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Drakes Cottage

Aynsome Manor Park lies just under a mile from the beautiful village of Cartmel. Located on the Cartmel Peninsular, surrounded by rolling hills that tumble down to the coast, the village is picture perfect, with ancient buildings, an impressive medieval priory, a towering arch and a sweet, clear river all centred on the village square, along with a selection of fine pubs and restaurants. 

Drakes Cottage is one of three adjoining cottages that flank a small shared courtyard. These properties were the former stables and coach houses to the old manor house. The courtyard is sunny and sheltered and ideal for a quiet drink or morning coffee.  

The park comprises acres of parkland surrounding the old mill pond which is abundant with wildllfe. The River Eea runs into the  pond and eventually flows through Cartmel village. Privately owned lodges surround the pond, and are separate from the main buildings but the picturesque park grounds are available to guests to take en evening stroll or feed the ducks near the stone bridge.  There is also an orchard which is available for games or exercising your dog.

From the shared courtyard you step into an open plan living area. To one end is a galley kitchen. The main area is your sitting - dining room with a log burning stove to add atmosphere in winter and comfortable leather furniture to curl up in and relax.

The bedroom is nicely furnished and the bathroom has a bath with over head shower.

 

The Location

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 and a local brewery, this lively village is centred on a sunny square to gather and sit, or wine and dine in one of the many cosy 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 truly magnificent building and well worth a visit to take in the architecture and its sheer size.

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 and the Cartmel Brewery where you can sample some fine local brewed ales. 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, Chamberlain’s Gifts  offering a range of delightful goddies and is supplier of life size sheep and animals for 'Cartmel-Sheepy Village', and last but not least, Perfect English selling quality designer led gifts including include exquisite ceramics, unusual jewellery, home furnishings, and luxurious toiletries.

Cartmel has four decent pubs, The Cavendish Arms, The Royal Oak, The Kings Arms and Pig & Whistle the latter now under the ownership of Simon Rogan who also heads up the fabulous Michelin awarded L'Enclume, one of Cumbrias finest restaurants along with Rogan and Company, his less formal venue set by the river. Simon has been rated one of the top ten chefs in Europe and has appeared and won the BBC 2012 Geat British Menu.

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.

Grange over Sands lies about a mile over the fell. This pretty Edwardian village overlooks the bay and you will find Fletchers, an excellent green 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. Finally Grange offers two golf clubs, both set in quite delightful countryside.

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.

To the east is Kendal, south lakes main town offering a variety excellent stores, high end clothing shops, supermarkets and farmers markets, along with dining and a good cultural scene with great art galleries, theatre and cinema, where all make for a good a full day out. Overlooking the town are the remains of Kendal Castle, home to the Parr family and worth the climb to the these ancient ruins. 

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 stretches miles of silver sand, and as the tide comes in the view is spectacular. as you turn back the view into the Lake District and the distant Yorkshire dales is stunning. It must be noted that the sands are hazardous, but providing you keep to the shoreline the walk is fine.  

To the 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.

Over to the west lies Coniston Water, and in between the two great lakes is the Grizedale Forest, a day out in itself for walking or mountain biking. Beyond this lies the central massif of the Langdales for some high level walking and climbing.

 

Guest Reviews

Great cottage and really well situated for the village and places to visit, loved the wood burning stove and the very friendly ducks.  lovely village with a good range of pubs/restaurants serving high quality food.
Emma & Tony

Great little cottage with everything here we needed.  Recommend a jug of Pimms in the village and a visit to the zoo.
Russ & Gem

A fantastic week- we loved the cottage.  also fallen in love with Cartmel.  We enjoyed the grounds of Aynsome Manor and the orchard where our dog enjoyed freedom  and the ducks.  We will come back and now wish we had booked two weeks!  Can I say how friendly everyone is.  Thank you.
Simon & Penny

Very well thought out cottage - so huge thank you.  Orchard great for last night walkies.  Will return - Cartmel Races a great experience so do go if you are staying here.
David & Karen

Yet another fabulous stay in this cottage.  Have totally fallen in love with Drakes Cottage.  We were blessed with sunshine everyday so went out for loads of walks.
Ed & Jill

Lovely cosy and comfy cottage, ideal location, enjoyed the races X 2  will definately recommend to friends.
Marie & Gary

What a wonderful holiday cottage for our honeymoon break!!  All the local amenities are super - the Spar in Cartmel will have everything you need and staff are very friendly,  Food, atmosphere and staff at the Cavendish Arms were wonderful.  Hope you enjoy your stay as much as we have!!.
Sarah & Ian

Really enjoyed our stay in this lovely cottage.  We walked up Hampsfell straight from the cottage, nice not to have to drive.  Had a meal at Royal Oak pub which was very nice.  Was our first time in South Lakes and planning another trip.
Callie & John

Local Areas Of Interest

Cartmel
Cartmel Peninsular - The Morecambe Bay
Grange Over Sands
Newby Bridge To Bouth
Kendal
The Lyth & Winster Valleys

 

 

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