CARTMEL
The historic and characterful village of Cartmel, one of the oldest villages in Cumbria, lies just half a mile outside of the southern boundary of the Lake District National Park and is a short drive from Grange-over-Sands. This quaint and uncrowded gem of a village vividly retains much of it's ancient charm and atmosphere.

Famed for its ancient Priory, world famous Racecourse and irresistible Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cartmel is only half a mile from the Cumbrian Way and four miles from the southern tip of Lake Windermere

Cartmel was traditionally part of the county of Lancashire, but boundary changes in 1974 amalgamated it into the newly created county of Cumbria. At the village centre stands the characterful old square, with its market cross and house with projecting upper floors supported by stone pillars. The square is lined with shops, cottages and inns with small cobbled forecourts, from which the other streets radiate.

Atmospheric Cartmel Priory is perhaps one of the finest ecclesiastical buildings in the north of England. An Augustinian Priory, it was founded in 1189 by William Marshall, Baron of Cartmel, later created Earl of Pembroke and appointed Regent of England during the minority of Henry III. Marshall stipulated that the foundation should remain a priory, and never be elevated to an abbey.

Standing opposite the churchyard is a charming and characterful building which dates from the beginning of the eighteenth century, and has arched windows. There is also a small bridge over the River Eea and an old milestone giving distances to Lancaster and Ulverston.

The village contains a number of well stocked tourist shops and offers a range of accomodation to suit all pockets. It also boasts a National Hunt racecourse, situated on the banks of the River Eea. Race meetings are held on the last weekend in May and August.

Thank you to www.english-lakes.com for the use of their photographs of the area.
See www.english-lakes.com/cartmel.html



KENDAL

Kendal, once popularly referred to as the 'Auld Grey Town' is an attractive market town and the southern gateway to the Lake District. Sprawling on both sides of the River Kent, it is the largest of the southern Cumbrian towns, steeped in history, has been a place of settlement since the Dark Ages.Kendal boasts a rich and varied history. Both the town and the Norman Castle eventually came into the possession of the aristocratic Parr family. It was at Kendal Castle that Catherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, is purported to have been born in 1512.

Catherine was more skilful and lucky than some of her predecessors and fortunately survived her formidable spouse. Her silver bound prayer book still survives in the town hall. Most of the castle walls still survive and one of its towers. The castle ruins are now surrounded by a pleasant public park and offer excellent views of the town.

The Castle Dairy is the oldest habitable building in the town and retains many of its fascinating period features, including a carved four poster bed. The building, which stands in Wildman Street, is open to the public.

Kendal has an excellent shopping centre and is famous for its Kendal Mint Cake which is offered for sale to tourists in the shops throughout Lakeland. At the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, near the town, the visitor can experience a fascinating journey through the animal kingdom in an award winning wildlife centre. Exhibits include sea life, butterfly and tropical halls and many rare and tropical species.

CARTMEL - half mile

GRANGE OVER SANDS - 2miles

KENDAL - 12 miles

LINKS
www.english-lakes.com
A guide to the places of interest in Cumbria

www.holker-hall.co.uk
Official website of Holker Hall and Gardens.

www.cumbria-the-lake-district.co.uk
Official website of the Cumbria Tourist Board.

www.cumbria-online.co.uk
The interactive source of news and information in Cumbria.

www.travelcumbria.co.uk
Public transport information for Cumbria and the Lake District.

www.thisisthelakedistrict.co.uk
For all of the latest up-to-date news for the Lake District.


CARTMEL RACES
www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk

Events on non-race days
www.cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/specevents.asp

HOLKER HALL

Only a short distance from the sea, Holker Hall is magnificently situated and is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens merging into parkland, with hills on one side and the expanse of Morecambe Bay. Despite its grand scale, this handsome rose coloured neo-Elizabethan mansion and its Gardens provide a soft and gentle contrast to the ruggedness of the Lakeland countryside to the north. The record reveals that Lord Cavendish’s’ ancestors felt that for them Holker was more desirable, more favoured by Providence and more enhanced with natural beauty than any other place on earth.

The Hall, Gardens and Lakeland Motor Museum comprise of three spectacular attractions in one perfect setting. But that is not all. Holker Hall also boasts a delightful Cumbrian Café. In addition, there is a marvellous design led and unique Gift Shop with many items personally selected by Lady Cavendish and Food at Holker Hall, a distinctly Cumbrian entity offering a range of Estate and bespoke produce, sure to tempt all tastes.

The immaculately kept Gardens (25 acres in all) are part woodland, part formal and essentially Victorian in character, though never heavy or oppressive. The 200-acre 'natural' parkland is in fact the result of the late 18th century planting of Lord George Cavendish. In the early 19th century several new features were added: an arboretum, a conservatory, balustraded terraces by the House, and a large walled kitchen garden.
The award winning Lakeland Motor Museum
The Lakeland Motor Museum, winner of Cumbria Tourist Board's Attraction of the Year, and the English Tourism Council's Best Small Visitor Attraction, houses an extensive and fascinating collection extending to some 20,000 exhibits, including cars, motorcycles, tractors, bicycles, pedal cars and engines plus perhaps the largest display of automobilia on public display within the UK - mascots, badges, advertising posters, petrol pumps, globes, enamel signs, pottery and models - pure nostalgia, certain to provide a thoroughly enjoyable 'motoring memories' experience. The Museum is open 3rd February to 28th October 2007, 10.30am – 4.45 pm.
Special Events at Holker Hall
-http://www.holker-hall.co.uk/SpecEvents.htm


BIGLAND HALL EQUESTRIAN

Experience the wonderful Lake District and Cumbria Fells and surrounding area on horseback. A wide variety of rides are available to suit all ages and abilities. BHS approved, open 7 days a week - evening lessons/hacks by appointment. Telephone 015395 30333
Email: info@lakes-riding.co.uk www.biglandhall.com

LINKS

Ramblers' Association
www.ramblers.org.uk/lakedistrict

HorseRiding
www.biglandhall.com