Cartmel is a picturesque village on the Cartmel Peninsula in Cumbria, around 2 miles west of Grange-over-Sands. It’s famous for its medieval church, races, Michelin starred restaurant, and sticky toffee pudding.
Attractions & Things To Do
Cartmel Priory dominates the village and was founded at the end of the 12th century by Augustian Canons. In 1536 it was dissolved by Henry VIII with only the church (Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael) and gatehouse surviving. The church is open daily and attracts more than 50,000 visitors each year.
Cartmel Priory Gatehouse stands on the eastern side of the village square and is a private residence owned by the National Trust. Its Great Room is open to the public for a few days each year.
The village’s attractive racecourse is set by the River Eea on the western side of the village. Horse racing meetings are held in the summer months. Another popular annual event is the Cartmel Show, held on the first Wednesday in August.
Pubs & Restaurants
Numerous pubs and restaurants are set around the village square and the streets leading off it.
The most famous is Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred restaurant L’Enclume on Cavendish Street. Just down the road is the Cavendish Arms, a 450-year old coaching inn with beamed ceilings, a log fire, and a wealth of antique furniture.
Other places to eat and drink include the Royal Oak Inn, Kings Arms, and the Pig & Whistle.
The Village Shop, home of Cartmel’s famous sticky toffee pudding, also boasts a small tea room.
Hotels
Hotels and places to stay in and around Cartmel include:
- Priory Hotel
- Uplands Inn Cartmel
Transport
Car
To get to Cartmel by car leave the M6 at Junction 36 and follow the A590 to Barrow-in-Furness. After driving for around 11 miles and passing Grange-over-Sands, follow the signs for Cartmel/Cartmel Priory.
Train
The nearest train station is the Cark and Cartmel railway station, situated in the village of Cark, around 2 miles south-west of Cartmel.