Pictures of Cartmel

About Cartmel

Cartmel's village square is surrounded by old shops, pubs and a 14th century gatehouse owned by the National Trust. It is famous for its 12th century priory of cathedral like proportions, reached via a narrow street crammed with cottages leading to a bridge across the River Dee to where Cartmel Priory stands.

The priory is one of the few English monastic churches to survive Henry VIII's Reformation, it escaped almost entirely unscathed, leaving its soaring belfry to be seen as a landmark from almost all parts of the town. The church has a magnificent stained glass window of the 15th century and contains superb choir stalls. Today, this lovely peaceful church still provides a place of worship for the villagers and hordes of tourists who flock here throughout the year.

The village has a friendly atmosphere, it has changed little throughout the centuries and has pleasant, slower pace. Amenities include a post office, general grocery store and the usual gift and souvenir shops where you can purchase the local "Sticky Toffee Pudding". There are several pubs in the village, all serve good food, ales and wine, and for a real treat why not visit Cartmel's two restaurants - both featured in the "Good Food" guide.

With all the glories of Lakeland on the doorstep and the lovely coastal resort of Grange-over-Sands with its fine views of Morecambe Bay, Cartmel makes an ideal base for touring the patchwork of lakes, fells and tarns, or for enjoying the miles of breathtaking Cumbrian coast. Visitors to the area will be impressed with the mild climate caused by the Gulf Stream washing over Morecambe Bay. This allows for slightly higher temperatures, making the region a year round destination for holiday makers. Visitor attractions include Holker Hall and Cartmel Racecourse.