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Located on the edge of the Lake District National Park, just a stone’s throw from Morecambe Bay, Cartmel is a pretty village with a vibrant feel. Known for its fantastic food and drink (it’s home to two Michelin starred restaurants as well as plenty more great places to eat and drink), it’s the perfect place to get a taste of Cumbria and soak up the atmosphere with a coffee or glass of wine.
With a rich heritage dating back to Medieval times, Cartmel boasts a fascinating history which blends in seamlessly with its modern feel. At the heart of the village is the striking Cartmel Priory, dating back to the 12th century and still an active place of worship today. Explore picture perfect streets, lined with a fantastic variety of independent shops, country pubs and inns, cafes, and restaurants. Cartmel is also home to the iconic Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding: made just miles away in Flookburgh, originating and sold at Cartmel Village Shop.
The village is also known for its racecourse, with race events taking place throughout the summer months, giving a festival atmosphere to the whole village over four weekends each year.
Food & Drink
Cartmel is famous for its food and drink, and its reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. The village is home to not one, but two Michelin starred restaurants, including L’Enclume - the only restaurant to hold three Michelin stars outside of London and the South-East. There are also relaxed bistros, cosy country pubs, and friendly cafes like Coffee & Stays at Cartmel Square serving up specialty coffees.
During the warmer months, the village comes alive with al fresco drinking and dining. There are plenty of places to sit out and enjoy the sun, whether you’re catching up with friends over a coffee or enjoying a G&T come evening. Relax and watch the world go by, or enjoy live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Looking for something to take away? This is the home of Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, as well as some fantastic shops offering locally made produce from artisan cheeses to meats and chutneys.
What To See & Do in Cartmel
As well as sampling the village’s world-class food and drink scene, there is plenty to see and do in Cartmel.
The village boasts a rich history, and reminders of its Medieval heritage can be seen throughout. The impressive 12th century Cartmel Priory has been an active place of worship for 800 years; while opposite the village square you’ll find a monastic gatehouse.
Cartmel Racecourse plays host to race days throughout the summer, lending a festival atmosphere with resident DJ, funfair and easy access to the village for a day spent exploring.
Nearby, attractions like Holker Hall & Gardens make for a great day out.
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There are several walking routes to be enjoyed from Cartmel - not the mention the abundance of hiking opportunities in the nearby Lake District National Park. From Cartmel itself, walk to Hampsfell Hospice with its panoramic views across Morecambe Bay and the Lakes; or set off along the Cumbrian Cistercian Way, a 25-mile route to Piel Castle in Barrow-in-Furness.
Cartmel is also located along the Morecambe Bay Cycleway: a long distance cycle route across the southern coast of Cumbria.
History
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 made 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 nearby 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).
Surrounding Areas
Grange-over-Sands - the coastal town of Grange-Over-Sands retains much elegance from its Edwardian heyday, with ornamental gardens, independent shopping, and a sea-front promenade for relaxing walks.
Flookburgh - Flookburgh, to the west, was once an important fishing and market centre. Fishermen still go out to fish for cockled and shrimps (Morecambe Bay Potted Shrimps are a local delicacy).
Meathop - Further east is the isolated hamlet of Meathop established around one of the first sanatoriums in the country.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Cartmel. Click for more details
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Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Number of results: 49
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Address
Newton In Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JPTelephone
015395 30393Grange-over-Sands
Privately owned and run by Sam and Ian, Ellenboro House has been operating since 2012. We designed our accommodation and business around the type of places we like to stay, so we hope you love it as much as we do. Our rooms are chic, comfortable…
Address
Greenbank Farm Holidays, Aynsome Ln, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7STTelephone
+44(0)7770417777Cartmel, 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.
Address
The Netherwood Hotel, Lindale Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ETTelephone
01539 532 552Grange-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.
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Address
Grange Hotel, Station Square, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EJTelephone
015395 33666Grange-over-Sands
The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the curve of Morecambe Bay. One of the premier Lake District hotels, we offer warm hospitality, excellent service, stylish and elegant grandeur.
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Address
Clare House Hotel, Park Rd, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7HQTelephone
015395 33026Grange-over-Sands
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.
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Address
Old Park Wood Caravan Holiday Park, Holker Estate, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PPCark, Grange-over-Sands
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake District on its doorstep; Old Park Wood is an unrivalled private holiday park offering residents their very own luxurious, Cumbrian retreat.
Address
Beck Side, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7SPTelephone
015395 36043Grange-over-Sands
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.
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Address
Cavendish Street, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QATelephone
(+44) 015395 36362Cartmel
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary creativity harnesses the powerful connection between food and nature.
Known for its truly unique offering in the UK restaurant scene, both for its warm,…Tourism For All
Address
The Gate House, The Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QBTelephone
015395 35917Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a variety of carefully selected products, including hampers and gift sets, by renowned chef and restauranteur Simon Rogan, available either online or by…
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Address
Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel Racecourse, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QFTelephone
07936513701The Racecourse, Cartmel
Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October)
50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere.…Address
Cumbria Grand Hotel Car Park, Lindale Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ENGrange-over-Sands
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the world their own once the sun goes down.
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Beyonk Online Booking
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Address
Grange-over-SandsThis 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.
Address
Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PLTelephone
01539558328Grange-over-Sands
The "Trees of Distinction" Tree Trail at Holker Hall & Gardens is a self-guided experience available to all visitors to the Gardens from Saturday 23rd November to Sunday 24th November and Friday 29th December to Sunday 1st December.
Come and…Address
Grange Manor Luxury B&B, Hampsfell Rd, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6BGTelephone
01539760215Grange-over-Sands
When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our eight sublime deluxe rooms set within a secluded woodland in Grange-over-Sands, the Lake District, Cumbria.
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Grange-over-Sands
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood, Woodlands Pine Lodges are ideal for a relaxing break. On site Restaurant & Bar. Friendly staff. Great Food. Great Value. A real hidden gem.
Address
Thornleigh Christian Hotel, 26 The Esplanade, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7HHTelephone
015395 32733Grange-over-Sands
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone or with friends. From your warm welcome on arrival everything is taken care of, giving you the freedom to relax, explore and make the most of our fun…
Address
Field Broughton, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS, Cumbria, LA11 6HRGRANGE-OVER-SANDS
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red sandstone and distinctive shingled spire and clay tiled roof, an unusual feature in the Lake District.
Address
Lindale Road, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ETTelephone
01539 532 552Grange-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…
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Address
Greaves Farm Caravan Park, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HRTelephone
015395 36587Grange-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…
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Address
Lindale Road, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6ETTelephone
01539 532 552Grange-Over-Sands
The Netherwood is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Mansion standing in 15 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens with breath taking uninterrupted views across Morecambe Bay.
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