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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

Woodlands Country House Hotel

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

Forage & Nibble

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

Clare House

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

Trilogy Ensemble: Music of Home

Trad. - Down by the Sally Gardens (arr. Buckley) Bax - Elegiac Trio Wright - Blow the Wind…

All About Alpacas

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

Country Roads 2

Join us for a fun Night of live Country and Folk music at the Vic! Back for a second year after…

Cartmel Race Days

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

Halloween at Holker

Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for…

The Pheasant Lodge

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

Buses to and through Grange

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

Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Grange over Sands

This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…

The Lakeland Cottage Company

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

Grange Manor

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

Cartmel Priory

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

Christmas Grotto

Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…

Woodlands Pine Lodges

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

Workshop - Behind the scenes in the Walled Garden

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

St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

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

Cumbrian Cistercian Way

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

Ellenboro House

Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering…

Winter Market

Get ready to usher in the festive season at the Holker Hall Winter Market, one of the North West's…

Cartmel Racecourse

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

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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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
339 reviews
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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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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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Tourism For All

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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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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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Country Roads 2

Address

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

Telephone
+441539532375

halladmin@grangeoversandstowncouncil.gov.uk

Grange-over-Sands

Join us for a fun Night of live Country and Folk music at the Vic! Back for a second year after last year's successful event!
Featuring the musical talents of Caine & Denney, FinMor and poet Lynn Walton.

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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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Halloween at Holker

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 for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for all ages! Join us in the enchanting Holker Hall & Gardens for an unforgettable seasonal experience featuring the magical storytelling of Taffy Thomas,…

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The Pheasant Lodge

Address

Field Broughton, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6HW

Telephone
07540 799669

Hannah@thepheasantlodge.com

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…

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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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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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Grange over Sands

Address

Grange-over-Sands

informationcentre@grangeoversands.net

This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your trip right you can visit the ice cream factory at Holme Farm, just east of Grange.

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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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Grange Manor

Address

Grange Manor Luxury B&B, Hampsfell Rd, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6BG

Telephone
01539760215

stay@grange-manor.co.uk

Grange-over-Sands

When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our eight sublime deluxe rooms set within a secluded woodland in Grange-over-Sands, the Lake District, Cumbria.

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Tourism For All

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
57 reviews
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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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Christmas Grotto

Address

Holker Hall and Gardens, Holker Hall & Gardens, Carl-in-Cartmel, Cumbria, LA11 7PL

Telephone
+441539558328

info@holker.co.uk

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…

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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.

More Details

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
339 reviews
More Details
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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St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

Address

Field Broughton, GRANGE-OVER-SANDS, Cumbria, LA11 6HR

GRANGE-OVER-SANDS

St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red sandstone and distinctive shingled spire and clay tiled roof, an unusual feature in the Lake District.

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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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Winter in the Lake District, Cumbria

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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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Tourism For All

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Tourism For All

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Tourism For All

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Tourism For All

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