Best Landmarks in Cumbria

10 landmarks

1. 
   01
   Historical landmark4.6★5,329 reviews

   Castlerigg Stone Circle

   Castlerigg Stone Circle, located near Keswick in the Lake District National Park, is one of Britain's earliest and most atmospheric stone circles. Comprising 38 standing stones arranged in a roughly 30m diameter ring, it dates back to around 3200 BC. The site offers panoramic views of surrounding fells such as Helvellyn and Skiddaw and is believed to have served ceremonial, astronomical, and social purposes. Managed by English Heritage and owned by the National Trust, Castlerigg is open year-round with free admission and limited roadside parking nearby.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   39 min drive · 20 km·Castle Ln, Keswick CA12 4RN

   Show on map Castlerigg Stone Circle
2. 
   02
   Historical landmark4.6★5,258 reviews

   Hadrian's Wall

   Hadrian's Wall is a 73-mile-long Roman frontier stretching across northern England from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases ancient forts, milecastles, turrets, and museums that reveal the military and civilian life of Roman Britain. Visitors can explore well-preserved ruins like Housesteads and Chesters forts, enjoy breathtaking landscapes, and walk the Hadrian's Wall Path, a historic trail through dramatic countryside and heritage sites.

   Price level $$Time to spend 1–8 hrs

   95 min drive · 48 km·Brampton CA8 7DD

   Show on map Hadrian's Wall
3. 
   03
   Cathedral4.7★1,831 reviews

   Carlisle Cathedral

   Carlisle Cathedral, located in the heart of Carlisle, England, is a historic Anglican cathedral renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, including England’s largest Flowing Decorated Gothic east window and a breathtaking Victorian starry ceiling. With over 900 years of history, it offers visitors a peaceful sanctuary, rich exhibitions, and free entry. The cathedral is a vibrant community hub hosting concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours, set within tranquil green precincts in the bustling city centre.

   Mon–Fri 7:30–18:30 · Sat–Sun 7:30–17:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs

   73 min drive · 36 km·The Abbey, Carlisle CA3 8TZ

   Show on map Carlisle Cathedral
4. 
   04
   Historical landmark4.2★51 reviews

   Hare Hill - Hadrian's Wall

   Hare Hill in Cumbria showcases the tallest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall, standing up to 3 metres high. This remarkable Roman frontier relic offers a tangible connection to nearly 2,000 years of history, preserved through medieval incorporation and 19th-century restoration. Visitors can explore this iconic landmark along the Hadrian's Wall Path near Brampton, immersing themselves in the legacy of Roman Britain amidst tranquil rural surroundings.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs

   90 min drive · 45 km·Hadrian's Wall Path, Brampton CA8 2JJ

   Show on map Hare Hill - Hadrian's Wall
5. 
   05
   Historical landmark4.5★23 reviews

   Penrith Clock Tower

   Erected in 1861, Penrith Clock Tower is a striking neo-Gothic monument located in the heart of Penrith’s Market Square. Built as a memorial to Philip Musgrave, it stands as a symbol of local heritage and Victorian architectural elegance, featuring smooth-dressed ashlar stonework and intricate design. This iconic landmark marks Penrith’s rich history and serves as a focal point for the town’s bustling market area.

   Time to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   20 min drive · 10 km·11 Market Square, Penrith CA11 7BY

   Show on map Penrith Clock Tower
6. 
   06
   Monument4.4★18 reviews

   Market Cross Monument

   The Market Cross Monument in Carlisle is a Grade I listed historic structure erected in 1682 on Castle Street. It stands on the site of a medieval cross and commemorates Mayor Joseph Reed, featuring sundials and a distinctive lion sculpture atop. This iconic monument marks the historic market centre of Carlisle and reflects the city’s rich heritage as a border market town.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   73 min drive · 36 km·Castle St, Carlisle CA3 8JA

   Show on map Market Cross Monument
7. 
   07
   Historical landmark4.8★12 reviews

   Keswick War Memorial

   The Keswick War Memorial is a solemn Grade II listed monument located at 2 Penrith Road in Keswick, Cumbria. It honors 109 local servicemen who died in World War I and 51 who fell in World War II. Set in a triangular plot beside the River Greta, the memorial features a tall stone column designed by local sculptor Francis Derwent Wood. It stands as a poignant tribute amidst the scenic beauty of the Lake District, inviting reflection on sacrifice and local heritage.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr

   44 min drive · 22 km·2 Penrith Rd, Keswick CA12 4HF

   Show on map Keswick War Memorial
8. 
   08
   Historical landmark4.0★10 reviews

   Kirkhead Tower / Summerhouse

   Kirkhead Tower, also known as the Summerhouse, is a historic landmark perched near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria. This charming folly offers panoramic views over Morecambe Bay, the Kent Estuary, and the Lake District fells. Built by the influential Harrington family, the tower stands as a testament to the region’s medieval coastal heritage and provides visitors with a tranquil spot to appreciate the natural beauty and history of the area.

   Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs

   92 min drive · 46 km·Grange-over-Sands LA11 7DB

   Show on map Kirkhead Tower / Summerhouse
9. 
   09
   Museum4.7★6 reviews

   Guildhall Museum

   The Guildhall Museum in Carlisle is housed in a Grade I listed medieval building dating back to 1407, once the meeting place for the city's trade guilds. Located on Fisher Street, it offers visitors a glimpse into Carlisle’s rich history through exhibits dedicated to its guild heritage. Although currently closed for refurbishment, the museum’s historic architecture and unique timber roof structure remain significant highlights.

   Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs

   73 min drive · 36 km·Fisher St, Carlisle CA3 8JE

   Show on map Guildhall Museum
10. 
    10
    Historical landmark4.0★1 review

    Greystoke Pillar

    Greystoke Pillar is an 18th-century stone obelisk monument situated beside the B5288 road, about one mile west of Penrith in Cumbria, England. Erected in the late 1700s, this landmark commemorates local heritage and offers a glimpse into the region’s historic landscape. Its simple yet striking form stands as a testament to the area's rural character and historical significance.

    Time to spend 0.2–1 hr

    18 min drive · 9.2 km·B5288, Penrith CA11 0AG

    Show on map Greystoke Pillar