You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Cartmel
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.
Food & Drink
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.
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.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Cartmel. Click for more details
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Express Bar & Lounge serving International cuisine, ranging from pizza, pasta, burgers, sandwiches…
The neat thing about Scafell Pike is it can be climbed from all the major valleys in the Lake…
Whatever the weather or time of year, our self-catering cottages and timber-framed properties are…
The priory is one of the architectural jewels in Cumbria and well worth a visit. This beautiful and…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Join us at Carlisle Cathedral on the first Saturday every month for Carlisle Farmers' Market. In…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Pay & Display. (NT members free).with 35 spaces. For access to beachside picnics, watersports and…
Located in the Eden Bridge car park. Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card and Textiles at this…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Of all the Yorkshire Dales, Dentdale has probably the most pleasant atmosphere. With a westerly…
Sitting proudly within English Heritage listed design gardens, overlooking the stunning Windermere…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A high-flying adventure for all the family… Raised in the Indian jungle, Mowgli the man cub spends…
Laurel Bank B&B is a guest house in Keswick which prides itself on the high quality of its bed and…
Dating back to the Roman times, Sedbergh is an attractive market town full of character with an…
Taylor Gill Force is situated at Stockley Bridge, Seathwaite, on the path between Seathwaite and…
Located at the Memorial Hall in Shapon Main Street. Recycle Cans, Foil, Glass, Paper, Card,…
Challenge yourself - have a go at Rock Climbing. The Lake District is famous for its climbing,…
For many people their first view of the Langdale Pikes is the famous one across Lake Windermere…
Fellinis is a new modern 'Vegeterranean' restaurant catering for the most discerning vegetarian…
The Roundthorn is a Grade II listed Georgian mansion is set in its own landscaped grounds and…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 59
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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.
Grange over Sands
A half day workshop learning to needlefelt. You will create a cute, characterful Herdie of your very own using Herdwick wool.
This course is suitable for absolute beginners and those with a little experience.
All materials are provided and you…
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake District on its doorstep; Old Park Wood is an unrivalled private holiday park offering residents their very own luxurious, Cumbrian retreat.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Bess & Barrel, our pop up pub returns. Enjoy an alfresco summer evening in the Courtyard.
Aupa Street Food are bringing their incredible Gourmet Smashburgers and loaded fries. Tuck in and enjoy live music from Ellie Harley and drinks from our very…
Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria Grand Hotel is a stunning Victorian property in the town of Grange over Sands.
124 bedroom comfortable en-suite bedrooms, many with bay views across Morecambe Bay.
Ample free parking in the hotel car park and the hotel offers free WiFi in…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Our family fun day is going to be one to remember for all the family, this 30th June. The racecourse will be welcoming over 20 pre-historic and super realistic, yet child-friendly dinosaurs for a full racecourse take-over.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Kirkby Lonsdale Motor Club are once again bringing its classic car show to our Deer Park. The event will include displays from all eras of motoring, with classics and awards for all types of vehicles.
Once you have purchased your ticket you will…
Grange-over-Sands
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands with outstanding views over Morecambe Bay. Offering comfortable accommodation it is an ideal base from which to explore the Southern Lakes.
Cartmel
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village of Cartmel. Each is designed with their own unique style in mind, whilst retaining references to their historic surroundings – resulting in perfect…
Grange-over-Sands
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.
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…
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
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel experience. With a luxurious Thermal Suite at its heart spend time in the traditional sauna, revive your senses in the aromatherapy steam room and boost…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL