Introduction
Cartmel is a small and ancient village in Cumbria, close to Morecambe Bay and the Southern Lake District.
The village has a blend of old buildings and small shops.
Some come here for its quiet feel and easy reach to natural areas, other for its famous race course and world class, Michelin starred restaurants.
The village offers a range of options, from soaking up history to trying local food.
Close by, the Lake District gives access to hills, lakes, and paths.
Local breweries and shops add to the list of things to see.
The area around includes gardens and halls for day trips.
All this makes Cartmel an excelant place from which to explore South Cumbria.
Historic Attractions
Cartmel has several sites with a rich past. The main one is Cartmel Priory, founded in 1190.
It shows Norman and medieval features, like tall arches and old windows.
The building serves as a parish church today and holds regular services.
Inside, visitors can see carved stones and tombs from past times.
The priory grounds include a gatehouse and parts of old walls.
The village itself keeps a medieval plan, with narrow lanes and stone houses.
A market cross marks the centre, from the 1600s. Close to Cartmel, Holker Hall offers more history.
This house dates back to the 16th century, with rooms full of old furniture and art.
The gardens around it cover 23 acres, with formal layouts and rare plants.
You can tour the hall and learn about its owners over the centuries.
Outdoor Activities in the Area
The area around Cartmel provides many ways to get outside.
Walks start from the village and lead to nearby hills. Hampsfell rises above Grange-over-Sands and gives views across Morecambe Bay.
The path to the top takes about an hour and passes limestone rocks.
At the summit, a stone shelter called the Hospice has marks for directions to landmarks.
Gummer’s How stands near Windermere and offers a short climb with lake sights.
This fell reaches 321 metres and has clear tracks. For longer routes, paths link to the Lake District fells.
Segway tours run from the village, these guided rides cover off-road tracks and last up to an hour.
Cycling options include quiet roads along the bay.
The Cumbria Coastal Way passes near the village for those who want seaside walks.
Food and Drink
Cartmel has some lovely options for great local food and drink. Unsworth’s Yard Brewery sits in the village and makes craft beers.
They offer tours where people can see the brewing process and taste samples.
The yard also has a shop for bottles and gifts.
Cartmel Village Shop sells sticky toffee pudding, a sweet made here since the 1980s.
Other items include cheeses and jams from local makers.
Several pubs serve Cumbrian ales and simple meals.
And there of course there is the world famous Simon Rogan…
Simon Rogan Brings Michelin Starred Cuisine to the Village
Simon Rogan runs restaurants in Cartmel and has shaped its food scene.
He started L’Enclume in 2002, which now holds three Michelin stars.
The restaurant uses ingredients from his own farm, with menus that change by season.
Rogan & Co, another place, has one Michelin star and focuses on simple dishes.
(Yes… Mr Rogan has 4 Michelin stars in the village!).
His work stresses fresh, local food, known as farm-to-fork.
In 2025, L’Enclume ranks top in La Liste for the second year.
Cartmel Racecoure Events and Races
Cartmel Racecourse hosts national hunt racing over jumps. The season runs from May to August with nine days in 2026.
Each day has several races, plus music and food stalls. Family days include rides for children.
The course sits in a valley with views of fells. Tickets sell out very fast for big race days.
Other events in the area include the Cartmel Show in August, with animals and crafts.
These gatherings add life to the village and attract a lot of visitors.
Nearby Towns and Villages
Areas close to Cartmel offer more to see. Grange-over-Sands lies a short drive away, with a promenade along the bay.
It has shops and cafes, plus a train station for links to other towns. Windermere, the largest lake, sits about 20 minutes north.
Boat trips run from Bowness, and paths circle the water.
Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top house stands near Sawrey, with her old rooms and garden open to view.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness shows her stories with models. Holker Hall, mentioned earlier, adds gardens with events like markets.
The Lakeland Motor Museum holds old cars and bikes.
Yew Tree Barn
Yew Tree Barn stands in Low Newton, near Cartmel, with the postcode LA11 6JP.
It acts as a venue and retail space for antiques, reclamation items, and garden supplies.
Wilson Reclamation Services runs there, saving old building parts since 1986 under owner Clive Wilson.
The barn holds a big stock of modern and original ironmongery, plus reclaimed floorboards.
Visitors can look at collections for antiques, reclamation, garden items, and ironmongery.
Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club
Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club offers a space for relaxation and exercise in the area.
The spa has an outdoor Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna.
The leisure club includes an indoor heated swimming pool, modern gym and squash courts.
Services cover beauty treatments and therapies, such as facials and massages.
Click here to find out more about the Spa and Fitness Club…
Final Notes on Activities in and Around Cartmel
Cartmel and the areas around it provide a broad selection of history, outdoor pursuits, and local cuisine.
People can spend time at sites like the priory or Holker Hall to learn about the past.
Walks on hills such as Hampsfell or Gummer’s How offer fresh air and clear sights.
Food options range from brewery tours at Unsworth’s Yard to shops with sticky toffee pudding and other regional items.
Simon Rogan’s restaurants bring in visitors keen on seasonal meals from local farms.
The racecourse at Cartmel runs events from May to August, with races, music, and stalls that create a lively feel on meet days.
Places nearby, like Grange-over-Sands or Windermere, add boat trips, gardens, and museums to the choices.
Yew Tree Barn gives a chance to browse antiques and join markets, while Cascades Health Spa & Fitness Club allows time for exercise or treatments.
All these elements combine to suit various plans, from calm days to active ones.
