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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. You can read about all the churches in the Lake District and Cumbria on the Explore Churches website.
Raised in circa 3000BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric of all British stone circles…
Spend 2 hours in a sublime location in the Central Lakes, surrounded by hills and trees... and…
Main location of the job - Center Parcs Whinfell Forest We’re open again and set to be busier than…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Located in the car park on Park Road. Recycle Paper & Card, Shoes, Textiles and Plastics at this…
The UK's biggest-selling album group of the 21st century, Westlife will be broadcasting their…
The Cumbria Way runs through the heart of the Lake District, from the attractive market town of…
A new, informally elegant restaurant by Simon Rogan. True to the Simon Rogan’s ethos, the focus…
Authentic rural Lakeland farmstead standing in well-maintained grounds beside small wood sheltering…
Whether it is memory fade after time off climbing recently, a return after many years, or if you…
Electric bike charge point
Starts 8pm | Tickets £19 | Theatre | Age guidance strictly 16+ During these turbulent times, Tom…
Really friendly company offering the best quality experience in gorge walking, canoeing, rock…
Rhinos, Tigers, Giraffes, Lions and Bears living in the heart of the Lake District….this is…
The award winning Hill of Oaks is a popular choice for so many and with good reason. The site is…
In this exhibition Stuart explores Corvids, carrion-eating birds (crows, rooks, ravens etc). Stuart…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Three day-long, dog-friendly guided Lake District walks, taking in some of the area's iconic sights…
Pay and display car park with 21 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Design and Carve your own words, symbols or Relief carving with Pip Hall, a 3 day course.
Join us for our most exhilarating experience to date, Operation Blast hole is all about stepping…
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due…
Gain exposure to all aspects of managing and running the business. Leading from the front, you…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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