Cartmel Holiday Cottages
Walks along the Cumbrian Coastline, visits to local pubs and restaurants. For those looking to stay in Cartmel, look no further.
Cartmell Village
Located in the south Lake District of England. A major attraction for visitors is the Cartmel Races, which are steeplechases that have been held since 1867. However, there are also many other places to visit and things to do in the area, including walks along the Cumbrian Coastline and visits to local pubs and restaurants. For those looking for a place to stay, Cartmel has a number of holiday cottages that can be rented.
The Community
The Cartmel community is very welcoming to newcomers. There are a few events that take place throughout the year, such as the Cartmel Show which brings in people from all over. The residents of Cartmel are proud of their community and love to show it off to visitors.
Self Catering in Cartmel
Cartmel is a charming market town and a popular destination for visitors who want to experience a taste of traditional English country life. There are plenty of places to stay in Cartmel, but one of the most interesting options is self-catering.
Self-catering in Cartmel means having your own private cottage or apartment, with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. You can choose from a wide range of properties, each one beautifully furnished and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing break.
Book a Stay in Fell Beck
3 Bedroom, Sleeps 6 – from £700
With countryside views of the fields in the outskirts of the beautiful village of Cartmel, and carefully renovated and refurbished, Fell Beck is truly stunning.
With an open, light, Scandinavian atmosphere, designed by two local designers, Greenleaf and Greenleaf, the galley kitchen and lounge overlook the garden and the stunning Hampsfell – which gives an ever-changing panorama.
Situated within a five-minute walk of the village centre, it’s a perfect base to relax and enjoy the countryside, the food, and the surrounding Lake District. There are plenty of things to do in Cartmel, and the town is well served.
What Is There to Do in Cartmel?
There are plenty of things to do in the small but very picturesque Cartmel. There are pubs, cafes, restaurants, a few excellent locally run shops, a racecourse, and numerous walks in the surrounding area. Most famously there is…
Cartmel Priory
Cartmel Priory is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument located in the village of Cartmel. It is one of the oldest churches in Cumbria and was founded in the 12th century. The priory is now in the care of English Heritage.
Discover 800 years of exciting history. Hear stories of monks, witches, and kings. Find out who lost their head in a shattering experience. Regular tours are held every Wednesday from May to the end of October at 11.00 am and 2.00 pm.
Cartmel Racecourse
The long tradition of racing at Cartmel was started by the monks from Cartmel Priory in the 12th Century. It is one of only two courses in Cumbria, the other being Carlisle Racecourse.
The course is a sharp and narrow left-handed oval. The big difference from other courses is Cartmel’s home straight which unusually veers off and dissects the main oval.
There is ample free parking available in the public car park at Seven Acres – follow yellow signs for Course/Public Parking.
Walks in The Area
The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is an excellent place to walk. There are a number of different walks that can be taken from the village, including:
Cartmel and Hampsfield Fell Walk
Setting off under the arch at the gatehouse, following the road past the Cavendish Arms and behind the Priory. The directions here start near Lindale but can easily be followed from Cartmel by starting at point 4 in the directions.
Taste Cumbria Route
As featured in the Jan/Feb edition of Taste Cumbria magazine – Cartmel is THE foodie town of the South Lakes; it is choc-full of fantastic places to eat and drink and surrounded by magnificent countryside to explore.
Holker Hall
The most popular walk from Cartmel Village is undoubtedly the walk to Holker Hall. The walk to Holker Hall takes approximately two hours to complete and passes through some of the most picturesque scenery in the area. The walk also includes a visit to the ruins of the old priory.
Cumbrian Cistercian Way
If you’re wanting to take in some more of the deep history of the area there’s the Cumbrian Cistercian Way – A pilgrimage through the calming landscape of South Cumbria, in the footsteps of the Cistercian monks.
For Something a Little More Adventurous…
Lakeland Segway
Open all year round, Lakeland Segway is the longest-running Segway Tour company in the UK. Longer tour times and more time on the Segway, smaller groups, and great trails in this fantastic location won them the prestigious “Best Experience in Cumbria” award by Cumbria Tourism.
Cartmel Carriage Rides
This is ideally suited to those wanting to relax and enjoy seeing some of the local area whilst listening to the soothing, rhythmical sound of the horses’ hooves. The carriage will be pulled by one of our Friesian horses and the ride will last between 45 mins to 1 hour.
£250 for 2 people. £300 during peak season.
Food & Drink Cartmel
Eating Out
L’enclume
An absolutely beautiful experience, with attentive staff and delicious food. Their attention to detail and presentation, with lovely staff and ambience, make this a highlight for any stay in Cartmel. You’ll definitely be back in the future!
Rogan & Co.
This is probably dining at its best. Superbly trained staff, with attention to the smallest detail and great knowledge of the food they are serving. Be prepared for nouvelle cuisine size portions, because while they are mouth-wateringly delicious, individual dishes are on the small side.
Aynsome Manor
This is ideally suited to those wanting to relax and enjoy seeing some of the local area whilst listening to the soothing, rhythmical sound of the horses’ hooves. The carriage will be pulled by one of our Friesian horses and the ride will last between 45 mins to 1 hour.
£250 for 2 people. £300 during peak season.
Drinks
Unsworth’s Yard Brewery
A microbrewery with tap bar and shop in a great location. With great staff, great service, great beer, great wine, great food – Ploughman’s, Cheeseboards and Artisan Pizzas, live music, Bakers, Cheese Merchant, wine snug and lovely atmosphere that can only be described as an absolute gem.
Pig and Whistle
Lovely little pub with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. Sells food but you need to book during busy times as it isn’t a big restaurant part.
Mallard Tea Shop
Great coffee and an excellent selection of homemade food and cakes. A must to call into if in Cartmel.
Cartmel Drinkshop & Wine Snug
Half a dozen wines are available by the glass (and not just your usual suspects). If you’d prefer a bottle, they’ve probably got it too. There’s the option of some really fun cocktails and nibbles? Well worth spending your time and money here!
Delicacies & Shopping
Cartmel Village Shop
The Village shop sells a variety of 1st class food , drink and gifts, and! This is where Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding was ‘born’. Though it’s actually made a few miles away, this is the source to buy it from.
Cartmel Cheeses
This is a great place for cheese lovers. The staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable, a huge selection of cheese is available to suit all tastes and they are delicious. Words can’t do it justice and just the smell when you walk in makes your mouth water.
Hales of Cartmel
Hales of Cartmel is a family-run confectionary/gift shop. They offer a wide range of gifts from the shadow of Cartmel Prory in the heart of Cartmel village. Offering great customer service, a wide arrange of ice cream flavours (with a dairy free/vegan range) we would definitely recommend a visit.
Discover more of the Lake District
With weekly articles highlighting the very best of the Lake District, there’s always something to get you inspired for your next trip!
If you’d like to be the first to hear of our guides, all our new property listings, events around the lakes, and our last-minute deals…
6 Walks in Coniston
Lakeside strolls, challenging climbs, scrambles, serene valleys, industrial remains, vast caverns, flooded quarries… Coniston has them all!
Ambleside boat trips and water sports
You can’t visit the Lakes without taking to the water at some point. And, one of the best ways to see the spectacular scenery is from a boat!
Hawkshead’s delicious cafés and restaurants
If hunger strikes when you’re wandering through Hawkshead, you’ll be spoilt for choice with everything from cosy pubs to traditional tearooms
Events in Ambleside
There’s always lots going on in bustling Ambleside – it is one of the most visited places in the Lake District, after all!
Places to eat in the Lake District
The Cumbrian food scene has never been tastier – with an abundance of incredible local ingredients on the doorstep
Staveley Restaurants
Staveley offers plenty of food and drink options but, with no restaurants in the village, eating out in the evenings is bit more limited
