Cartmel Races are a major part of the summer calendar in the South Lakes area.
The racecourse attracts large crowds for its nine days of jump racing and distinctive, lively atmosphere.
This popularity leads to high demand, with local accommodation booking up quickly during race periods.
The Whitewater Hotel: Perfect Cartmel Race Day Accommodation
The White Water Hotel provides high-quality accommodation well suited to visitors to Cartmel Races.
The hotel features comfortable rooms, along with the Cascades Leisure Club and Spa, for relaxation.
Dining takes place at the Riverside Restaurant, which offers menus featuring traditional and modern British cuisine.
Set in a peaceful riverside location in Backbarrow, the hotel lies within easy driving distance of Cartmel Racecourse and serves as a practical and comfortable base.
Don’t miss out! Click here to book your Cartmel Races Hotel Accommodation…
Related: Things to Do in Cartmel
Related: Hotel Near Cartmel
More About the Famous Cartmel Races
Cartmel Racecourse has a strong reputation for its friendly, welcoming environment.
Visitors experience exciting steeplechase racing in an intimate setting, with good on-site food and hospitality.
The racing, plus all the entertainment options, creates a memorable day out that brings many people back each year.
The 2026 Calendar at Cartmel Racecourse
Nine race days take place at Cartmel Racecourse in 2026.
Each offers a mix of competitive National Hunt jump racing in a compact, spectator-friendly setting.
Saturday 23 May 2026 – Season Opener Saturday
This day launches the summer racing calendar with a full programme of jump races and sets the tone for the months ahead with high energy and large crowds.
Monday 25 May 2026 – Bank Holiday Monday – Cartmel Gathering
This special event celebrates the 170th anniversary of racing at Cartmel, recreating the spirit of the first recorded modern race meeting held on Whit Monday in 1856.
In addition to the full afternoon of jump racing, visitors can enjoy traditional country sports.
There will be Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling with top regional competitors, a Traditional Wrestling Costume Competition, and a tug-of-war competition open to teams from Young Farmers, clubs, businesses, and groups.
Further attractions include participation from Cartmel Show for family entertainment, a traditional fair with Victorian-style stalls, and live music from Flookburgh Band.
Wednesday 27 May 2026 – Whit Wednesday Evening
Racing continues into the evening, offering a different experience with a more relaxed midweek pace.
Friday 26 June 2026 – June Friday Racing featuring Kaiser Chiefs
The day combines a full card of jump racing with a major live music concert from the popular indie band immediately after the last race.
One ticket grants access to both the racing and the evening outdoor concert.
Sunday 28 June 2026 – June Sunday
This weekend day offers families and groups a relaxed afternoon of quality jump racing in pleasant summer conditions.
Saturday 18 July 2026 – July Saturday Ladies Day
The meeting places strong emphasis on style and fashion alongside the racing.
Racegoers often dress up, with competitions for best-dressed adding to the day’s celebratory and social feel.
Monday 20 July 2026 – July Monday
It offers another opportunity for midweek racing during the height of summer.
Saturday 29 August 2026 – Cartmel Cup Day
This fixture includes the prestigious Cartmel Cup, a notable hurdle race with a long history, as well as other competitive jumps events that draw strong fields and significant interest.
Monday 31 August 2026 – August Monday Season Finale
As the final day of the 2026 season, it provides a last chance to experience the unique Cartmel racing atmosphere before the break until the following year.
Where is Cartmel Racecourse?
Cartmel Racecourse is located in the village of Cartmel on the Cartmel Peninsula in South Lakeland, Cumbria.
Address: Cartmel Racecourse, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6QF.
How to get to the racecourse:
By car, the racecourse is most easily accessed from junction 36 of the M6 via the A590.
Follow the signs towards Barrow and Ulverston until the turn-off for High Newton, which is also signposted for Cartmel Priory.
By train, the nearest stations are Cark-in-Cartmel and Grange-over-Sands.
On race days, a bus service operates from these stations directly to the racecourse.
Directions (Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/CR6XdGBWDitivNHA8
