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Grange-over-Sands is an elegant town, with strong reminders of its heyday as a fashionable seaside resort in the 19th century – all thanks to the balmy influence of the Gulf Stream and the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s. Grange’s Victorian and Edwardian elegance is still very much in evidence today, in its ornamental gardens, attractive shopping arcades and its long seafront promenade.
Around 678 AD, the Cartmel peninsula was granted to St Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, by King Egfrith of Northumberland for the establishment of a monastery. An early church dedicated to St Cuthbert was built at Kirkhead near Allithwaite, although nothing now remains of the structure. It was not until 1189 that an enduring ecclesiastical presence was established with the founding of Cartmel Priory next to the River Eea (pronounced ‘Ay’).
Locals eked out a living with farming and fishing, with the monks lending a helping hand. Limestone was crushed and burned to produce quicklime for spreading on the fields to ‘sweeten’ the grass, woods provided coppice timber for agricultural implements and for charcoal burning, oats were grown, and the sea and rivers yielded good supplies of fish. The monks stored their grain at Grange (from the French word ‘graunge’ meaning ‘granary’) and may have had a small harbour here.
The famous Cartmel Races are said to date back to monastic times, as part of the Whitsuntide celebrations. The priory was at the heart of community life, until it was largely destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII in 1536. An appeal by the villagers to keep the church as a place of worship for the parish was granted, thus saving this impressive church (and the gatehouse) for posterity.
Up to the mid-19th century, the only viable link between the peninsula and the rest of the country was over the sands of Morecambe Bay at low tide. Individuals on foot or travelling by horse and cart would regularly make the perilous journey, fraught with danger from swift incoming tides, unsuspected quicksands or changing river currents. A guide appointed by the abbot of Cartmel Priory would conduct travellers from Kents Bank to Hest Bank near Bolton-le-Sands (9 miles/14.5 km).
Allithwaite - To the south is the former Viking homestead of Allithwaite, leading to the limestone whaleback of Humphrey Head.
Flookburgh - Flookburgh, to the west, was once an important fishing and market garden centre. Fishermen still go out daily to fish for shrimps, cockles, mussels and flukes (flatfish); the latter earning the village its name.
Cark - Next door is Cark; now a quiet village, it once accommodated a large cotton mill and was a busy port in its 18th-century heyday.
Cartmel - Nearby Cartmel is home to two Michelin starred restaurants (L'Enclume and Rogan & Co) as well as the impressive Cartmel Priory.
Mobility scooter and E-bike hire is available from the Morecambe Bay Partnership. Book in advance here.
The Cartmel Peninsula has an extensive network of public footpaths and peaceful lanes that are ideal for walking and cycling.
Grange-over-Sands railway station is a joy. Opened in 1857, the station was awarded 'Heritage Station of the Year' in 2012. It was also named the UK's best small railway station in 2021 when judges commented that the station has created a ‘glorious travel experience’ and had a ‘real sense of local pride’. With beautiful coastal views, it's easy to see why.
The Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society Ltd has been bringing together vintage vehicles to Cark Airfield in Flookburgh, for one massive summer gathering for over four decades.
Semi-tropical plantings of trees and shrubs surround the centrepiece pond with its colourful array of ducks and geese from all over the world.
Grange over Sands is known for its long promenade, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; and offering stunning views over Morecambe Bay. The promenade walk is backed by tropical palms and ornamental shrubs and overlooks the marshes of Morecambe Bay. Tennis, putting and basketball can be enjoyed along its length.
Located in Park Road Gardens, Grange over Sands' Bandstand hosts concerts during the summer months.
Grange over Sands was once home to a popular seaside lido which sadly closed in 1992. However a new era of regeneration has come for the Lido, with refurbishment of the Lido site and a campaign to #SaveGrangeLido and reopen it for swimmers.
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…
Ellenboro House is a cosy self-catering property for couples located near Cartmel.
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…
Welcome to our cozy bedtime for lambs! As you settle in to bottle feed these adorable little ones,…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Vintage and classic vehicle rally
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
An exciting season of Jumps Racing
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland village of Cartmel - foodie heaven! Known for Horse Racing, Michelin Star restaurants and its famous Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Grange-over-Sands
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and forests, set against a backdrop of mountains and fells that have inspired poets, writers and artists for centuries.
Grange-Over-Sands
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel experience. With a luxurious Thermal Suite at its heart spend time in the traditional sauna, revive your senses in the aromatherapy steam room and boost…
Cartmel
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights of the funfair, local food & drink vendors, music events and family fun days! Enjoy a thrilling day out for all the family, it's the perfect Summer…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park. A loop of the Winster valley beneath the wooded slopes of Whitbarrow Scar sets the scene for this ride
Grange-over-Sands
Ellenboro House is a cosy self-catering property for couples located near Cartmel.
Grange-over-Sands
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands with outstanding views over Morecambe Bay. Offering comfortable accommodation it is an ideal base from which to explore the Southern Lakes.
Cartmel
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village of Cartmel. Each is designed with their own unique style in mind, whilst retaining references to their historic surroundings – resulting in perfect…
Grange-over-Sands
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with the warmth and welcome of a much loved family home. The hall is set in 25 acres of romantic formal & woodland gardens and ancient parkland, with the…
Grange-over-Sands
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Holker Hall in Cumbria.
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your trip right you can visit the ice cream factory at Holme Farm, just east of Grange.
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt landscape of Furness. This walk guides you along
ancient paths and byways through a landscape shaped by monks and merchantmen, by fishermen and shipbuilders…
Grange-over-Sands
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake district . Great food. Great value. Friendly staff. A real hidden gem. Guests return again & again. View our 5-star Trip Advisor reviews.
1 The Square, Cartmel
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality foods. We have also been featured on BBC's Great British Menu. We provide a hamper service, friendly atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff.
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake District within easy reach of Lake Windermere, the historic village of Cartmel and Grange over Sands and many places of interest. An ideal…
Grange-over-Sands
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age, spend time with one of our beautiful Friesian Horses or miniature shetland MR JB and share a self-catering stable for the night.
Grange-over-Sands
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal food designed to incorporate the best local and seasonal ingredients, from our kitchen garden, the Holker Estate and our fantastic local suppliers. Our…
Grange-over-Sands
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a delicious selection of cakes. Served with tea or coffee of your choice , why not add a glass of bubbly to make it extra special.
Cartmel
Welcome to our cozy bedtime for lambs! As you settle in to bottle feed these adorable little ones, listen to their gentle bleats and enjoy the soothing ambiance. After feeding, gather around for their favourite bedtime story. Finally, sip on a warm…
Grange-over-Sands
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.
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