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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:
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
There's something for everyone at Coniston Boating Centre, both on and off the water. You can hire…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
Our debut at Cartmel Priory – a magnificent setting for two large-scale choral works – marks…
Cumberlandia is a new grass roots folk weekend in west Cumbria from 16th – 18th August 2024, with…
Penrith is a bustling market town of sandstone buildings, renowned for its wealth of specialist…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
In this artist-led class, you will make a 3D animal from the contents of your recycling bin. Mark…
The Tea Room at Farfield Mill serves a delicious range of food from soups, paninis, jacket…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Historic house and gardens based on a medieval pele towers with substantial 17th, 18th and 19thC…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
At the heart of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House is a very passionate family and team, dedicated to…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of a Georgian All Hallows Eve, get creative…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Kendal Castle is situated on a mound-like hill, known as a drumlin, to the east of the town of…
The Byre is one of three luxurious cottages sitting within a large converted Victorian barn at the…
Kendal South Choir, conducted by Geoffrey Field, present a concert of European sacred music through…
Entered from the Market Square through handsome cloisters built in 1810, the parish church stands…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Glamping PODs in the heart of the Lake District National Park above Lake Windermere. Nestled in a…
Brought to you by the National Trust for the Festival of Archaeology. Come and join us for a rare…
A short National Park Volunteer-led guided walk using accessible paths to the summit of Orrest Head…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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