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Today’s featured eatery

Cartmel is home to a wide variety of traditional Lakeland inns, tea rooms and cutting edge gourmet restaurants

Mallard’s Nest and Tea Shop

Cafe with priory views.

The Mallard is a unique tea shop on the theme of the colourful ducks that regularly ...

Latest Events

Stay up to date with the latest events of Cartmel village

Cartmel has a regular stream of events happening all year round, for all ages and interests.

The Medieval village of Cartmel has a rich heritage, and varied list of activities for visitors to partake in.

From visiting the historic Cartmel Priory, to a walk through the racecourse woods, or a trip to the racecourse itself.

Cartmel Priory

Worship has been at the very heart of Priory ...

For Shopaholics

From the Square, ancient streets wind their way out of the village, each well worth the exploration for the variety of shops on offer

See The Village Shops    >

Be Sociable

Low fell gate caravan park, the larch tree, the rusland movement.

Cartmel Village

Cartmel is an ancient village famous for the 12th Century  Cartmel Priory , with its beautiful stained glass windows, modern sculptures, and ancient choir stalls.

Leading off the village square, with its market cross, water pump, and fish slabs, is the Cartmel Priory Gatehouse , now a Heritage Centre which depicts the history of the monastery, and the village.

On the market square is Cartmel Village Shop, famous for its Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Cartmel hosts its highly popular steeple chase meetings at the spring and summer bank holidays, attracting visitors from across the country. The course is one of the smallest and most picturesque in the country. Also at the Spring Bank Holiday is the Holker Garden Festival at nearby  Holker Hall .

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• Cartmel Village Shop – home of Cartmel |Sticky Toffee Pudding

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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 and places to stay in and around Cartmel include:

• Uplands Inn Cartmel
• Priory Hotel

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.

The nearest train station is the Cark and Cartmel railway station, situated in the village of Cark, around 2 miles south-west of Cartmel.

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Cartmel Village

A vibrant village steeped in history.

The ancient village of Cartmel is situated in a quiet valley of Cumbria, in one of the country’s most untouched areas of natural beauty.

Venturing into the village, you’ll find traditional pubs, attractions, eateries and places to stay. The impressive medieval Cartmel Gatehouse, built in 1330, welcomes you into the market square, where a stop by the Cartmel Village Shop is essential to sample its famous sticky toffee pudding. Surrounding the village square are an assortment of 16th – 18th century buildings, where ancient history and modern life meet effortlessly.

Cartmel is also home to a wide variety of tea rooms and restaurants, including Simon Rogan’s internationally acclaimed Michelin Star restaurant, L’Enclume.

For more information about Cartmel, visit cartmelvillage.com

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Cartmel, Cumbria

History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation.

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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS:   12th-century Cartmel Priory

The pretty South Lakeland village of Cartmel is one of the most picturesque villages in England and gives its name to the Cartmel Peninsula. Cartmel is perhaps most famous today for its racecourse, which draws visitors in their thousands to this small countryside location for several race meetings each year.

Outside those race days, however, Cartmel is an oasis of peace, with the slow-moving River Eaa meandering through the village, past cobbled streets lined with pretty cottages and historic inns. At times Cartmel can feel like a time capsule, which merely adds to its appeal.

The history of Cartmel goes back to at least the 7th century. The earliest written record comes from AD 674 when King Ecgfrith of Northumbria annexed the region. King Ecgfrith gave his Cartmel lands to St Cuthbert , and they passed down to the monks of Lindisfarne until Henry II gave them to William Marshall, later to become the Earl of Pembroke. In 1188 Marshall founded Cartmel Priory as a house of Augustinian canons.

Until 1974 Cartmel was a part of Lancashire before governmental reorganisation created the new county of Cumbria. Before the present name of Cartmel became common usage, the village was known as Kirkby in Furness.

Cartmel Priory

When he set up the Priory, William Marshall specified that a chapel be set aside for the villagers to worship. That simple act saved the priory church from being destroyed when Henry VIII suppressed the Priory in his Dissolution of the Monasteries .

Since the church was being used for public worship it was saved from destruction and continues today as the parish church. That is why such a small village as Cartmel has such a large and architecturally outstanding parish church.

Highlights of Cartmel Priory include the late-medieval tomb of Sir John Harrington, beautifully-carved medieval misericords, and a royal charter given by Charles I in 1641, granting former Priory estates to seven local landowners.

The canons of Cartmel resisted Henry's commissioners when they confiscated corn stored in the Priory's barns. As a result, they were executed for treason. The Lordship of Cartmel passed to the Duchy of Lancaster.

Look for The Cromwell Door, a wooden door pockmarked by musket balls fired by angry residents when Cromwell's soldiers used the church to stable their horses during the Civil War.

Priory Gatehouse

Aside from the Priory church, the only vestige of Cartmel Priory to remain today is the Gatehouse on the cobbled market square. The Gatehouse was built around 1330 and had a porter's chamber on one side and a guard chamber on the other. Over the arch was a 'Great Chamber' used as a monastic court.

The fact that the Gatehouse was used to dispense justice saved it from destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Over the years it has been used as a gaol, a school, and a shop.

In the market square in front of the Gatehouse stands an 18th-century market cross, replacing an earlier medieval cross. In front of the cross is a large flat stone where fish were laid out for sale on market days. To the east of the cross stands the old village pump.

A stone's throw from the market cross stands the 18th-century village shop and tea room where you can pick up a scrumptious sticky toffee pudding. This is the 'Home of Sticky Toffee' and no visit to Cartmel is complete without stopping for a tasty treat.

Cartmel Races

Cartmel Racecourse is a small national hunt racecourse on the edge of the village. The racecourse typically holds nine race days each year. The longest is a three-day meet at the end of May, with two off days in between racing days to allow visitors to enjoy exploring the Lake District National Park.

Over 20,000 visitors cram into the Cartmel Racecourse for a single day's racing, and it traditionally draws the third-largest attendance of any jumps track in England after Aintree and Cheltenham .

Please be aware that Cartmel can get ridiculously crowded on race days - as we discovered to our cost. Unless you are an avid racing fan we strongly suggest you avoid race days. But having said that, we did visit on a race day and still had a wonderful time; there were live music performers in the market square and a general buzz of people enjoying themselves in a beautiful village setting.

Further Afield

Grange-over-sands.

Cartmel is just two miles from Grange-over-Sands , which is much larger and has more facilities. Grange grew up as a seaside resort after the arrival of the railway in the 19th century and was known as the ' Torquay of the North '. Stroll the Promenade, which stretches for over a mile along the shoreline, and enjoy the Ornamental Gardens beside the picturesque 1857 railway station.

Holker Hall

Just a few miles to the west of Cartmel is the stately home of Holker Hall , the home of the Cavendish family since 1756. The present house is a superb Victorian mansion, erected after a disastrous fire in 1871 destroyed the previous house.

See superb artwork and fine furniture, and the extraordinary cantilevered grand staircase, with each baluster hand-carved by workmen on the Holker Estate. The house stands in 24 acres of outstanding gardens, wit a mix of formal garden and woodland areas.

Cartmel boats several eateries aimed at gastronomes, notably L’Enclume restaurant, and four traditional pubs for those who aren't so concerned about Michelin stars.

In the village square are the King's Arms and the Royal Oak Inn. The Royal Oak is a pretty 18th-century coaching inn, while the King's Arms also dates to the 18th century and projects out over the peaceful River Eaa to the rear.

If you pass under the Cartmel Priory Gatehouse from the market square you come to the Cavendish Arms, an 18th-century pub with 19th-century additions. Then there is the Pig and Whistle on Aynsome Road, a traditional country pub within a short walking distance of the village centre.

Facing the Cartmel Priory churchyard is the Village Institute, a striking 18th-century building of rough stone with red sandstone dressing. Next to the Institute is Bluebell Cottage, a pretty 17th-century cottage under a slate roof.

Cartmel makes regular appearances on 'Best Places to Live in the UK' lists.

Getting There

Cartmel is on a minor road off the A590 between Levens and Newby Bridge. There is a large pay and display parking area near the racecourse. Parking is well signposted. It is worth noting that (as of this writing) there is no parking charge early or late in the day, so if you fancy a lovely evening stroll around a very pretty village, Cartmel is a wonderful place to come!

About Cartmel Address: Cartmel, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Village Location: On minor roads off the A595 between Newby Bridge and Levens. Paid parking near Cartmel Racecourse. Website: Cartmel Location map OS: SD379787 Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express

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Cartmel Village Shop

The home of sticky toffee pudding

Visit Cartmel

Here are some of our favourite local attractions. If you like the look of them, why not pay Cartmel a visit?

Cartmel Village

A vibrant historic village situated in one of England’s most outstanding areas of natural beauty.

Cartmel Village website

Author Simon Jenkins described our local Priory as ‘the most beautiful church in the north-west’ and we have to agree with him. It’s been a focus for Christian worship for more than 800 years, which is even longer than we’ve been making our puds.

The Priory website

Cartmel Racecourse

Things have changed at our local racecourse since the days of monks organising mule races. These days it’s all international jockeys and proper horses, and the competition is fiercer than ever. Well, what do you expect when our puddings are given as prizes?

Cartmel Racecourse website

Unsworth’s Yard Brewery

Cartmel’s local brewery, producing a range of real ales. Open for tours, tasting and bottle sales

Unsworth’s Yard Brewery website

Cartmel Cheeses

Taste, sample and buy from more than 50 specially selected cheeses.

Cartmel Cheeses website

L’Enclume was established in 2002. It represents ten years of culinary innovation at the hands of Simon Rogan and his team, producing food at the forefront of British dining.

