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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:
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Buses to and through Whitehaven: 1 Kells - Parton - Whitehaven - Bransty. 6/X6 Whitehaven -…
In Real Life: Slow, Print, Press | 7 Dec | 12-4pm | £60 | 16+yrs | Tutor Caroline Stow | Print Room…
Multi payment option car park both pre and post parking. Payment can be made online. 60 spaces.
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
The Belsfield Hotel is a stunningly perfect wedding venue in the Lake District for your civil…
Massage training courses in the Lakes... learn how to provide effective massage treatments on a…
Saturday 7th December Eat, drink and be merry at this lively party night as we take you through…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
Home to the Hasell family since 1679, visitors to Dalemain will discover a fascinating combination…
Swarthmoor Hall is a 17th century, Grade II* listed country house. It is known as the cradle of…
Long Stay Car Park with 253 spaces, 6 disabled spaces and 4 coach bays. Public toilets adjacent to…
To make your next meeting, conference or product launch really memorable and enjoyable for all, why…
Chances Park is specially landscaped to offers great views of the city of Carlisle. The main…
The Wheels Up North Weekender is our flagship show of the year, set in the beautiful Lake District,…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
A touch of luxury in a secluded part of The Lakes, complete with a cedar wood hot tub and 10 acres…
Pay and display car park with 69 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Public toilets available, located…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Located in the Queen Street Car Park. Recycle glass, cans, plastics, paper and card at this site.
Commence from the Dob Gill Car Park around a kilometre along the road from Wythburn on the western…
Lakeland Arts' much-loved art collection includes paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture ranging…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
A magical event for all to attend with live entertainment, market stalls and other fun activites.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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