Places that Matter exhibition

Places that Matter exhibition

Exploring the meaning and importance attached to special, local places.

Discover Places that Matter, a powerful community photo exhibition is now touring eastern Cumbria.  Come visit this week at the Shepherd’s Hut in front of Lowther Castle until Monday 13th July.

This thoughtful exhibition brings together photographs and personal stories from 15 local people across eastern Cumbria, from Penrith to Kendal, each sharing places that hold deep personal meaning in their lives.

Through images and lived experiences, the exhibition explores our connection to local landscapes, from fells and valleys to towns and everyday spaces.  It also invites us to reflect on how these places are changing and what that means for our communities now and in the future.

Explore, reflect and take part

This is more than an exhibition – it’s a growing community project. As you explore the stories on display, we invite you to reflect on your own connection to place and the landscapes around you.

Alix Syder, social scientist for Cumbria Connect, who conducted the research and co-curated the exhibition, said:

“Across eastern Cumbria, people have strong and personal connections to the places they live and visit.  By sharing photos and stories, the exhibition highlights these connections and invites us to reflect on what makes a place meaningful and how it is changing.  It’s a chance for communities to see their experiences represented, acknowledged and celebrated.”

Share your photos - Get involved

We want to see Places that Matter through your eyes.

Scan the QR code or follow the link below to share your own photos of places in eastern Cumbria that matter to you.  These can be images you already have on your phone from everyday life or new photos you take for this project.

Upload your photos

You can upload up to five images in each of the following categories:

  • Places you value – spaces that feel important, meaningful and enjoyable
  • Places you find challenging – areas you dislike or see as problematic
  • Places shaped by change – scenes of change and how they affect you

In the comments, tell us what each image represents to you.  Your perspective helps build a richer understanding of how people across eastern Cumbria experience and connect to place.

Selected submissions may be featured as part of the exhibition and online.

Plan your visit

Location:  The Shepherd’s Hut, Lowther Castle, Lowther, Penrith CA10 2HH

Dates: Open now until 13 July 2026