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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 Flower Show is a competetive exhibtion of some 150 classes of flowering plants, and this is…
Foulshaw Moss is an unusual habitat called a lowland raised mire – or a peat bog to you and me.…
Enjoy intimate views and excellent photography opportunities of Badgers, from the comfort of the…
Set in the beautiful gardens of Muncaster Castle, the Hawk & Owl Centre offers exhilarating bird of…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
This beautiful cottage is situated in its own secluded hidden place, in a peaceful and angelic…
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at The Daffodil in the heart of the Lake District and prepare to indulge,…
Pay and display car park with 18 spaces. Charges apply every day 9am to 6pm including Sundays and…
Pay and display car park with 40 spaces.
Situated in the upper Coppermines valley and en route to Levers Water.
Fine butchers next door to Churchmouse Cheeses selling beef, lamb and pork, home cured bacon,…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Experience the edge of empire at the award winning Roman Army Museum. There is nowhere else like it…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Car park with 15 spaces. Good for walking and cycling trails.
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs…
The Plough is a classic country inn offering comfortable dinning with a wide selection of…
The Living Space is a place for eating, meeting and lounging on sofas. Its food is fresh, bold and…
Michelin-starred Pentonbridge Inn, located on the English/Scottish border offers a seasonal tasting…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
f you're yet to experience the thrill of a Meetwood Flac show, then prepare to be blown away! Hear…


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