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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 11 offers a comfortable stay for up to 4 guests. This apartment is positioned on…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Located on a picture-perfect private estate in the heart of the Lake District National Park, just a…
This figure of eight mountain bike route is the perfect introduction to Sedbergh and its…
Stone circle is now incomplete and has a modern wall cutting through it, incorporating one stone.…
Take on a challenge like no other at Honister Slate Mine, nestled between Keswick, Derwentwater,…
Celebrate your special day at Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin from 1872 until 1900.
Here at The Greyhound, we understand that good food can make your day complete. Whether you are…
Stepping through the sliding glass doors and into the S-Pod, you’ll be welcomed by the open plan…
Long House Studios is a small, friendly, independent art school offering intensive and immersive…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Newlands church, set in the midst of the lovely Newlands Valley, is a haven of peace and…
Discover Kin Vodka, inspired by the Lake District. Our smooth vodka blends rich caramel with…
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake…
Whether you’re looking to host a corporate event or team building activity in the Lake District,…
This area’s natural landscapes are here for all to enjoy, no matter your ability. Accessible paths…
Keswick Launch offers 50-minute cruises around Derwentwater. Rowing boats and motor boats are also…
The house boasts 800 years of family history, and is still lived in by the Strickland family today.…
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long-distance footpath that runs through the World…
A walk in the Central Barrow Conservation Area.The walk will take about 1 hour to complete.
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
A high-level approach to the summit plateau of the eastern giant, High Street, then a steady…
Set at the foot of the fells within two acres of riverside gardens on the edge of picturesque…


You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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