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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.
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Schubert String Quartet in A minor Op.29…
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…
Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Crystal Bowl Sound Bath infused with Angelic Reiki. Includes a healing guided meditation.
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical…
'Music in the Park' Summer Concerts Various bands will perform in the Bandstand in Park Road…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
MUSICAL THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOLS 2026 We're thrilled to let you know that bookings are now OPEN…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…
Holker Hall and Gardens is found in a fantastic setting between the sea and the Lake District fells…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Coleridge-Taylor Five Fantasiestücke for String…


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

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Moor Lane, Flookburgh
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed and made in the Lake District — thoughtful layers shaped by the seasons and scenery.
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…
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
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…
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…
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.
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…
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
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…
18 Rusland Crescent, Cark-in-Cartmel
Crystal Bowl Sound Bath infused with Angelic Reiki. Includes a healing guided meditation.
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
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.
The Racecourse, Cartmel
A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at Cartmel Racecourse.
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
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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
'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…
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…
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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