Fifty-four artists across Cumbria are opening their doors from 5 to 20 September 2026 for the EVAN Open Studios & Art Trail.
The event is free, but the geography is enormous. The key is deciding which studios can sensibly be combined into the same day.
Start with the official map
EVAN's current event page and Open Studios guide should be treated as the master map. Opening days and times vary, so check every location you intend to visit before travelling.
Do not assume all 54 artists are open every day between 5 and 20 September.
How to use the map
1. Penrith and nearby Eden Valley
This is the easiest cluster for several stops without spending most of the day driving. EVAN Gallery & Studios at 4 Corney Place is a natural starting point.
2. Eden Valley and North Pennines
Ideal for a scenic art-road-trip day. Rural roads make distances slower than they look on a map, so avoid overbooking your itinerary.
3. Lake District studios
Combine art with a village, café or short walk, but allow extra time for traffic and parking.
4. West coast
Treat western studios as their own day rather than an add-on after Penrith.
What will you see?
Painting, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, jewellery, photography, glass, printmaking and mixed disciplines are represented.
Buying direct
Buying work directly and speaking to the artist is one of the main attractions. Payment methods vary, especially in rural locations.
Parking and access
There is no single trail car park. Urban studios may rely on public parking while rural studios can have very limited spaces. Never block farm access, driveways or narrow lanes. Accessibility also varies because these are working studios and temporary pop-ups rather than uniform public galleries.
Save the route offline
Mobile data can be patchy in rural Cumbria. Screenshot or download the day's locations, opening hours and contact details before setting off.
EVAN Gallery & Studios
The permanent gallery at 4 Corney Place, Penrith CA11 7PX has three gallery spaces and six working studios, with work from around 45 members. Normal opening is 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, though volunteer staffing can affect times.
A sensible one-day plan
- Pick one geographic cluster.
- Choose three to five priority studios.
- Check each is open that day.
- Save the route and parking notes offline.
- Leave gaps for conversations and purchases.
- Add a nearby café, village or short scenic stop rather than driving across Cumbria for one extra studio.
Our verdict
The mistake would be treating 54 locations as a checklist. Pick an area, slow down and meet the people behind the work.
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