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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:
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Now a ruin, Furness Abbey was once the second most powerful Cistercian monastery in Britain, after…
A 17thC working Lakeland sheep farm set in magnificent scenery. Beautifully converted from…
Wild and Fruitful creates chutneys, sauces, jams, marmalades, honey and peanut butter – all made…
Ancient Orton village (with its own chocolate factory) makes a welcome midway refreshment stop…
Public toilets adjacent to car park.
I'm Anna Bailey, a wedding photographer based in the Lake District, specialising in capturing Love…
Camping Cabins are the perfect alternative to camping in a tent.
Set in the heart of Sedbergh in a beautifully maintained churchyard the church, which dates from…
Great cycling activities for all the family in the Lake District and Cumbria. With mountains and…
Open since 1993, we're still passionate about cooking fresh, traditional and innovative dishes for…
The Lake District National Park provides a wealth of walking opportunities and offers something for…
Buses to and through Whitehaven: 1 Kells - Parton - Whitehaven - Bransty. 6/X6 Whitehaven -…
Cumbrian based Reays have an extensive range of vehicle suitable for small and large groups of…
Domingo Hindoyan conductor Members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Ever wondered…
5* Holiday Park offering touring, glamping pods and self-catering overlooking Ullswater. Perfect…
Coniston Boating Centre Car Park is on the western shore of Coniston Water and is easily reached…
Howgills Apartment 9 is on the 2nd floor of our building and offers a split-level apartment with…
Tickets on sale from 31st August Presented by Speakers from the Edge Sean Conway set out to…
Imagine leaving the heart of Whitehaven's historic port and being taken back in time to an exotic…
This one day introduction to map reading and navigation is suitable for anyone who would like to…
A 6 day professional massage therapy course at a Lake District retreat venue with meals and…
If you are looking to take your hill and mountain walking to the next level, this could be just…
Stunning landscapes and rich agricultural heritage make it easy to keep things local when it comes…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
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