Lake District: Tourists flock to art galleries and museums

The data on travel habits was obtained by researchers from Cumbria Tourism – the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

Of the 2,200 visitors interviewed countywide, in 2025, 43 per cent visited a heritage attraction and 34 per cent visited art galleries or museums.

Inside the Pole Star Gallery, 2-4 Saint John’s Street, Keswick. (Image: Supplied)

More than a quarter of visitors were visiting the county for the first time while 15 per cent of those surveyed were travelling alone, up from seven per cent in 2022.

Tim Fisher, owner of two art galleries in Keswick said that the figures are “encouraging, especially as in 18 months time, the juggernaut that is the Grande Depart of the Tour de France, will be upon us.”

However, the owner of the Northern Lights and Pole Star art galleries noted that the figures are countywide and in his experience, “visitors to the South Lakes remain in the south, conversely, those who visit the north, predominantly stay in the north.”

He said that “new shoots” are appearing following lack of growth during the Covid-19 pandemic period, including “first-time visitors who are spending more and a return of our overseas guests.”

A section of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Image: DBage)

Data from Cumbria Tourism reveals that 15 per cent of all visitors to the county were from overseas, with 34 different countries mentioned in survey responses.

Mr Fisher urged museum curators and art gallery owners to make the most of current interest in cultural pursuits.

He said: “This survey provides a broadly optimistic outlook, and so art galleries, gift shops, and the like need to translate that into positive action.”

Angela Locke, who has been the writer in residence at Senhouse Roman Museum since 2003, said: I run an annual Writers’ Retreat at Rydal Hall near Ambleside, which attracts writers from not only the UK but abroad, and I have seen first-hand how fascinating the county is for visitors seeking out the culture of Cumbria.

“The Lake District and the wider area of the county has such a wealth of treasures that it is perhaps not surprising that there is such an increase in cultural visits from visitors in the last few years.”

Angela Locke, a published author and writer in residence at Maryport’s Senhouse Roman Museum. (Image: Supplied)

Ms Locke said: “Bounded by the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, another jewel in the crown must be the Theatre by the Lake, described by The Independent as ‘the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain’.

Ms Locke also praised the work of curators at Tullie House in Carlisle, calling the museum “an amazing resource, and its refurbishment incredible.”

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She added that Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum “stands out as being a powerful magnet for visitors, in such a beautiful setting as Grasmere.”

Ms Locke is a published author who has lived in Cumbria since 1988.

Her new novel, Finding Myrddin was published in December through Juniper Press.

Is the data on visitors to Cumbria encouraging? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section!