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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:
Hardknott Roman Fort is one of the most dramatically sited and remote Roman forts in Britain. It…
Hire an electric bike today and explore Morecambe Bay’s stunning landscape – let your bike take the…
Founded in 1996, Contours Holidays specialises in organising self-guided walking, trail running and…
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due…
Take inspiration from Windermere Jetty Museum's collection and build your own model boat from…
Develop your hand building techniques to create a range of pots that you will fire the following…
Electric bike charging point, located at The Boot Inn, Holmrook. This facility is free if buying…
The beer hall is the Brewery Tap, sampling room, visitors centre and beer shop. it is a fully…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Canyoning is like Ghyll Scrambling, but on steroids! Join us as we journey down an atmospheric…
Have you ever wanted to climb the highest mountain in the UK or maybe take on a mountain horseshoe…
The cliffs at St Bees (named after St Bega) are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some…
Whether you are looking for the newest innovation in kitchen gadgets, want to treat yourself to new…
Long cascade over slabs, easily seen from the road. Park along the road near Seathwaite Farm. Steep…
Public toilets located adjacent to the car park.
Free car parking spaces on the promenade offering excellent estuary views
With two dedicated camping fields, camping at Hillcroft Park is a really lovely choice. Camping…
Scafell Pike is England's highest mountain at 978m. Its summit is marked by a huge cairn and…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
For a fun and accessible adrenaline hit, stepping out over a 150ft drop is hard to beat! We offer…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Discover how to make your own herbal remedies for everyday ailments with medical herbalist Bel…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
Buses to and through Workington: 1A Great Clifton - Workington. 30/30A/30B Thornhill - Whitehaven…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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