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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 Lake once supplied water to the Lancaster and Kendal Canal; The 37 acre lake is situated in…
Family attraction, maze, soft play, go karts, animals, pets, events, parties and refreshments.
Howgills Apartment 11 offers a comfortable stay for up to 4 guests. This apartment is positioned on…
Become a pottery illustrator! Getting hands on with the pottery collection at the Roman Army Museum…
Shed One Distillery offers an unparalleled experience for corporate and team-building events. With…
The King Alfred Hotel on Walney is a thriving community pub with 10 en-suite bedrooms. With rooms…
Pay & Display car park with 118 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to car park.
A family fun music festival with a wonderful mix of local acts with renowned UK Tribute acts.
Stay at the refurbished Royal Oak in Borrowdale, beautiful bedrooms with dreamy beds and gleaming…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Private Corporate Walk for 12 Degrees
Set in the beautiful River Lune valley between the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National…
Let the good times ROLL! The screening sensation known as The Big Bike Film Night is riding into…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
11.30am-5pm | 18+ yrs A focused, daylong practical workshop using collaborative approaches to…
Annual charity cycle event comprising four routes of either 13, 25, 50, or 71 miles. The event…
Self-guided walking holidays and guided walks in the Lake District. Take all the hassle out of…
Langdale is the closest valley to Ambleside which leads you right into the heart of the Lake…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…
A fine example of a Georgian church, which has been sympathetically modernised.
Ancient Orton village (with its own chocolate factory) makes a welcome midway refreshment stop…
Carlisle has a wealth of history and heritage to explore as well as fantastic shopping and…


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

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