Grange-over-Sands lies on the southern tip of the Cartmel Peninsula in Cumbria, overlooking Morecambe Bay.
The town developed as a resort with the opening of the Furness Railway in the mid-19th century. Wealthy industrialists from the industrial towns of the North West were drawn to the town by its mild weather and built grand houses, many of which are now hotels.
A mile-long traffic free promenade is backed by colourful ornamental gardens.
Hotels
Hotels and places to stay in and around Grange-over-Sands include:
- The Commodore Inn
- Grange Hotel
- Netherwood Hotel & Spa
- Priory Hotel
- Uplands Inn Cartmel
- Cumbria Grand Hotel
- Ye Olde Fighting Cocks
Attractions & Things To Do
Until the opening of the railway, the major route from Lancaster to Grange was across the treacherous sands of Morecambe Bay. In 1536 the Duchy of Lancaster appointed the first Queen’s Guide to the Sands to escort travellers across the bay. Pre-arranged walks with the present guide are offered in the summer and autumn.
Grange-over-Sands is overlooked by Hampsfell, a limestone plateau 727 feet high. At its peak is Hampsfell Hospice, a stone tower built in 1846 by the vicar of Cartmel to provide shelter for travellers. On its roof is a large compass pointer identifying visible towns and landmarks such as Lancaster, Morecambe, Barrow, Skiddaw and the Old Man of Coniston.
A well-signposted trail over Hampsfell, passing through Eggerslack Wood and by the Hampsfell Hospice, begins at Windermere Road in the town centre.
The Lakeland Miniature Village at Flookburgh, 3 miles west of Grange-over-Sands, is home to more than 100 miniature buildings handcrafted from local slate. Admission prices are very reasonable.
Holker Hall at Cark-in-Cartmel is Cumbria’s premier country house and the home of Lord and Lady Cavendish. Visitors can wander round the house and view its magnificent library, billiards room, and bedrooms; all of which feature fascinating displays of antique furniture and art.
The house is surrounded by stunning, award-winning gardens. A must see is the Great Holker Lime, a tree dating back to the 17th century and measuring 7.9 metres in girth. Each year the gardens are the venue for the Holker Garden Festival.
Other facilities at Holker include a café, picnic area, adventure playground, and gift shop. Holker Food Hall offers fresh, local produce including the renowned Holker Saltmarsh Lamb.
Grange-over-Sands Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by renowned British golf course architect Dr Alister MacKenzie. It lies 1 mile east of the town centre and welcomes visitors.
Transport
Car
Leave the M6 motorway at Junction 36 and follow the A590 west for 9 miles until the Meathop Roundabout. From here take the B5277 to Grange-over-Sands.
Train
Grange-over-Sands train station is situated just east of the town centre. Northern Rail operates trains from Carlisle to Lancaster that call at Grange-over-Sands. First TransPennine Express services from Barrow-in-Furness to Manchester Airport also stop in Grange.
