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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:
Tucked away behind Place Fell the Boredale bridleway is a well- established classic mountain bike…
Inside just got interesting. Step off the trail and into a space where the Lake District is…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
Discover Lyzzick, our four-star independent hotel in the heart of the Lake District hills.
Alexander’s Pub at Castle Green Hotel is a charming and inviting establishment nestled within the…
Nothing Lasts – Sue Dawes (15 April – 12 July 2026) Nothing Lasts presents sculptural ceramics…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Free car parking spaces on the promenade offering excellent estuary views
This aquatic ghyll scramble is situated in a beautiful canyon only a short walk from Coniston. In…
Buses to and through Workington: 1A Great Clifton - Workington. 30/30A/30B Thornhill - Whitehaven…
Stanwix Park is located on the Solway Coast in Cumbria. Self Catering Caravans and Apartments to…
The western side of Borrowdale is a long undulating ridge occupied by three attractive little…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Located in 22 acres of beautiful gardens on the shore of Ullswater Lake in a World Heritage site.
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
A spectacular Gothic ruin set in 130 acres of ancient and romantic Gardens, award-winning Lowther…
It's a simple question… Can you hit the Gold? Did you know that archery has been a popular outdoor…
Open since 1993, we're still passionate about cooking fresh, traditional and innovative dishes for…
Gary Stewart Presents Graceland: A 40th Anniversary Celebration. Scottish singer/songwriter Gary…
Enjoy a beautiful 14 mile return journey as well as a delicious cream tea at Dalegarth Café in the…
Wayside Cottage 1637 is a charming old (circa 1637) two bedroom cottage attached to The Wayside.…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
The Coffee Kitchen Bakery produces quality bread and baked goods from their Bakery in Market Place,…
We offer a variety of activities on site, all included under one entrance fee, we have a variety of…


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