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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

The Lakeland Cottage Company

Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…

Lakes in a Day

Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October) 50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the…

Cumbrian Cistercian Way

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

Forage and Nibble at Holker Hall

A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…

L'Enclume

L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…

Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Camping & Touring

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

Cumbria Steam Gathering

Vintage and classic vehicle rally

Woodlands Pine Lodges

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

Our Shop by Simon Rogan

Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a…

The Friesian Experience

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

Predator Experience

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

Ellenboro House

Ellenboro House is a cosy self-catering property for couples located near Cartmel.

Wall Nook Cottages

Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of…

Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Woodlands Country House Hotel

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

Our Rooms by L'Enclume

There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…

Grange Hotel

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

Buses to and through Grange

Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…

Holker Hall and Gardens

A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…

All About Alpacas

All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.

Night-Time Wildlife Adventure with Cumbria Wildlife Trust

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

Cartmel Priory

Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…

Afternoon Tea at The Netherwood Hotel & Spa

At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…

Cartmel Racecourse

Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…

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

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The Lakeland Cottage Company

Address

Woodside, Charney Road, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6BP

Telephone
0870 4425814

hannah.jury@travelchapter.com

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.

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Lakes in a Day

Address

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

Telephone
07936513701

info@durtyevents.com

The Racecourse, Cartmel

Lakes in a Day 2025 (Saturday 11th October)
50 miles, 4000m ascent – a journey on foot from the very top of the Lake District at Caldbeck to the very bottom, at Cartmel, via the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and the western shoreline of Lake Windermere.…

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Cumbrian Cistercian Way

Address

-

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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Forage and Nibble at Holker Hall

Address

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

Telephone
+447852162142

info@foragebox.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Holker Hall in Cumbria.

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L'Enclume

Address

Cavendish Street, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QA

Telephone
(+44) 015395 36362

info@lenclume.co.uk

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,…

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3214 reviews
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Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Camping & Touring

Address

Greaves Farm Caravan Park, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HR

Telephone
015395 36587

info@greavesfarmcaravanpark.co.uk

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…

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Cumbria Steam Gathering

Address

Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7LS

Telephone
07825369601

cumbriasteam@gmail.com

Grange-over-Sands

Vintage and classic vehicle rally

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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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
334 reviews
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Our Shop by Simon Rogan

Address

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

Telephone
015395 35917

Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands

Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a variety of carefully selected products, including hampers and gift sets, by renowned chef and restauranteur Simon Rogan, available either online or by…

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The Friesian Experience

Address

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

Telephone
+44(0)7776145424

tamara@blackhorses.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

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

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SpringFest

Address

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

Telephone
015395 58328

info@holker.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

SpringFest at Holker Hall & Gardens is a captivating 2 day festival celebrating Gardens and Outdoor Living. Browse diverse retail stalls, listen to expert speakers, enjoy entertaining demonstrations – all designed to help you get the most out of…

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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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Ellenboro House

Address

Ellenboro House Bed & Breakfast, Ellenboro House Newton-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6JP

Telephone
015395 30393

reservations@ellenborohouse.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Ellenboro House is a cosy self-catering property for couples located near Cartmel.

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Wall Nook Cottages

Address

Beck Side, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7SP

Telephone
015395 36043

karen@lakeland-cottage.com

Grange-over-Sands

Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.

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Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

Address

Thornleigh Christian Hotel, 26 The Esplanade, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7HH

Telephone
015395 32733

office@thornleigh.org

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…

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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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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
334 reviews
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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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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
534 reviews
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SpringFest

Address

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

Telephone
015395 58328

info@holker.co.uk

Cark, Grange-over-Sands

An all-new event for 2025, celebrating all things gardening and outdoor living.
Join us as we celebrate the new season, delve into the design of Holker's own Garden and hear from our Gardens Team, alongside a host of gardening and outdoor living…

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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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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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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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