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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.
Award winning Fish and Chips by the sea including licensed restaurant.
Pentonbridge Inn is a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, offering relaxed fine dining, on the…
Experience peace, tranquillity, and adventure on your next holiday at Parkgate Farm, located at the…
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Car Park with 90 spaces. Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
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Choose Lakeland Mues for your breakfast and enjoy toasted artisan muesli full of great taste and…
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This cycle tour heads north from Alston exploiting the breach in the Penines cut by the River South…
This ‘hidden gem’ is the earliest known surviving example of a small English parish church designed…
Dodd Wood is a fantastic place to get some amazing views of the northern Lake District. The network…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
Our self catering holiday cottages with hot tubs occupy an idyllic location, just a stone’s throw…
Following secret ravines by scrambling up waterfalls, boulder hopping along the streambed and…
This route climbs out of Alston and heads down to Nenthead before exploring the fascinating upper…
Carus Green Golf Club is based on the edge of the English Lake District and has become popular due…
Beach Road Bakehouse is located overlooking St Bees Beach. It is now under new management from Gina…
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Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of

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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
Join us for a fun Night of live Country and Folk music at the Vic! Back for a second year after last year's successful event!
Featuring the musical talents of Caine & Denney, FinMor and poet Lynn Walton.
Moor Lane, Flookburgh
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed and made in the Lake District — thoughtful layers shaped by the seasons and scenery.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Experience the perfect blend of music, food, and craft beer at Bess & Barrel, our monthly Summer celebration held in the stunning Holker Hall and Gardens Courtyard. Enjoy live tunes, delicious seasonal dishes, and expertly poured beers in a vibrant,…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt landscape of Furness. This walk guides you along
ancient paths and byways through a landscape shaped by monks and merchantmen, by fishermen and shipbuilders…
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…
Cark, Flookburgh
Discover a season-round programme of inspiring monthly art workshops at Holker Hall & Gardens, where creativity meets the beauty of the estate. Led by skilled artists and makers, the workshops explore a rich mix of techniques including botanical…
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
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age, spend time with one of our beautiful Friesian Horses or miniature shetland MR JB and share a self-catering stable for the night.
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…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Holker's SpringFest, a vibrant weekend of seasonal inspiration set in the stunning gardens and grounds. Discover artisan stalls, enjoy live entertainment and guest speakers, including James Alexander-Sinclair.…
Cark-in-Cartmel
Supper & Stories at Holker Hall & Gardens invites guests to an intimate evening of seasonal dining, conversation, and storytelling in the atmospheric setting of the Ilex, the function room of the Courtyard Café. Each event features a carefully…
1 The Square, Cartmel
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality foods. We have also been featured on BBC's Great British Menu. We provide a hamper service, friendly atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Celebrate Easter Weekend at Holker Hall & Gardens with a fun-filled programme for the whole family! Enjoy classic garden games on the lawns, circus skills workshops, get creative with egg decorating and Easter crafts, against the beautiful…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's most eagerly-anticipated seasonal events! Set within the stunning grounds of Holker Hall & Gardens, this magical three-day market celebrates the very…
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.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Thursday 16th April – Introduction to Botanical Casting workshop
10:30am -1pm
£30 per person
This is a more in depth workshop where you will learn and practice the methods and techniques to create your own beautiful and unique floral themed…
Kents Bank Road, Grange-over-Sands
Join us for a FREE Easter Trail around Kents Bank and Main Street. Collect your trail map and pencil from Olive Home & Gift and hop through town to find the eggs! Sticker reward for each player.
The Racecourse, Cartmel
A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at Cartmel Racecourse.
Cartmel
Less than 2 weeks to go until All Stars Week kicks off here at Rogan & Co.
Join Simon, head chef Tom and other familiar faces from the restaurant's past, including guest appearance from @cheftombarnes.
From Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 7th March, the…
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