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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 Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Our restaurant is a relaxed, ambient space with an open kitchen and views of the lake. Another…
Our air-conditioned Brasserie is open to both residents and non-residents for Lunch & Dinner and…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, our hotel provides a peaceful and relaxing retreat from the…
Celebrate the energy of the winter solstice with forest bathing in the beautiful Whinlatter forest.…
Rural location, small hamlet but only 1.5 miles from Keswick and Skiddaw and with outstanding views…
Located at the Lake District Visitor Centre, Brockhole on Windermere.
Set in the heart of the Lake District national park, come visit us at our exclusive location set in…
Hire an electric bike today and explore Morecambe Bay’s stunning landscape – let your bike take the…
As Kay lives in Cumbria and Gillian lives in the Trossachs, textiles and walking are intertwined…
An easy scramble at the side of the spectacular Cam Spout Force is combined with a descent down the…
Have you ever wished you could pick up a pen and create a beautiful piece of hand lettering? Why…
Kirkby Lonsdale is a beautiful market town located in the River Lune valley on the fringes of the…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Open 7 days a week including bank holidays from 8am to 8pm. Parking spaces: General: 48, Disabled…
Our wide variety of vehicles are sure to provide you with the perfect wedding car alternative. From…
Spacious, comfortable, warm and well-equipped, Broad How is a charming, large Lakeland house,…
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Contemporary Quilt Group is a specialist group within the Quilters' Guild. Its members are a…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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