Cartmel

Whilst staying in one of our Lake District Cottages you will know doubt wish to explore our many towns and villages, where Cartmel offers much to see and do.

Cartmel is one of Cumbrias finest and unique villages. Set on the Cartmel Peninsular and surrounded by rolling hills that tumble down to the coast it is picture perfect. With ancient buildings, an impressive medieval priory, a towering arch and a sweet clear river along with the smallest National Hunt race course, this lively village is centred on a sunny square to gather and sit, or wine and dine in one of the many inns or fine restaurants.

There are good local walks, notable is Hampsfell and Eggerslack wood, a limestone fell and ancient woodland where the summit gives panoramic views of the Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Mountains, and where in spring the woodland is carpeted in bluebells.

The village is a maze of narrow streets lined by lime-washed and stone architecture, with the village square entered by a bridge on one side and under a monastic arch on the other. The Priory is a magnificent building and well worth a visit to see the architecture.

Shopping - Dining - Entertainment

For shopping there is the Cartmel Village Store in the square, and in Unsworth's Yard you have Cartmel Cheeses and The Bread Shed along with The Red Pepper & Hot Wines shop. Once a month the village holds a food market with many local producers setting up their stalls. Along with the foodie outlets there is The Larch Tree selling quailty gifts and clothing and Chamberlain’s Gifts  offering a range of delightful gifts and is supplier of life size sheep and animals for Cartmel-Shepy Village.

Cartmel has four decent pubs, The Cavendish Arms, The Royal Oak, Pig & Whistle and The Kings Arms. For something a little special you must try Simon Rogan's Michelin awarded L'Enclume, one of Cumbrias finest restaurants. Another good option is Rogan's wine bar, set by the river it is very relaxed and with excellent cuisine. 

Come bank holidays the village buzzes with arrival of race day. Owned by The Holker Hall Estate the course is on the edge of the village and as well as the racing there is a carnival along with many other attractions.

Out And About - Local Walks - Activities

Grange over Sands lies about a mile over the fell. This pretty Edwardian village overlooks the bay and you will find an excellent grocer, Higginson's famous butchers, two bakers and local stores. On the prom there are nice gardens to stroll and in summer the prom hosts an outdoor art market. Finaly Grange offers two golf clubs, both set in quite delightful countryside.

About fifteen miles to the east is Kendal, south lakes main town which offers a variety of good shopping with stores, supermarkets and farmers markets, along with dining and a good cultural scene with art galleries, theatre and cinema and makes for a good day out.

A mile out of the village is Cark in Cartmel and Holker Hall, a magnificent country house open to the public with beautiful gardens and a food hall.

A little further afield you have the coast where you can explore the edges of the bay. For me one of the finest walks in the Lake District is to set out along the shore from Arnside, on the the south side of the bay. Ahead of you stretch miles of silver sand, and as the tide comes in the view is spectacular. It must be noted that the sands are hazardous, but providing you keep to the shoreline the walk is fine.  

About eight miles north of the village, clustered at the foot of Windermere lake, lies Newby Bridge, Lakeside and Fell Foot, the National Trusts parkland. Here you will find a couple of good inns, the Swan at Newby Bridge and, a mile further on, the Lakeside Hotel. From the latter you can hop on a steamer for a trip on the lake, which winds its way for ten miles into the central fells, passing on the way Bowness, Sawrey and finishing at the Waterhead terminus near Ambleside. At Fell Foot you can moor boats and hire row and sailing craft or simply swim and picnic by the shore. From Newby Bridge you can head north, through the Furness Fells, to explore the greater national park.

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