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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.
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury Rossini…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
'Music in the Park' Summer Concerts Various bands will perform in the Bandstand in Park Road…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering…
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake…
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
Crumble Cottage sleeps two with great views in beautiful quiet rural location near Cartmel.…
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for…
MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026 We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN…
Crystal bowl sound bath infused with angelic reiki and guided meditation. An intimate space for a…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…


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

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Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury
Rossini Overture to William Tell
Mussorgsky Suite from Pictures at an Exhibition (arr. Cox & Knight)
Handel Music for the Royal Fireworks
Does music sound better on…
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…
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.
Cartmel
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
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…
Grange-over-Sands
'Music in the Park' Summer Concerts
Various bands will perform in the Bandstand in Park Road Gardens, Grange, LA11 7HF
Free entry.
2026 performance dates:
May 24th - Bay Big Band
June 7th - Burneside Brass
June 21st - Sedbergh Town…
The Racecourse, Cartmel
A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at Cartmel Racecourse.
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.
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…
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
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.
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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
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…
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.
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…
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