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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?
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Spring Bank Cottage is peacefully situated in a lovely location in the countryside, yet only a few…
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…
Enjoy a variety of meat, fish, cheese and vegetarian finger sandwiches along with home-made pork…
Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados will be delighted to see the return of Musical Theatre & Charles…
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
The Cumbria Grand Hotel offers two great places to eat – The Hazelwood Restaurant and The Jacobean…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake…
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Situated in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Grange over Sands, with its splendid…
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
An exciting season of horse racing, over 9 race dates with entertainment for the whole family.
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 56
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Grange-over-Sands
As part of Lake District Music's spring concert series Austrian pianist Hanna Bachmann performs at Holker Hall.
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
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 reviewsGrange-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…
Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands
The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place annually over the last weekend in July. Our home since 1986 has been Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange over Sands LA11 7LS by kind permission of Mr J Latham and Sons.
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
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.
Grange-over-Sands
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running aficionado? Look no further than Wild Goat Festival (31st May-2nd June), a weekend of running the trails and gravel cycling set in the heart of the…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Spring Bank Cottage is peacefully situated in a lovely location in the countryside, yet only a few minutes by car or foot from the centre of Grange-Over-Sands. Probably the best views in the area can be enjoyed from the cottage.
Grange-over-Sands
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.
Cumbria
This short ride has a bit of everything- the delights of Cartmel with its Priory, lovely square and range of cafes, pubs and restaurants, a chance to walk to the end of Humphrey Head for spectacular views of Morecambe Bay...
Grange-over-Sands
Hire an all-terrain mobility scooter from Grange Library and enjoy a choice of two all-ability routes taking in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Bay. We run this service in partnership with the Community Hub at the Vic and rely on volunteers being…
Cark
Flookburgh, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS
Free electric bike charging point, located at Bespoke e-Bikes.
Grange-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…
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