About Us

St Olaf's, Wasdale Head, is one of three churches in the Parish of Gosforth & Wasdale. The others are St Michael and All Angels at Nether Wasdale - four miles away at the other end of the Lake, and St Mary's at Gosforth, by far the largest of the three and 8 miles down the valley.  St Olaf's  holds services at 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, and Nether Wasdale at 9am on the 1st Sunday of each month and at 6.30pm on the 3rd Sunday. 

St Olaf's is open every day from around 9am till 5pm.

St Olaf's is the smallest parish church in England. Inside, it can best be described as like a small stable, with pews, ancient beams and a stone floor.  We have seating for 39! It's smallness, simplicity, peacefulness and the magnificent fells that surround it, help make it a place where people can feel very close to God.  When the church isn't open, the peace and beauty of the surroundings can be enjoyed just as much from the seat in the churchyard - with fresh air and the sounds of nature all around.

Wasdale Head has a population of around 25, there are four farms, the Wasdale Head Inn, the Barn Door shop, one other residence and the National Trust campsite. Accommodation is plentiful - at the Inn,  B&B at Burnthwaite Farm and Lingmell Guest House, and there are holiday cottages at each of the four farms. In addition to the large National Trust campsite there is a small campsite near the Inn. 

For full information, service times etc, please visit our website www.wasdalehead.church