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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:
Peaceful and inspiring Buddhist Temple, amazing Romantic Gothic mansion, relaxing café, gift shop…
Electric bike charging point, located at The Upfront Gallery & Cafe, Nr. Hutton-in-the-Forest,…
Big or small, the Cumbria Grand is ideally situated to host meeting, conferences and corporate…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
Meet talking rocks, find sunken trinkets and explore quarry portals at Signal Film and Media's next…
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as…
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School,…
12th century Norman church, built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall and where King Edward I…
If you fancy staying somewhere different and fancy the thought of staying in a fabulously restored…
On the Brathay river, Colwith Force is a stunning waterfall with a drop of 55ft. Look for the A593…
Helping Brides and Grooms who want the most beautiful wedding photos with minimal fuss. I put all…
Seascale is a small coastal town in the Western Lake District. Situated between Whitehaven and…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Stagecoach bus service between Furness and Bowness-on-Windermere wiith stops including Dalton,…
Moments from the eastern shores of Lake Windermere and set in seven acres of beautiful secluded…
Arragons Cycle Centre is run by Phil & Sarah with the help of a dedicated team of Sales Staff and…
Welcome to The Patterdale Estate, where your holiday adventure awaits amidst the breathtaking…
During the nineteenth century, adventurous tourists travelled by horse-drawn carriage through…
Visit Carlisle Cathedral, centrally located in the heart of the city. Whether for worship, events,…
Eycott Hill is a great place to take a short walk with amazing views across Lake District fells.…
The University of Cumbria offers a unique and enriching educational experience that fosters…
Package Holidays and Support Services for Wainwright's Coast to Coast Path plus bespoke Coast to…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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