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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.
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our…
Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Large garden open for charity. Ornamental areas, walled vegetable garden, cut flowers, rewilded…
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering…
Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…


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

Number of results: 62
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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…
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
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the world their own once the sun goes down.
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
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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.
Grange-over-Sands
When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our eight sublime deluxe rooms set within a secluded woodland in Grange-over-Sands, the Lake District, Cumbria.
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…
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
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal food designed to incorporate the best local and seasonal ingredients, from our kitchen garden, the Holker Estate and our fantastic local suppliers. Our…
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
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.
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.
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…
Beckside, Cartmel
Large garden open for charity. Ornamental areas, walled vegetable garden, cut flowers, rewilded areas with ponds and streams. Teas and cakes and plant sale.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the beautiful village of Cartmel, famous for Sticky Toffee Pudding and Simon Rogan's Michelin restaurants. Onsite restaurant, 'The Refectory' uses local…
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…
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…
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.
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.
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