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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:
The present circle of 10 standing stones, 80' diameter, was restored in 1949. The stone circle is…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
7.2 miler , multi terrain, charity run event
Low Briery Holiday Park is situated just outside Keswick, in a beautiful wooded valley in the…
Walney to Wear or Whitby This route presents a couple of exciting cross-country options – this…
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
From leisurely lakeside strolls to more challenging fell climbs and classic Lakeland ridge walks,…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
British audiences loved Haydn – and he loved them back. On visits to London, Haydn caused quite a…
Penrith • Aira Force • Glenridding • Patterdale
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
With jaw-dropping views down the valley over Bassenthwaite Lake and just a stones throw from…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
Pegeen Flaherty's life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he's…
Talkin Tarn is a beautiful glacial tarn surrounded by ancient woodlands. The Tamper route…
Tue 21 Apr-30 Jun (10 wks) | 11.30am-12.30pm | 18+ yrs Mature Movers is an open dance class for…
A varied concert of choral music by a small chamber choir. A Choral Pilgrimage across Continents…
One family, one condition, one hell of a hairy baby… Scott Bennett from Live at the Apollo, The…
Regional artists know all too well how few spaces are available to show their work, so the recent…
After the side-splitting success of last year's festival, we're thrilled to announce that West…
The EVAN Gallery and Studios is a genuinely artist led creative hub. EVAN was established in 2017…
To make your next meeting, conference or product launch really memorable and enjoyable for all, why…
Give something back to nature and the Lake District and take part in a Wild Work Day with Cumbria…
A stile-free circular route along the Derwent Water foreshore and back via Cockshot Wood with views…


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