You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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.
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.
Join our Forestry & Deer Manager and members of the Holker team as we take a two hour journey into…
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
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…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
Crumble Cottage sleeps two with great views in beautiful quiet rural location near Cartmel.…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland…
Upper Crumble – Romantic cottage with private hot tub near Cartmel. Upper Crumble sleeps two in…
The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the…
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed…
Step into a world of seasonal enchantment at Winter Tales at Holker Hall & Gardens — a magical…
Visit our Farm for this totally bespoke and fun farmer experience tailored especially for children.…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Oktoberfest specials, a german bar and live music every night!


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

Number of results: 50
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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,…
Moor Lane, Flookburgh
Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed and made in the Lake District — thoughtful layers shaped by the seasons and scenery.
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…
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.
The Racecourse, Cartmel
Visit Cartmel Racecourse for our exciting 9 days of racing this 2026 season.
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…
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.
Cartmel, Grange - Over - Sands
Oktoberfest specials, a german bar and live music every night!
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.
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…
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.
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Ellenboro House offers cosy self-catering accommodation for two people in our modern self-catering apartment. Located in its own private building, the property sits in our orchard and features a private patio, compact kitchen, spacious bathroom with…
Cark-in-Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Join our Forestry & Deer Manager and members of the Holker team as we take a two hour journey into the private Estate for an exclusive experience full of history, storytelling and behind the scenes access INCLUDING A VISIT TO CUMBRIA'S OLDEST ICE…
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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
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.
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.
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.
Grange-over-Sands
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is 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 location for…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL