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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?
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Cartmel Priory is the majestic setting for our choral concert, with a performance of Fauré's…
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your…
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running…
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Cartmel Priory has been described as the medieval jewel among churches, making a lasting impression…
The Netherwood is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Mansion standing in 15 acres of woodland…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
The Cumbria Grand Hotel offers two great places to eat – The Hazelwood Restaurant and The Jacobean…
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados will be delighted to see the return of Musical Theatre & Charles…
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The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Opening for the 2024 season, new E-bike hire service - we are trialling a new active travel hub at…
A fascinating historic house where the elegance and loveliness of the Victorian era combine with…
Within the county of Cumbria the Lake District is a unique landscape of beautiful lakes and…
St. Peter's is an outstanding example of the decorated style of architecture, with its warm red…
Situated in its' own grounds, overlooking Morecambe Bay, with access to the mile long promenade…
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality…
Home of The Black Horses Friesian Experience, farm location with stunning views over South Lakeland…
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
Cartmel Art Society are pleased to be opening their 2024 Summer Art & Craft Exhibition at Cartmel…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
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Grange-over-Sands
At the Netherwood you can enjoy a traditional selection of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and a delicious selection of cakes. Served with tea or coffee of your choice , why not add a glass of bubbly to make it extra special.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
134 reviewsGrange-over-Sands
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses of Cartmel.
Grange-over-Sands
As part of Lake District Music's spring concert series Austrian pianist Hanna Bachmann performs at Holker Hall.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Priory is the majestic setting for our choral concert, with a performance of Fauré's much-loved 'Requiem' by the Ulverston Festival Chorus. Together with music by Stanford and Vaughan Williams.
This is one of the easiest rides in the South Lakeland with the added bonus that if you time your trip right you can visit the ice cream factory at Holme Farm, just east of Grange.
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
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
327 reviewsGrange-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.
Grange-Over-Sands
The Netherwood is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Mansion standing in 15 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens with breath taking uninterrupted views across Morecambe Bay.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1189 reviewsCartmel
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
The Cumbria Grand Hotel offers two great places to eat – The Hazelwood Restaurant and The Jacobean Bar. Utilising as many local ingredients as can be and allowing local dishes to influence the menus, the food gives you a real taste of the Lake…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1577 reviewsCartmel Fell, Grange over Sands
Join nature expert, Gemma and local photographer, Ginny Koppenhol for a nature experience with a twist.
Saturday 4th May 10am - 2pm, £65 per person, tasty vegetarian picnic lunch included.
This spring we're teaming up with Hare Hill Barn, a great…
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
Gilbert & Sullivan aficionados will be delighted to see the return of Musical Theatre & Charles Court Opera to the Ulverston International Music Festival with the rarely-performed masterpiece 'The Sorcerer' at the elegant Victoria Hall in Grange.
Flookburgh
Home by Simon Rogan is an award-winning, monthly-changing three-course menu service, created by Simon Rogan, chef patron of three Michelin-starred restaurant L'Enclume and one Michelin-starred restaurant Rogan & Co and his chefs in his Lake District…
Grange-over-Sands
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal food designed to incorporate the best local and seasonal ingredients, from our kitchen garden, the Holker Estate and our fantastic local suppliers. Our…
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
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
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
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.
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