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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:
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Castle Green Hotel is set in 14 acres of natural gardens and woodland yet is only 6 miles from M6 &…
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The 'Old Church' of St Martin was built in the 1660's on the site of a probable earlier chapel…
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A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage. Discover the origins of modern…
La'aL, the little Cumbrian Railway is an award winning heritage visitor attraction and Lake…
The Spa at Daffodil Hotel & Spa offers you the chance to relax and escape in true style and luxury.…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
The walk around Deepdale's skyline crest, taking in all its summits, is a rather surprising walk.…
A beautiful Norman church on site of 7th century monastery in peaceful Lakeland location and home…
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century…
Situated on the shores of Windermere, Englands longest lake. Opposite the main steamer pier. Good…
The Waterhead area is just a short walk from the centre of town. This is the start of Windermere –…
St Marks Stays is a group holiday accommodation and retreat venue located between the Lake District…
Striking in its symmetry with its central round headed doorway between by matching round headed…
Museum, art gallery and reference library covering the history life and arts of the Lakes.…
Contemporary informal dining in the friendliest surroundings
This figure of eight mountain bike route is the perfect introduction to Sedbergh and its…


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