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.
A luxury, self-catering period property, newly refurbished in 2022, sleeping 6 people. 2 miles from…
Father Christmas returns to Holker Hall this December! Meet Father Christmas and the Elves at…
Amazing interactive bird of prey experiences for all ages. Choose either the woodland and parkland…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
For an unforgettable fun-filled day out, Cartmel Races is hard to beat. Perfect for family, friends…
Near the one and only Lake District in Cumbria, our caravan holidays at Lakeland Leisure Park have…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
All About Alpacas is where nature's charm meets unforgettable experiences in Cumbria.
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
When you want to get away from it all, you really can at Grange Manor. Take your pick of one of our…
Celebrate the arrival of Spring at Holker's SpringFest, a vibrant weekend of seasonal inspiration…
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration at Halloween at Holker, where festive fun comes alive for…
Celebrate Easter Weekend at Holker Hall & Gardens with a fun-filled programme for the whole family!…
Discover a season-round programme of inspiring monthly art workshops at Holker Hall & Gardens,…
Go behind the scenes at Holker Hall & Gardens with our Walled Garden Workshop, a hands-on…
Discover the hidden flavours of the countryside at Holker with a guided foraging event led by the…
Between the high fells of the Lake District and the sands of Morecambe Bay lies the unspoilt…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Less than 2 weeks to go until All Stars Week kicks off here at Rogan & Co. Join Simon, head chef…
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…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…


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

Number of results: 59
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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.
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.
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…
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.
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Cark-in-Cartmel
Supper & Stories at Holker Hall & Gardens invites guests to an intimate evening of seasonal dining, conversation, and storytelling in the atmospheric setting of the Ilex, the function room of the Courtyard Café. Each event features a carefully…
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…
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.
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…
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
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.
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.
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
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…
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.
Cark-in-Cartmel
Supper & Stories at Holker Hall & Gardens invites guests to an intimate evening of seasonal dining, conversation, and storytelling in the atmospheric setting of the Ilex, the function room of the Courtyard Café. Each event features a carefully…
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…
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
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands:
530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel.
532 Grange - Kents Bank - Flookburgh - Cark - Cartmel.
X6 Barrow - Grange - Kendal.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL