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Grange over Sands Morecambe Bay
Grange over Sands Morecambe Bay
Grange over Sands Morecambe Bay
Grange over Sands Morecambe Bay
Grange over Sands Morecambe Bay

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Grange-over-Sands

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.

Culture & Heritage

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).

Surrounding Areas

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.

Active Travel Hub at Grange Station

Mobility scooter and E-bike hire is available from the Morecambe Bay Partnership. Book in advance here.

Did you know?

THE CARTMEL PENINSULA

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

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.

FLOOKBURGH STEAM GATHERING

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.

ORNAMENTAL GARDENS

Semi-tropical plantings of trees and shrubs surround the centrepiece pond with its colourful array of ducks and geese from all over the world.

THE PROMENADE AND GARDENS

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.

THE BANDSTAND

Located in Park Road Gardens, Grange over Sands' Bandstand hosts concerts during the summer months.

GRANGE LIDO

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.

Highlights

Lindale

This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…

Christmas Grotto

Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…

Lakeland Leisure Park

Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have…

Woodlands Country House Hotel

Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…

Little Farmer Experience

Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…

Cartmel Racecourse

Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.

Cartmel Race Days

For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…

Senior Musical Theatre Summer School (for ages 14 - 18)

MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026 We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN…

St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…

Resol String Quartet

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Coleridge-Taylor Five Fantasiestücke for String…

Junior Musical Theatre Summer School

MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026 We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN…

Nadejda String Quartet

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29…

Grange Hotel

The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the…

Crumble Cottage

Crumble Cottage sleeps two with great views in beautiful quiet rural location near Cartmel.…

Upper Crumble Cottage

Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…

Predator Experience

Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland…

Woodlands Pine Lodges

Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…

Night-Time Wildlife Adventure with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…

Winter Market

Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's…

Grange over Sands

This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…

Halloween at Holker

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for…

Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Holiday Homes for Hire

Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…

Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…

Workshop - Behind the scenes in the Walled Garden

Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…

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

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Lindale

Address

Grange, LA11 6LJ

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

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Christmas Grotto

Address

Holker Hall and Gardens, Holker Hall & Gardens, Carl-in-Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 7PL

Telephone
+441539558328

info@holker.co.uk

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…

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Lakeland Leisure Park

Address

Haven Lakeland Leisure Park, Moor Ln, Flookburgh, Cumbria, LA11 7LT

Telephone
01539 558556

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,…

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Woodlands Country House Hotel

Address

Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges, Meathop, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6RB

Telephone
01539 534128

whpl.admin@gmail.com

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.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
340 reviews
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Little Farmer Experience

Address

LA11 6PN, Blencathra Farm, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6PN

Telephone
07981134373

info@allaboutalpacascartmel.com

Cartmel

Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children. At All About Alpacas, we aim to get kids comfortable with caring for and being around animals in a safe and interactive environment. Join us for a…

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Cartmel Racecourse

Address

Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel Racecourse, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QF

Telephone
01539536340

info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

The Racecourse, Cartmel

Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.

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Yoga & Brunch

Address

Holker Hall and Gardens, Holker Hall & Gardens, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL

Telephone
+441539558328

info@holker.co.uk

Cark, Grange-over-Sands

Experience a rejuvenating blend of mindful movement and delicious seasonal fare at Yoga & Brunch at Holker Hall & Gardens, guided by Carly from Lakes Yoga. Held in the stunning, tranquil gardens of Holker Hall, this special morning event invites…

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Soulful Sunday Crystal Bowl Sound Bath + Angelic Reiki

Address

KS Yoga, Holker School, Cark, Grange-Over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PQ

Telephone
07759378646

andreawisdomwithin@btinternet.com

Cark, Grange-Over-Sands

Crystal bowl sound bath infused with angelic reiki and guided meditation. An intimate space for a morning of calm to restore balance, clarity and a sense of inner peace.

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Cartmel Race Days

Address

Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel Racecourse, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QF

Telephone
01539536340

info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

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…

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Senior Musical Theatre Summer School (for ages 14 - 18)

Address

Hampsfell Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6BE

Telephone
07540423550

info@cumbriacurtaincall.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026
We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN for our 2026 Summer Schools!

️ This August, we're offering two incredible week-long programmes packed with singing, dancing, acting, improv and…

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St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

Address

Field Broughton, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS, Cumbria, LA11 6HR

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.

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Resol String Quartet

Address

Victoria Hall, Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DX

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Coleridge-Taylor Five Fantasiestücke for String Quartet, Op.5
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman
Coleridge-Taylor's graceful, characterful miniatures are paired…

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Junior Musical Theatre Summer School

Address

Hampsfell Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6BE

Telephone
07540423550

info@cumbriacurtaincall.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026
We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN for our 2026 Summer Schools in Grange-over-Sands!

️ This August, we're offering two incredible week-long programmes packed with singing, dancing,…

More Details

More Details
Nadejda String Quartet

Address

Cartmel Priory, The Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QB

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29 'Rosamunde'
Ravel String Quartet in F
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman
The spectacular setting of Cartmel's medieval priory is the venue for this…

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Grange Hotel

Address

Grange Hotel, Station Square, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EJ

Telephone
015395 33666

info@grange-hotel.co.uk

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.

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Crumble Cottage

Address

Crumble Cottages, Beckside, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 7SP

Telephone
07841 418443

sarah@crumblecottages.co.uk

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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Upper Crumble Cottage

Address

Crumble Cottages, Beckside, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 7SP

Telephone
07841 418443

sarah@crumblecottages.co.uk

Cartmel

Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in luxury, hot tub, in beautiful quiet location near Cartmel. Dark skies, log stove, walks from the door.

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Predator Experience

Address

Predator Experience, Barn Close, Ayside, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HY

dmitchell@predatorexperience.co.uk

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.

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Woodlands Pine Lodges

Address

Meathop, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6RB

Telephone
01539 534128

whpl.admin@gmail.com

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.

More Details

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
340 reviews
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Night-Time Wildlife Adventure with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

Address

Cumbria Grand Hotel Car Park, Lindale Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EN

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.

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Grange-over-Sands

Culture & Heritage

Surrounding Areas

Active Travel Hub at Grange Station

Did you know?

THE CARTMEL PENINSULA

GRANGE-OVER-SANDS RAILWAY STATION

FLOOKBURGH STEAM GATHERING

ORNAMENTAL GARDENS

THE PROMENADE AND GARDENS

THE BANDSTAND

GRANGE LIDO

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