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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.
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have…
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) are a four-piece folk band known for their sparkling, inventive…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland…
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Crumble Cottage sleeps two with great views in beautiful quiet rural location near Cartmel.…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
The first ever Cartmel Gathering. Come along to our day of racing alongside Cumberland &…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…


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

Number of results: 64
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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.
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.
Flookburgh
Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have everything you've come to expect from a quality Haven break. An indoor and outdoor swimming pool, plus our very own water sports centre for kayaking,…
Cartmel
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Cartmel
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the beautiful grounds that surround Cartmel Racecourse and The Holker Estate.
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
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.
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…
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
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…
Grange-over-Sands
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from Cartmel and 2 miles from Lake Windermere. The property offers spectacular views over beautiful, tranquil gardens and the Cartmel Valley.
There are…
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, 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…
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
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the experts from Forage Box. Set within the beautiful estate, this immersive experience invites guests to explore wild, seasonal ingredients, learn how to…
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood, Woodlands Pine Lodges are ideal for a relaxing break. On site Restaurant & Bar. Friendly staff. Great Food. Great Value. A real hidden gem.
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.
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…
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
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…
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