L’Enclume website

Welcome to Cartmel

• 1. Village Hall
• 2. Cartmel Village Shop
• 3. Park Lane Spa
• 4. Cartmel Square B&B
• 5. L'Enclume Shop
• 6. The Gatehouse
• 7. Furniture Shop
• 8. Cavendish Arms
• 9. Cartmel Ground Art Gallery
• 10. Perfect English Shop
• 11. Kerr's Bookshop
• 12. L'Enclume
• 13. Priory Hotel
• 14. Royal Oak
• 15. King's Arms
• 16. Cartmel Coffee
• 17. Rogan's Brasserie
• 18. Methodist Church
• 19. L'Enclume Hotel Reception
• 20. The Larch Tree Shop
• 21. Village Institute
• 22. Hales of Cartmel
• 23. Cartmel Brewery
• 24. John Coward Architects
• 25. Cartmel Cheeses
• 26. Cartmel Drinkshop & Wine Snug
• 27. Mallard's Tea Shop
• 28. Vintage Shop
• 29. The Priory
• 30. Food Shed
• 31. Cockles Premier Shop
• 32. Pig & Whistle

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Cartmel Village Society is a voice for our village . It began life in 1993 as a means of conserving and celebrating the heritage of the village. With the aid of a generous legacy, it was relaunched in 2008 with the resources not only to conserve and celebrate our wonderful village but also to help to ensure that the village is a vibrant place in which to live, work and visit .

Intro to Cartmel

The village of Cartmel is unique and precious . Dynamic schools, innovative businesses, the finest church building in the South Lakes, and an historic setting in thrilling countryside. The Village Society exists to celebrate all these great things whilst ensuring that change is both sustainable and enhancing . The quality of life here matters for residents and visitors alike.

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Cartmel Village Society

12 months ago

Photos from Christmas in Cartmel's post ... See More See Less

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CARTMEL PRIORY CONCERT THIS SATURDAY NIGHT Tickets for this very special concert are still on sale online at www.laserenissima.co.uk or they can be bought on the door from 7pm tomorrow for a 7.30 start. ... See More See Less

*Medieval Cartmel Update* For the safety of event participants, visitors, and locals, the village centre will be closed to traffic & parking between 9am-6pm on Saturday 30th September. Further details of the Temporary Traffic Restriction Order (TTRO) can be found in the comments below. 👇 ... See More See Less

• Comments: 2

Julie Hudson

BLACK KITTEN - Has anyone lost a Black Kitten around Haggs Lane. As one has been seen by a number of people, up from Marshal Court towards Grange around Hesketh Woods? ... See More See Less

• Comments: 1

Rachel Holcroft

⛔️🚧 U5693, Cartmel Road, Grange 🚧⛔️ (20/09/23 - 17/10/23) A section of the #U5693 #CartmelRoad near #GrangeOverSands will be closed whilst works are carried out, this is anticipated to take up to 1 month to complete. Alternative Route: Via the unrestricted sections of Cartmel Road, Allithwaite Road, Holme Lane, The Square, Church Road, Cartmel Road, Headless Cross and Haggs Lane. A way for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will be maintained at all times. Should you have any queries in relation to this temporary Order please contact the Highways Hotline by calling 0300 373 3306 or via the Westmorland & Furness Council website, quoting the reference TTRO/4838 Information: one.network/?tm=134519602 Posted: 15/09/23. ... See More See Less

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*Coming soon* Join us on Saturday 30th September for a celebration of all things Middle Ages! From first come-first served tours of the historic Cartmel Priory bell tower, to re-enactments, live music, craft & food stalls, and appearances from the magnificent The Friesian Experience black horses. Don't miss this great event! ... See More See Less

• Comments: 3

Matt Beldon

Anna Elliott Tracy Jones Peter Stokes ♥️ Don't tell Mr Elliott there are craft stalls 🤣 xxx

Also stocks and rotten fruit for those who misbehave 😜

1 years ago

To mark next month's Heritage Open Days , a special opening of the Great Room of Cartmel Priory Gatehouse has been arranged on Wednesday 13th & Saturday 16th September. From 10am-4pm, local volunteer guides will explain the significance of this historical site - Cartmel's only remains of the Augustinian Priory - built in the 14th century as the main entrance to Cartmel Priory . Don't miss this special chance to bring some village history to life! ... See More See Less

Megan Lawrance ?

SAVE THE DATE - More information to follow soon. ... See More See Less

Mark Pendlebury

Do we have anymore info on this event

Anna Elliott, Tracy Jones Ken Jones maybe something for our weekend 🥰 I'll keep an eye out for more details 😘 xxx

Just in case anyone has forgotten what Cartmel looks like with blue skies & sunshine…here’s a quick reminder! Come back soon summer! 🤞🌤️ ... See More See Less

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Me too again.

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