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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:
Located at the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Fellbites Café serves everything from hot and cold…
Caving is an adventure activity full of challenges and a real opportunity for a feeling of…
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays. Public toilets adjacent to…
Carlisle has a wealth of history and heritage to explore as well as fantastic shopping and…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
Tapestry of the North: Our Textile Heritage is an open, non-juried exhibition, hosted by the…
Retro caravan in great condition with two bedrooms sleeping 4. Elevated sheltered position tucked…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Home Baking including our famous scones with wonderful views of Derwentwater.
A stile-free circular route along the Derwent Water foreshore and back via Cockshot Wood with views…
Brackenslack Shepherds Huts offers luxury glamping in the beautiful Eden Valley, Cumbria. Each…
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from…
Waterfoot Park is located in the beautiful Ullswater Valley, within walking distance of the…
Open our doors and embark on a journey into the world of craft distilling by booking on to one of…
30/9/25 This talk will explore the development of children's literature and, in particular, the…
Contemporary licensed café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks, meals and snacks. Shop…
The more popular mountains can become busy during holiday periods, so why not avoid the crowds by…
On 28 October 2025 14:00-15:30 This presentation will provide an overview of the PhD research…
Lakes in a Day Half Distance Run 23 miles, 850m ascent – Want the excitement of being part of Lakes…
A short stroll from the main Aira Force car park is the Aira Force tea-room, a place to relax and…
SIGNAL proudly presents its first major group exhibition in their newly refurbished gallery spaces.…
140 miles cross-country route linking Whitehaven or Workington with Sunderland or Newcastle. Mostly…
The 8th century, Anglo Saxon Bewcastle Cross, stands free in the churchyard where it has been for…
Crummock Water has unparalleled views. At 2.5 miles long, it is a clear, rocky bottomed lake…


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