St James' Church, Buttermere

Small historic church above Buttermere village, closely associated with Alfred Wainwright and an easy cultural stop between the village and lakeshore.

St James' Church is the small parish church overlooking Buttermere village. Its simple Lakeland setting makes it a worthwhile short stop alongside the valley's better-known natural attractions.The church is particularly associated with fellwalker and guidebook author Alfred Wainwright. The National Trust's Buttermere walking information notes a memorial to Wainwright at the church; his ashes were scattered on nearby Haystacks, his favourite fell.Please remember that this remains a place of worship. Access can be affected by services, private events or maintenance, so visit respectfully and do not assume the building will always be open.