Upfront Gallery: Rural, Unusual & Unforgettable
Recently, while I was out and about in Cumbria, I visited a rather unusual place near Penrith called Upfront Gallery.
Even the address is a little unusual too.
Upfront is located at Unthank, near Penrith. I have come across some wonderful Cumbrian place names over the years, but Unthank must surely be one of the more memorable ones!
Set in a peaceful rural location, Upfront is much more than a café.
Housed in beautifully converted 17th-century farm buildings, it brings together an art gallery, puppet theatre, music venue and vegetarian restaurant, all on one site.
I always enjoy finding places that are a little different, and Upfront certainly fits the bill.
A creative venue in the Cumbrian countryside
Upfront was founded by John and Elaine Parkinson, who remain at the heart of the venue.
The buildings include the workshops of artist John Parkinson, while the gallery hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year.
There is also a purpose-built theatre seating 128 people.
The theatre is home to Upfront Puppet Theatre, with performances and other events taking place throughout the year.
It is an unusual combination, but that is very much part of its charm.
You can visit an art exhibition, enjoy a meal, catch a performance and spend time exploring the historic buildings, all in one rural setting.
Award-winning and environmentally conscious
Upfront has also received recognition for its approach to tourism and the arts.
In 2018, it won the Sustainable Tourism Award from the Cumbria Tourist Board.
The following year, it received the Readers’ Choice Cultural Award from Cumbria Life Magazine.
The venue also supports the work of the Upfront Arts Charity, founded by John and Elaine to help develop the onsite puppet theatre.
For those wishing to stay longer, there is also a self-catering holiday cottage and two distinctive eco lodges available on site.
My visit to Upfront
What struck me most during my visit was just how unexpected the whole place is.
From the outside, you might not imagine that these old farm buildings contain such a varied collection of things to see and do.
There is something refreshingly independent about Upfront.
It feels like a place that has grown over the years through the ideas and enthusiasm of the people behind it rather than being designed to fit into a standard mould.
And then, of course, there is the name of the place itself: Unthank.
It is one of those wonderfully unusual Cumbrian place names that immediately makes you curious about the history behind it. In a county full of distinctive local names, it is certainly one I will remember!
For anyone looking for something a little different near Penrith, Upfront is well worth seeking out.
Whether you are interested in art, live music, theatre, puppetry or simply looking for an unusual place to enjoy a meal, it offers a very different kind of Cumbrian day out.
When I came away thinking that this is exactly the sort of independent venue that makes exploring Cumbria so interesting.
There is always something new to discover, even in a county I have known and explored for many years.
If you are staying in the Lake District and fancy heading away from the better-known attractions for a few hours, a visit to Upfront at Unthank, near Penrith, could make a pleasant addition to your day.
Where to stay near Upfront, near Penrith
If you are planning a visit to Upfront at Unthank, why not make a longer break of it and stay at our Kents Bank Holiday Cottage near Grange-over-Sands?
Our comfortable self-catering holiday cottage provides a peaceful base for exploring Cumbria and the Lake District. From Kents Bank, you can enjoy walks around Morecambe Bay, visit nearby Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands, or venture further into the Lake District to discover its lakes, mountains and many attractions.
Upfront at Unthank makes an interesting day out if you are travelling around Cumbria.
With its art gallery, puppet theatre, music venue and vegetarian restaurant, it is one of those unusual places that makes exploring the county so rewarding.
After a day of discovering somewhere new, you can return to our holiday cottage and relax in peaceful surroundings, with views across Morecambe Bay.
If you are looking for a comfortable base for exploring the Lake District and Cumbria, take a look at our Kents Bank Holiday Cottage and start planning your next break.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage takes just minutes. Simply visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or call us on 07785944194.
Our friendly team answers your questions and helps you find the perfect dates for your Lake District holiday. We make the booking process easy, so you can focus on planning your relaxing getaway.