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?
Beautiful secluded setting. The Woodlands Hotel & Pine Lodges is an ideal base for touring the Lake…
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a…
The Netherwood Hotel and Spa is a stunning country house hotel on the edge of Grange over Sands…
Cartmel Art Society are pleased to be opening their 2024 Summer Art & Craft Exhibition at Cartmel…
An exciting season of horse racing, over 9 race dates with entertainment for the whole family.
Pine Lodges (sleep 4) with Sauna & spa bath. In a beautiful setting in the heart of a 5 acre wood,…
There are 16 elegant, individually designed, guest bedrooms, which are located around the village…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the Lake…
Coffee and Stays at Cartmel Square has beautiful boutique rooms and it’s very own coffee shop in…
Our annual Spring Fair returns on May 11th and 12th with the always popular 'Fun Dog Show' running…
Buses to and through Grange-over-Sands: 530 Kendal - Grange - Cartmel. 532 Grange - Kents Bank -…
Greaves Farm Caravan Park is small, family run park in beautiful countryside on the fringe of the…
The four-star Grange Hotel is ideally located on the southern fringe of the English Lakes, on the…
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the…
Are you yearning for a weekend adventure? Are you a cycling enthusiast or a dedicated trail running…
Our Shop, housed in an historic medieval Priory gatehouse, in Cartmel village square, sells a…
Cartmel Racecourse is a truly unique location - home to Summer Jump horseracing with added delights…
L'Enclume is Simon Rogan's iconic flagship restaurant in the Lake District, where culinary…
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age,…
The Courtyard Cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere and specialises in local and seasonal…
Spring Bank Cottage is peacefully situated in a lovely location in the countryside, yet only a few…
Thornleigh Christian Hotel is a happy, relaxed holiday destination, a safe place to holiday alone…
The Spa at the Netherwood is a recent addition to the hotel and certainly completes your hotel…
Unique, therapeutic & life-changing experiences for all animal lovers with the famous Black Horses…
Watching the sun go down over Morecambe Bay is the stuff memories are made of
Number of results: 56
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
As part of Lake District Music's spring concert series Austrian pianist Hanna Bachmann performs at Holker Hall.
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…
This gently undulating ride is surprisingly quiet bearing in mind its location within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park. A loop of the Winster valley beneath the wooded slopes of Whitbarrow Scar sets the scene for this ride
Cartmel, 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…
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…
Grange-over-Sands
Experience the thrill of an after-dark adventure and discover how nocturnal creatures make the world their own once the sun goes down.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel Art Society are pleased to be opening their 2024 Summer Art & Craft Exhibition at Cartmel Village Hall from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th August.
The Exhibition is free entry to the general public from Friday 9th August, offering free parking…
1 The Square, Cartmel
Selling the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding and fantastic other local produce and speciality foods. We have also been featured on BBC's Great British Menu. We provide a hamper service, friendly atmosphere, and knowledgeable staff.
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…
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
Enjoy a unique experience and the first of its kind in the World! For animal lovers of any age, spend time with one of our beautiful Friesian Horses or miniature shetland MR JB and share a self-catering stable for the night.
Cark, Grange-over-Sands
A prestigious location, acres of tranquil, rural countryside and the very heart of the Lake District on its doorstep; Old Park Wood is an unrivalled private holiday park offering residents their very own luxurious, Cumbrian retreat.
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 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.
Cark-in-Cartmel
Artisan Produce Shop dedicated to Lake District Producers. Everything stocked comes from a producer, grower or maker in Cumbria.
Grange-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.
Grange-over-Sands
Wall Nook is located in lovely countryside just over a mile from the charming, foodie village of Cartmel.
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.
Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands
An exciting season of horse racing, over 9 race dates with entertainment for the whole family.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL