Captivating Cumbria

Early Celtic Christians believed there were physical locations where the natural world and the spiritual world touch, Bewcastle has a wild and untamed feel and an enigmatic history of faith.

On the edge of the Lake District with views across to Skiddaw, the outwardly perpendicular All Saints belies what Pevsner describes as ‘one of the architectural sensations of Cumbria’.

In an area of outstanding natural beauty, this impressive fortified church is one of three Solway churches built from the stones of Hadrian's Wall and where Edward I laid in state.

Cartmel has been described as a medieval jewel, making a lasting impression overshadowing the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.

Perhaps protected from Cromwell by its remoteness and from the Victorians by lack of funds for improvements, St Anthony's, hidden in the fell side, remains much the same as when it was built in 1504.

Well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard, every year Grasmere celebrates the ancient custom of rushbearing.

Norman beasts and human faces greet you as you enter one of Cumbria's three churches with a fortified pele tower, once a place of refuge from marauding border raiders.

Built by eye rather than from a plan, standing long and low, Wordsworth's once 'snow white church upon a hill', this is one of the best Lake District churches.

Located in the western dales, the now tranquil area once echoed with the noise of the 19th century growth of the railways it is one of many Methodist chapels that provided welfare and spiritual help to the rail workers.

Bypassed by modern roads, this is a wonderful place of quiet, set in the woodlands of the Leven valley. Generations of high status families are commemorated here.