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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

Crumble Cottage

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

St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

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

Nadejda String Quartet

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

Night-Time Wildlife Adventure with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

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

Simone McGregor presents: Lost in Time with the Strictly Swing Band

Join us for an unforgettable night of swing music from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and beyond!

Cartmel Village Shop

Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…

Grange Manor

When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our…

Woodlands Pine Lodges

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

Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Yoga & Brunch

Experience a rejuvenating blend of mindful movement and delicious seasonal fare at Yoga & Brunch at…

Lakeland Segway

Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…

The Pheasant Lodge

A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from…

Lakeland Leisure Park

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

Cartmel Race Days

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

Cartmel Old Grammar

Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…

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…

Upper Crumble Cottage

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

The Lake District Book Festival

A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at…

Forage & Nibble

Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…

Little Farmer Experience

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

Music in the Park 2026

'Music in the Park' Summer Concerts Various bands will perform in the Bandstand in Park Road…

The Friesian Experience

Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…

Cumbrian Cistercian Way

Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…

The Courtyard Cafe at Holker Hall

The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…

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

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The Lake District Book Festival

Address

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

Telephone
07754 163941

festivalproducer@lakedistrictbookfestival.co.uk

The Racecourse, Cartmel

A long weekend of talks, panels and debates celebrating writers, writing and the spoken word at Cartmel Racecourse.

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Lake District Book Festival

Address

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

Telephone
+447754163941

charlottefairbairn@lakedistrictbookfestival.co.uk

The Racecourse, Cartmel

The Lake District Book Festival is an annual celebration of the written and the spoken word. It takes place at Cartmel Racecourse in Cumbria during the second weekend of June, the first festival taking place 12th-14th June 2026.
The Lake District…

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Lakeland Segway

Address

Lakeland Segway, Cartmel Village Car Park, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QB

Telephone
01539 261000

tours@lakelandsegway.co.uk

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.

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847 reviews
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Buses to and through Grange

Address

Grange over Sands, Grange-over-Sands

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

informationcentre@grangeoversands.net

Grange-over-Sands

Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands:
530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel.
532 Grange - Kents Bank - Flookburgh - Cark - Cartmel.
X6 Barrow - Grange - Kendal.

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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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Our Rooms by L'Enclume

Address

L'Enclume House, Devonshire Square, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QD

Telephone
+44 (0) 15395 36362

info@lenclume.co.uk

Cartmel

There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village of Cartmel. Each is designed with their own unique style in mind, whilst retaining references to their historic surroundings – resulting in perfect…

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537 reviews
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Trilogy Ensemble: Music of Home

Address

Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DP

Telephone
01539 266 200

info@ldsm.org.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Trad. - Down by the Sally Gardens (arr. Buckley)
Bax - Elegiac Trio
Wright - Blow the Wind Southerly (arr. Trilogy)
Elderton-Lewis - Petroleum Fireflies
Clarke - Danny Boy (arr. Trilogy)
Mathias - Zodiac Trio
Flute, harp and viola combine to…

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Stable Stays at Greenbank Farm

Address

Stable Stays & The Friesian Experience - Black Horses Ltd, Greenbank Farm, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7ST

Telephone
+44(0)7776145424

info@greenbankfarmholidays.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age, spend time with one of our beautiful Friesian Horses or miniature shetland MR JB and share a self-catering stable for the night.

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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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Cartmel Priory

Address

Devonshire Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QD

Telephone
01539 536261

cartmelpriory@gmail.com

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.

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Winter Tales with Taffy Thomas

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

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…

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Bess & Barrel

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 the perfect blend of music, food, and craft beer at Bess & Barrel, our monthly Summer celebration held in the stunning Holker Hall and Gardens Courtyard. Enjoy live tunes, delicious seasonal dishes, and expertly poured beers in a vibrant,…

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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.

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339 reviews
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Winter Market

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

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…

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Forage & Nibble

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

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…

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Grange-over-Sands Active Travel Hub

Address

Grange Railway Station, Station Square, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6EH

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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Art Workshops at Holker Hall & Gardens

Address

Cark In Cartmel, Cark, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7PL

Telephone
+441539558328

info@holker.co.uk

Cark, Grange-over-Sands

Thursday 16th April – Introduction to Botanical Casting workshop
10:30am -1pm
£30 per person
This is a more in depth workshop where you will learn and practice the methods and techniques to create your own beautiful and unique floral themed…

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Septura Brass

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
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…

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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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Cartmel Village Shop

Address

Cartmel Village Shop, Parkgate House, 1 The Square, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QB

Telephone
015395 36280

nicepeople@cartmelvillageshop.co.uk

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.

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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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