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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

Nadejda String Quartet

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

Lindale

This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…

Holker Hall and Gardens

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

Septura Brass

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Britten Fanfare for St Edmundsbury Rossini…

Cartmel Racecourse

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

Yoga & Brunch

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

Lakeland Leisure Park

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

Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Camping & Touring

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

Clare House

Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…

Cartmel Racecourse

Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.

Resol String Quartet

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Coleridge-Taylor Five Fantasiestücke for String…

Cartmel Village Shop

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

Little Farmer Experience

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

Workshop - Behind the scenes in the Walled Garden

Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…

All About Alpacas

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

Stable Stays at Greenbank Farm

Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…

Cartmel Gathering

The first ever Cartmel Gathering. Come along to our day of racing alongside Cumberland &…

Predator Experience

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

The Lake District Book Festival

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

The Friesian Experience

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

Old Park Wood Holiday Park

A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake…

The Courtyard Cafe at Holker Hall

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

L'Enclume

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

Our Rooms by L'Enclume

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

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

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Nadejda String Quartet

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
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…

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Lindale

Address

Grange, LA11 6LJ

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

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Holker Hall and Gardens

Address

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

Telephone
015395 58328

info@holker.co.uk

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…

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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, The Racecourse, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QF

Telephone
015395 58328

info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

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…

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Yoga & Brunch

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 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…

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Lakeland Leisure Park

Address

Haven Lakeland Leisure Park, Moor Ln, Flookburgh, Cumbria, LA11 7LT

Telephone
01539 558556

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,…

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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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Clare House

Address

Clare House Hotel, Park Rd, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 7HQ

Telephone
015395 33026

info@clarehousehotel.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.

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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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Resol String Quartet

Address

Victoria Hall, Main Street, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6DX

Telephone
01539 266 200

boxoffice@ldsm.org.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Coleridge-Taylor Five Fantasiestücke for String Quartet, Op.5
Elgar String Quartet in E minor
Kindly supported by Ian & Susan Pettman
Coleridge-Taylor's graceful, characterful miniatures are paired…

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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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Little Farmer Experience

Address

LA11 6PN, Blencathra Farm, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6PN

Telephone
07981134373

info@allaboutalpacascartmel.com

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…

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Workshop - Behind the scenes in the Walled Garden

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

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…

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All About Alpacas

Address

Cartmel Square, Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 6QL

Telephone
07904790035

info@allaboutalpacascartmel.com

Cartmel

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

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Tourism For All

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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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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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Cartmel Gathering

Address

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

Telephone
01539536340

info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

The Racecourse, Cartmel

The first ever Cartmel Gathering. Come along to our day of racing alongside Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling; Young Farmers, rugby clubs, businesses and professional clubs are invited to compete in a Tug of War Competition, Cartmel Show stalls…

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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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Springfest 26

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

Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Holker's SpringFest, a vibrant weekend of seasonal inspiration set in the stunning gardens and grounds. Discover artisan stalls, enjoy live entertainment and guest speakers, including James Alexander-Sinclair.…

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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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