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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.
Did you know?
Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October) 50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the…
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Home by Simon Rogan is an award-winning, monthly-changing three-course menu service, created by…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
The Netherwood is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Mansion standing in 15 acres of woodland…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
An exciting season of Jumps Racing
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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The 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.…
Cark-in-Cartmel
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a producer, grower or maker in Cumbria.
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression on the visitor, standing over the village and giving an idea of the way early priories must have dominated their surroundings.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
135 reviewsGrange-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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1214 reviewsGrange-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.
Cartmel
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in the centre of Cartmel village. A perfect location when dining at L’Enclume, Aulis or Rogan & Co, or for exploring the Lake District.
Grange-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.
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…
Grange-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.
Flookburgh
Home by Simon Rogan is an award-winning, monthly-changing three-course menu service, created by Simon Rogan, chef patron of three Michelin-starred restaurant L'Enclume and one Michelin-starred restaurant Rogan & Co and his chefs in his Lake District…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.
Grange-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…
Cartmel
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the beautiful grounds that surround Cartmel Racecourse and The Holker Estate.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
797 reviewsGrange-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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1214 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is 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 location for…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
533 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
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