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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:
Pumpkin Picking After Dark takes everything people love about pumpkin picking and turns it into a…
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Welcome to Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA), which is just an hour and a half away from Cumbria…
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
The Channelside walk takes you from The Dock Museum along Channelside and over the reclaimed…
If you’re looking for a conference venue between Penrith and Carlisle, Heather Glen Country House…
Unique Grasmere Gingerbread® Wedding Favours are crafted from Victorian baker Sarah Nelson's…
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is…
Following their sold out performance in January 2026, Bootleg Blondie returns to Barrow Town Hall!
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
For over 65 years, Rosehill has brought a rich mix of creativity and culture to West Cumbria. From…
Join the Beacon Rocket Scientists as they defy gravity and shoot rockets in to 'space'. Young…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a…
Enjoy a relaxing stay the well-equipped, recently refurbished, well established holiday cottages…
Located in the car park on the lake shore of Coniston Water. Postcode: LA21 8EW.
Genuine Adventures, based in the Lake District, offers thrilling outdoor activities like tag…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Performed by GERARD LOGAN Directed by GARETH ARMSTRONG Music by SIMON SLATER Hauntings is a…
Both cottages have been carefully modernised and tastefully furnished to a high standard. Fountain…
A summer of fun awaits at Whinlatter Forest! Let your little one go wild in the summer holidays…
Valtos are Skye natives Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald, and they have taken the Trad and…


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