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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.
We recently visited Cartmel to spend an afternoon exploring the Cumbrian village with four Michelin stars, alongside a whole host of things to see and do. Read more about our experience in Cartmel here.

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.

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.
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).
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.
Founded in 1189 by Augustinian canons as the priory church and threatened with destruction after the Dissolution of the Monasteries Act in 1536, the church survived to become the parish church and still serves as a place of worship. The internal soaring proportions of the church house a 14th-century tomb to Lord Harrington and intricately carved choir stalls and misericords. Look out for the nail-studded door into the south aisle, pitted with bullet holes from when villagers fired on Cromwellian troops causing havoc in the church. The tower is unusual, being set crossways to its base, and believed to be unique in England.
The limestone plateau of Hampsfell is one of the highest points on the Cartmel peninsula at 727 ft (221 m) high and commands extensive sea and fell views in all directions. At the top is the Hospice, built in 1835 by George Remington (vicar of Cartmel) as a refuge for weary travellers – now a wonderful place for a picnic. The outcropping limestone pavement shelters an assortment of ferns and lime-loving plants in the deep fissures.
Cartmel has become synonymous with Sticky Toffee Pudding, with the delicious dessert sold at the village shop alongside a whole host of food and drink products.
This family seat of the Cavendish family can be dated to the early 16th century. In 1871 a devastating fire destroyed the west wing, subsequently rebuilt in red sandstone. Today, the whole of this wing is open for visitors to wander around at will. Here can be found the magnificent library, fine linenfold panelling and an impressive cantilevered staircase.
Built in the early 14th century as the gateway to the priory precinct, this medieval building has been variously used as a courthouse, grammar school and museum. It overlooks Cartmel’s village square and is currently owned by the National Trust.
It may be small, but Cartmel packs a punch when it comes to food and drink. The village is home to not one, but two Michelin starred restaurants: Rogan & Co, and L’Enclume – which is also the only three Michelin starred restaurant outside of London and the south east.
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A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
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Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of

Number of results: 54
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Grange-over-Sands
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.
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.
Cumbria, Cumbria
Learn the art of Contemporary Gilding, how it has changed over time and how you can use it in your home to give your possessions the Midas Touch.
During the workshop you will learn how to gild a picture frame with Dutch Gold Leaf and add your own…
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.
Cartmel
Rogan & Co is Simon Rogan's informal neighbourhood restaurant in the very heart of the medieval village of Cartmel. This one Michelin-starred restaurant delivers a menu regularly reimagined in line with the seasons, using exceptional produce grown…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
The Tree Trail at Holker Hall & Gardens is a self-guided experience available to all visitors to the Gardens from Saturday 22nd of November to Sunday 30th of November (not including Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of November)
Come and discover…
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.
Allithwaite, Grange over Sands
Don't miss out on the party of the season! The Pheasant Inn's Christmas Cabaret is the place to be on December 5th at 8pm. Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and live entertainment from the unforgettable party duo 'The Brothers of Swing'. Book your…
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.
Cartmel
Join us for three days of the much anticipated and fabulous YTB Christmas Festival Market! Visit our handpicked range of artisan makers & creatives, live music throughout each day, food & drink both inside and outside the barn from Harry's Cafe…
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.
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
The Racecourse, Cartmel
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends and celebrations, the combination of thrilling jump racing and a relaxed party atmosphere brings thousands of people back year after year. Over nine…
Grange-over-Sands
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands:
530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel.
532 Grange - Kents Bank - Flookburgh - Cark - Cartmel.
X6 Barrow - Grange - Kendal.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Grange-over-Sands
The Snow Queen - Grange Youth Pantomime 2025
Join Grange Musical Theatre Society for their magical 35th youth panto! A festive family adventure filled with snow, sparkle, songs and silliness, perfect for all ages.
Victoria Hall,…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Join us once again for the perfect start to the festive season as we welcome a wonderful variety of craftspeople, gifts and streetfood vendors to the grounds of Holker Hall & Gardens. Widely regarded as the traditional curtain raiser for the North's…
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
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.
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.
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