You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Cumbrian Churches > Churches of The Western Lakes & Coast
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:
Our cosy glamping pods provide a comfortable and contemporary glamping experience.
Howgills Apartment 7 is a dog-friendly ground-floor apartment with outside terraced area with…
This ride is one for toughies on mountain bikes.
Golf Lake District is a new Golf tourism business that is promoting Golf courses and Hotels in the…
The Tramper mobility scooter is free to use and helps to improve access for all at Tarn Hows.Part…
The cliffs at St Bees (named after St Bega) are dramatic, composed of striking red sandstone some…
Hiring a boat is the perfect way to get out & explore Derwent Water. Choose from our huge selection…
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
We love to create truly memorable wedding days. From the moment you arrive to the time you leave as…
Brought to you by the National Trust and Mobile Adventure, an opportunity to get out on the lake…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
Our 26th Keswick Beer Festival will take place on the 7th and 8th June 2024.
The Lambfoot Loop is an accurately measured and certified 10km road race. The race starts and…
Sitting right on the shore of England’s most famous lake, The Wateredge Inn is the perfect location…
St Mary's has been an important religious site since the 8th century.
The perfect way to keep the kids (and adults) entertained all day whilst on a Lakeland…
Fresh water, waste water and toilet disposal.
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current…
Public Conveniences.
Take a warm Cumbrian welcome, a team of people who love to look after you and fantastic facilities,…
Public toilets situated on the lower promenade close to the car park.
Pay and display car park with 321 general use spaces, 6 disabledspaces,1 motorcycle space and 16…
Whether you’re a complete beginner, indoor climber, or competent trad climber, we can tailor the…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL