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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:
Charming 16-bed, 4* AA Highly Commended Inn in gorgeous conservation village with separate…
Public Conveniences.
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness…
The residents of Monster Mansion prepare to welcome a new son-in-law into their family. He's not…
Join Bowness Bay Brewing in Kendal for a brewery adventure! Immerse yourself in the magic of…
Contours Holidays designed the Derwentwater Round as a gentle, relaxing two-day meander around the…
Public toilets adjacent to the car park. Free car park with 16 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Located at Crofton Mission Hall. Recycle glass, cans, plastics, paper and card at this site.
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
On 14 December 2017, Omar Samra and Omar Nour, affectionately dubbed 'O2', set off in the world's…
The Blue Swallow is a family run Guest House in the heart of Cumbria, offering a range of…
Our well-stocked Shop goes from strength to strength as we increase our range of products. Our…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Free car parking spaces on the promenade offering excellent estuary views
Refurbished in 2021, Lakes Hostel is a hidden gem in the heart of Windermere. Available to book as…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
TV favourite Ed Byrne brings his Best Reviewed Show at the 2023 Edinburgh Festival, British Comedy…
Whether your aspirations involve pursuing higher education, acquiring practical skills for the…
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep…
Explore the National Park’s lesser visited places on this gentle self-guided holiday, perfect for…
Bearing around Beacon Hill in low gears initially, you’ll enter and traverse the broad undulating…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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