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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:
Howgills Apartment 9 is on the 2nd floor of our building and offers a split-level apartment with…
This is a stile-free out and back route which takes you too Broomhill Point with views out to Cat…
Annual charity cycle event comprising four routes of either 13, 25, 50, or 71 miles. The event…
CancerCare is a local, independent charity that provides support to adults and children affected by…
Right in the heart of Kirkby Lonsdale,the beautiful Norman church sits above the River Lune with…
Melmerby Hall sleeps 18 guests in 9 ensuite bedrooms. An English country manor house, it boasts…
Stunning Lake District valley with inspirational mountain and lake scenery.
Lake District Music Academy | Ignas Maknickas - Piano | Agogo String Quartet | Nadejda String…
The Ship Hotel is a 17th century coaching inn. Centre of a village community, in a pleasant seaside…
A beautiful route of 197 miles, linking three National Parks over high level traverse. Stretching…
The Temperance Inn is located in the heart of the Lake District’s walking capital, Ambleside, known…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
On the Brathay river behind Skelwith Bridge Hotel. 16ft drop
A short, and at first, strenuous, roller- coaster circuit which is rewarded by a picture-postcard…
Hutton-in-the-Forest is a beautiful historic house and garden, situated on the northern edge of the…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
Thirlmere was originally two smaller lakes, which were joined to create a single resevoir…
Walking the Coffin Road from Ambleside to Grasmere then taking advantage of the bus for the return…
The Last Zebra is a vibrant restaurant and bar in the centre of Carlisle known for serving superb…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
High Street is the name of the biggest mountain in the group of fells over which the Romans laid…
The castle is surrounded by formal gardens and estate grounds/parkland with footpaths and…
Centrally located car park on the corner of Main Street and Joss lane. Public toilets located…
Based in the heart of Carlisle, John Watt & Son, as we know it today, is founded upon closely…


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