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.
New for 2024 – Mobility scooter and E-bike hire available from Morecambe Bay Partnership. Book in advance here.
Did you know?
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands…
Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place annually over the last weekend in July. Our home since 1986…
Our annual Spring Fair returns on May 11th and 12th with the always popular 'Fun Dog Show' running…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Home by Simon Rogan is an award-winning, monthly-changing three-course menu service, created by…
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
Lakeland Segway is the best place to Segway in the Lakes. Offering guided Segway tours around the…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the…
Cumbria Grand Hotel is a stunning Victorian property in the town of Grange over Sands. 124 bedroom…
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a…
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a…
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…
Situated in the heart of the picturesque coastal town of Grange over Sands, with its splendid…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 53
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Grange-over-Sands
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running aficionado? Look no further than Wild Goat Festival (31st May-2nd June), a weekend of running the trails and gravel cycling set in the heart of the…
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Cumbria Grand Hotel is a stunning Victorian property in the town of Grange over Sands.
124 bedroom comfortable en-suite bedrooms, many with bay views across Morecambe Bay.
Ample free parking in the hotel car park and the hotel offers free WiFi in…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1576 reviewsCartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a variety of carefully selected products, including hampers and gift sets, by renowned chef and restauranteur Simon Rogan, available either online or by…
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
An exciting season of horse racing, over 9 race dates with entertainment for the whole family.
Cartmel
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in the centre of Cartmel village. A perfect location when dining at L’Enclume, Aulis or Rogan & Co, or for exploring the Lake District.
Grange-Over-Sands
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel experience. With a luxurious Thermal Suite at its heart spend time in the traditional sauna, revive your senses in the aromatherapy steam room and boost…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1189 reviewsCark-in-Cartmel
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a producer, grower or maker in Cumbria.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
528 reviewsGrange-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
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…
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…
Grange-over-Sands
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands with outstanding views over Morecambe Bay. Offering comfortable accommodation it is an ideal base from which to explore the Southern Lakes.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviewsHolker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
A Day’s Walk is a unique online food and drink shop and delivery service for self-catering holiday accommodation guests where all produce comes from local Lake District producers, farmers and businesses.
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
Enjoy a variety of meat, fish, cheese and vegetarian finger sandwiches along with home-made pork sausage rolls, followed by a selection of sweet treats including sultana scones filled with strawberry jam and Chantilly cream with fresh strawberries;…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1576 reviewsFlookburgh, Grange-over-Sands
The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place annually over the last weekend in July. Our home since 1986 has been Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, Grange over Sands LA11 7LS by kind permission of Mr J Latham and Sons.
Grange-over-Sands
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade from the garden.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL