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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.
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…
Experience a rejuvenating blend of mindful movement and delicious seasonal fare at Yoga & Brunch at…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the…
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…
When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Holker's SpringFest, a vibrant weekend of seasonal inspiration…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
The first ever Cartmel Gathering. Come along to our day of racing alongside Cumberland &…
Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's…
Supper & Stories at Holker Hall & Gardens invites guests to an intimate evening of seasonal dining,…
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering…


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

Number of results: 64
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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,…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
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…
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…
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…
Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland by lake Windermere or the thrill of the Lakeland fells. Eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. Gift vouchers are available.
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.…
Carl-in-Cartmel
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December!
Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at Holker Hall and discover the magic of Christmas. Receive a gift from Father Christmas by the roaring fire in the magical setting of Holker's grand library…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) are a four-piece folk band known for their sparkling, inventive arrangements of traditional British songs and tunes alongside powerful original compositions. Their rich, multi-instrumental sound weaves together Celtic…
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.
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.
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
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
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
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary creativity harnesses the powerful connection between food and nature.
Known for its truly unique offering in the UK restaurant scene, both for its warm,…
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…
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical celebration of stories, warmth and festive spirit. Join us in the heart of the historic estate as the incomparable Taffy Thomas, former National…
Grange-over-Sands
Trad. - Down by the Sally Gardens (arr. Buckley)
Bax - Elegiac Trio
Wright - Blow the Wind Southerly (arr. Trilogy)
Elderton-Lewis - Petroleum Fireflies
Clarke - Danny Boy (arr. Trilogy)
Mathias - Zodiac Trio
Flute, harp and viola combine to…
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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.
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