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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

Greenbank Farm Holidays

Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…

The Friesian Experience

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

The Courtyard Cafe at Holker Hall

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

Our Rooms by L'Enclume

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

Lindale

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

Bess & Barrel

Experience the perfect blend of music, food, and craft beer at Bess & Barrel, our monthly Summer…

OUBAS

Visit OUBAS Knitwear, where small-batch garments in British wool and natural fibres are designed…

Cartmel Village Shop

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

St. Peter's Church, Field Broughton

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

Cartmel Old Grammar

Luxury Hotel and wedding venue overlooking the famous Cartmel Racecourse and minutes walk from the…

Nadejda String Quartet

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

Yoga & Brunch

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

Christmas Grotto

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

Holker Hall and Gardens

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

Thornleigh Christian Hotel & Conference Centre

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

Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Holiday Homes for Hire

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

Winter Market

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

Halloween at Holker

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

Greaves Farm Caravan Park - Camping & Touring

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

All About Alpacas

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

L'Enclume

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

Workshop - Behind the scenes in the Walled Garden

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

Cartmel Racecourse

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

Cartmel Priory

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

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

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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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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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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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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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3271 reviews
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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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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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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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Season Opener

Address

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

Telephone
015395 36340

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. Join us…

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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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Cumbrian Cistercian Way

Address

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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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The Lake District Book Festival

Address

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

Telephone
07754 163941

festivalproducer@lakedistrictbookfestival.co.uk

The Racecourse, Cartmel

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

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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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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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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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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
339 reviews
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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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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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Ellenboro House

Address

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

stay@laik.co.uk

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…

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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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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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Moonrakers

Address

Cartmel Priory, Devonshire Square, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, LA11 6QD

Telephone
07914 79 5823

moonrakerscelticmusic@gmail.com

Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands

Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) are a four-piece folk band known for their sparkling, inventive arrangements of traditional British songs and tunes alongside powerful original compositions. Their rich, multi-instrumental sound weaves together Celtic…

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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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