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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:
Aspatria is a small town in the North West of Cumbria, situated within the area known as the…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
Continue the festive celebrations with a traditional Boxing Day lunch in the Lake District at the…
Luxury one and two bedroom Mews apartments set in the grounds of the Roundthorn Country House,…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Groups of 20 or more people can explore Walby and discover all the fun of the Farm! We offer a…
Join one of the world's most celebrated crime writers for a thrilling evening in Grasmere. To mark…
Let us take you on one of our favourite walks, an off-the-beaten-track route far from the crowds…
Celebrate your special day at Daffodil Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District. With stunning…
A local landmark, the church is set on the end of a limestone ridge at the gateway to the Lake…
Ancient Orton village (with its own chocolate factory) makes a welcome midway refreshment stop…
Car Park with 90 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
One of the largest surviving Roman structures in England, about 40 feet by 90 feet with walls over…
Tucked high along a dramatic mountain pass, Honister Slate Mine is one of the Lake District’s…
Stunning landscapes and rich agricultural heritage make it easy to keep things local when it comes…
Shiver Me Timbers play area is a bright, colourful, and exciting destination for young visitors.…
Parking spaces: General: 29, Disabled spaces: 3, Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the spaces with…
The old Drove Roads and Green Roads of the Yorkshire Dales offer excellent off road challenges for…
The English Lake District is one of Britain’s most beautiful corners: a magical mix of rocky…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
Discover your wedding at Roundthorn Join us at Roundthorn Country House for our Autumn Wedding…
This is a shortish ride through the pastoral landscape of the Cumbrian coastal plain. The fells of…


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