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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:
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Pay and display car park with 10 spaces. Located on the southern end of Thrilmere, just off the…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Why not indulge in a bit of winter magic and take part in the Winter Droving Festival. Held…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Broughton-in-Furness is a quaint, unspoilt Lakeland town, nestling in the foothills of some of the…
Come and stay at Wallsend Guest House & Glamping Pods in Bowness-on-Solway and enjoy a great family…
A 6 day all inclusive retreat to train you to become a massage therapist. Includes accredited…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
The Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
The Haystore is one of three luxurious cottages at The Green Cumbria. Super stylish barn…
A charming Barn Conversion, renovated to a high standard yet retaining old world charm. 2 bedrooms,…
Free car parking with 12 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
A fine Regency house surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in a stunning…
Looking for an exciting and adventurous activity for your group or team building experience in the…
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Our hand-picked selection of indulgent glamping tents, lodges and pods feature every modern…
Long stay pay and display car park, located in Otley Road, with 87 spaces.
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Recycle Cans, Glass, Paper and Card at this site.
Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has…
Located in the car park on Main Street. Recycle tins & cans, glass, paper & cardboard, textiles…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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