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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.
The Cartmel Peninsula has an extensive network of public footpaths and peaceful lanes that are ideal for walking and cycling.
Grange-over-Sands railway station is a joy. Opened in 1857, the station was awarded 'Heritage Station of the Year' in 2012. It was also named the UK's best small railway station in 2021 when judges commented that the station has created a ‘glorious travel experience’ and had a ‘real sense of local pride’. With beautiful coastal views, it's easy to see why.
The Cumbria Steam & Vintage Vehicle Society Ltd has been bringing together vintage vehicles to Cark Airfield in Flookburgh, for one massive summer gathering for over four decades.
Semi-tropical plantings of trees and shrubs surround the centrepiece pond with its colourful array of ducks and geese from all over the world.
Grange over Sands is known for its long promenade, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; and offering stunning views over Morecambe Bay. The promenade walk is backed by tropical palms and ornamental shrubs and overlooks the marshes of Morecambe Bay. Tennis, putting and basketball can be enjoyed along its length.
Located in Park Road Gardens, Grange over Sands' Bandstand hosts concerts during the summer months.
Grange over Sands was once home to a popular seaside lido which sadly closed in 1992. However a new era of regeneration has come for the Lido, with refurbishment of the Lido site and a campaign to #SaveGrangeLido and reopen it for swimmers.
A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at…
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…
Experience the perfect blend of music, food, and craft beer at Bess & Barrel, our monthly Summer…
Experience a rejuvenating blend of mindful movement and delicious seasonal fare at Yoga & Brunch at…
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
The first ever Cartmel Gathering. Come along to our day of racing alongside Cumberland &…
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Supper & Stories at Holker Hall & Gardens invites guests to an intimate evening of seasonal dining,…
Thursday 16th April – Introduction to Botanical Casting workshop 10:30am -1pm £30 per…
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…
Discover a season-round programme of inspiring monthly art workshops at Holker Hall & Gardens,…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…


Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of

Number of results: 65
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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…
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for all ages! Join us in the enchanting Holker Hall & Gardens for an unforgettable seasonal experience featuring the magical storytelling of Taffy Thomas,…
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.
Grange-over-Sands
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering apartment. Located in its own private building, the property sits in our orchard and features a private patio, compact kitchen, spacious bathroom with…
Grange-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…
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.
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.
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.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on experience for gardening enthusiasts of all levels. Explore the hidden corners of the walled garden, learn from our expert gardeners, and discover seasonal…
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…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the beautiful village of Cartmel, famous for Sticky Toffee Pudding and Simon Rogan's Michelin restaurants. Onsite restaurant, 'The Refectory' uses local…
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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 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.
Cartmel
Crumble Cottage sleeps two with great views in beautiful quiet rural location near Cartmel. Glorious gardens, dark skies, log stove, own car park, walks from the door.
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