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The coastline of the western lake district, with its maritime history, has brought a variety of people and faiths to Cumbria’s shores. Many of whom settled, integrated and made the region their home.
St Mary’s, Gosforth, is rich in history and artefacts of the Scandinavian Vikings. The Norse ‘Gosforth Cross' dating from around 940AD, depicts a fusion of Viking and Christian stories which reveal the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs. One of the smallest churches near the deepest lake and the highest mountain in England; St Olaf’s, at Wasdale Head, honours the early Viking settlers to these dales as well as those lost on the surrounding peaks. St Bees Priory, is partly dedicated to St Bega. Bega was an Irish princess who sailed single handed across the Irish sea to escape a forced marriage to a Viking chief. Stained glass in the Priory depicts her landing. The Cistercian monastery of Holme Cultran Abbey was founded in 1150 by David I of Scotland, the order itself was established near Dijon, France. Buddhist symbols, in honour of a Sri Lankan vicar, are engraved into the glass doors of St James, Whitehaven. Step inside and you will find an impressive 18th Century interior. Once home to Benedictine Monks, spiritual descendants of early medieval Italy and Gaul, the now Roman Catholic church of Our Lady Star of the Sea & St Michael, Workington is also home to several mice; the carved symbol of the furniture maker Robert ‘Mouseman' Thompson of Kilburn.
Below, we have highlighted just a few of the churches in the Western Lakes & Coast area for you to explore. As well as this area, you can also find out more about churches in the following areas of the county:
Free car parking spaces on the promenade offering excellent estuary views
Lee Lard is known as the UK's No.1 Peter Kay tribute act. He is currently the most popular comedy…
More Than Mountains was set up over twelve years ago to share our passion for exploring the hills…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…
Tackle a sightseeing tour or cycle across the country from coast to coast, exploring Britain along…
Moments from the eastern shores of Lake Windermere and set in seven acres of beautiful secluded…
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Between Ullswater and Windermere, Scandanavian style lodges sit on a secluded site, in a quiet…
Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of…
Enjoy intimate views and excellent photography opportunities of Badgers, from the comfort of the…
Canyoning is like Ghyll Scrambling, but on steroids! Join us as we journey down an atmospheric…
Cinema | (12A) | 109 minutes Romantics, dreamers, and thinkers will be captivated by this story of…
Sizergh Caravan and Camping, is a small family run site ,based on an organic dairy farm with an…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Voted Best Small Hotel at the 2018 Cumbria Tourism awards, Rothay Garden is a delightful Lakeland…
Our firm favourite will depart from Glenridding pier on 27th August only. Our famous fish & chip…
Cumbria is renowned for stunning scenery and a great way to experience the famous views is from a…
The most special day for your child is their birthday, so why not give them a day to remember at…
Archery 8yrs+ Axe throwing 12yrs+ and Crossbow 12yrs+. Book as single activities or as part of our…
The Wild Boar is a special venue for any occasion, whether it be a romantic or adventurous break,…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park at Aira Force
Our Escape Rooms are an indoor activity for 2-6 people of all ages. Work together to find clues,…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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