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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 Barn carries a wide range of locally sourced gifts; a great selection of quality outdoor…
Beginning at the Maritime Museum in Maryport, the walk climbs the sea brows yielding spectacular…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for…
A world hidden from the surface but full of adventure and challenge for all. From simple…
Relax in luxury in our Lakeview Spa, unique in that whether you are in the indoor pool, the…
This is a three day training event starting from Butarlyp Youth Hostel Grasmere, and partly on the…
A one and a quarter-hour cruise to catch the sunset over Windermere. This relaxing cruise takes…
Join us on a traditional Lakeland farm to develop the basic drawing skills you need to draw animals…
Just past the famous Ashness Bridge, clamber up the hill to the right from the road to experience…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Free parking in two car parks at this popular beauty spot. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Join Helen for a lovely day being guided through how to make this beautifully detailed garden…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Brought to you by National Trust and Karen Whybrow Coaching, carry out a powerful releasing ritual…
A 13 or 26 mile trek for supporters of Alzheimer's Society to raise funds.
The Challenging Whinlatter Forest is the venue for this Trail Half Marathon & 10k in May 2024. With…
Located at the Village Hall in Melmerby. Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at…
Our firm favourite, it's the return of our fish & chip supper two-hour evening cruise with musical…
The Railway welcomes a first visit from Bluey and Bingo. Personal appearances from Bluey and Bingo…
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and…
Pay & Display car park with 22 spaces. Kettlewell is a small and popular pay-and-display car park…
Take on England's finest countryside at your pace. Our Challenge basecamp is in Kendal, and then…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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