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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.
New for 2024 – Mobility scooter and E-bike hire available from Morecambe Bay Partnership. Book in advance here.
Did you know?
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…
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a…
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Cartmel Priory is the majestic setting for our choral concert, with a performance of Fauré's…
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…
The Netherwood is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Mansion standing in 15 acres of woodland…
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Cartmel Art Society are pleased to be opening their 2024 Summer Art & Craft Exhibition at Cartmel…
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel…
Situated in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Grange over Sands, with its splendid…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
A Day’s Walk is a unique online food and drink shop and delivery service for self-catering holiday…
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 56
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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
528 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at the station and will be offering mobility scooter and E-bike hire as part of the Electric Bike Network.
Cartmel, 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…
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
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, Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory is the majestic setting for our choral concert, with a performance of Fauré's much-loved 'Requiem' by the Ulverston Festival Chorus. Together with music by Stanford and Vaughan Williams.
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
134 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
1190 reviewsGrange-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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 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…
Grange-over-Sands
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.
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
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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.
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.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Art Society are pleased to be opening their 2024 Summer Art & Craft Exhibition at Cartmel Village Hall from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th August.
The Exhibition is free entry to the general public from Friday 9th August, offering free parking…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1190 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Situated in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Grange over Sands, with its splendid Promenade, The "Grange Boutique" provides a great base for exploring the magnificent Lake District National Park, the Lake District Peninsula and the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
222 reviewsCartmel
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
770 reviewsGrange-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
327 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL