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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.
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from…
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake…
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…


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

Number of results: 54
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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. Join us…
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 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…
Allithwaite, Grange over Sands
Don't miss out on the party of the season! The Pheasant Inn's Christmas Cabaret is the place to be on December 5th at 8pm. Enjoy a delicious 3 course meal and live entertainment from the unforgettable party duo 'The Brothers of Swing'. Book your…
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, 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.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
Treat yourselves or a loved one this October to a very special Autumn wreath making workshop with The Floralistas.
You will be immersed in an abundance of stunning, sustainably grown British foliage and dried florals. From which you'll create a…
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.
Cartmel
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Grange-over-Sands
Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder) in the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland.
After years in the 12-step programme…
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
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
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.
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park. A loop of the Winster valley beneath the wooded slopes of Whitbarrow Scar sets the scene for this ride
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…
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…
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…
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.
Flookburgh
Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have everything you've come to expect from a quality Haven break. An indoor and outdoor swimming pool, plus our very own water sports centre for kayaking,…
Grange-over-Sands
Come and watch this classic musical on the big screen!
A spoof of the turmoil that afflicted the movie industry in the late 1920s when movies went from silent to sound. When two silent movie stars, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, latest movie is made…
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