Easy Access For Cartmel Races
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Please Note Property Not Suited For Children Or Babies
Drakes Cottage
Aynsome Manor Park lies a half 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 Cartnmel 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 eveing 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, all new and with all mod cons. 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, all new, 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, this is a lively village centred on a sunny square with a great choice of pubs and 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 in spring the woodland is carpeted in a host of 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.
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. Each Friday 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.
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. About five 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, over to 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 this 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
Drakes Cottage Inventory
Nearest Amenities
Cartmel for -
Pubs and Resturants
l'Enclume
Rogans Wine Bar
The Cavendish Arms
The Royal Oak
Pig & Whistle
The Kings Arms
Cartmel Village Shop, home of the sticky toffee pudding
Cartmel Racecourse - See website for race days
Cartmel Priory
Cartmel Village Website For latest events, attractions and venues.
Cartmel Farmers Market
Cartmelsurgery.co.uk
Tel 015395 36366 Doctors Milligan and Lovatt and Primary Healthcare Team on Haggs Lane in Cartmel village
Grange over Sands 1 mile for -
Shops
Co-Op, Spar, Post Office, Banks, Chemist, The Veg Shack, 2 Bakers, Vet
Stewart Higgginson's Butchers
Hazlemere Cafe & Bakery
Grange Bakery
Grange Golf Club
Grange Fell Golf Club
Grange Prom Art Last Sunday in the month April - September
Cark 1 mile for -
Engine Inn Pub CAMRA winner 2011
Spar Shop
Holker Hall beautiful gardens and house along with food hall and cafe.
Newby Bridge, Lakeside and Finsthwaite 7 miles for -
Lakeside Hotel
Windermere Lake Cruises
Lakes Aquarium
Lakeland Motor Museum
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway
Fell Foot Park National Trust gardens and lake shore
Kendal 15 miles for -
Shops, resturants, arts, cinema
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
The Brewery Arts Centre
The Museum Of Lakeland Life
Booths supermarket
M&S Kendal
Kendal Farmers Market last Friday in the month
Ulverston 10 miles for -
Booths supermarket , shops, arts and crafts, a market on Thursdays and Saturdays (local farmers).