industrial heritage

The Lake District has a long history as a working landscape. The ground was mined for copper and lead. The woodlands fuelled the tanneries and the water powered mills for making bobbins. Many of these sites are free to visit.

Windermere jetty museum

Museums and Galleries

Perfect for wet weather days, delve into the Lake District's past, from famous poets to slate mines, to boat building and breweries. Museums and galleries around the Lake District.

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Created with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund