Enjoy 3 Fun Filled Days in Cartmel

Cartmel is beautiful historic village with so much to offer and a fantastic array of nearby attractions.

Day One

Visit Conishead Priory, just a short drive away from the market town of Ulverston. Conishead Priory is a magnificent Grade II* listed Victorian Gothic building. The magnificent stained glass depicts Edward 11, William de Lancaster and his wife Gundrid, Duchess of Warwick. Across the corridor is the dining room containing one of the finest ceilings in the house. The walls are panelled with oak wainscotting of a linenfold design. With a beautiful black marble fireplace. The nearby saloon has an ornate plaster ceiling bearing the arms of the Braddyll family. The building was bought in 1976 by Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, and fixed up.

There are 70 acres of gardens and woodland in all, leading down to a beach. In the Spring the giant Rhododendrons are spectacular. There is also a wildlife garden beside the river near the lake, on the left towards the bottom car park. The beach has views toward Chapel Island, written about by Wordsworth:

Afterward, grab a light lunch at the World Peace Cafe in the centre conservatory.

Day Two

Take a trip to Grange Over Sands, which is only 5 minutes drive from Cartmel. Replete with Edwardian charm and a superb long promenade ideal for exercise with a view and plenty of fresh air.

While there take a trip to Holker Hall, home of the Cavendish Family. The historic house is well worth a visit and the gardens have flourished over centuries. The Cavendish Walk, as far as the Sunken Garden is suitable for those with wheelchairs or prams. The Burlington Walk requires around an hour and the Lady Moyra Walk around 30-45 minutes. The estate also has 1,300 acres of woodlands and often features seasonal events.

Follow up with a visit to one of the many tea rooms such as the famous Hazelmere Tea rooms (and bakery!) overlooking the duck pond for afternoon tea.

Day Three

Go for a wild walk on the lovely Humphrey Head. Humphrey Head is a limestone peninsula that takes about 1.2 miles to walk. (Dogs are welcome on a lead). You can see interesting plants, wading birds and even peregrine falcons. You can learn more on special conservation days; it was reputedly the place where the last wolf in England was slain. Or, visit the Predator Experience at Barn Close, 2 miles from Humphrey Head. Join a wolf hybrid pack, on a magical walk through the Lake District countryside. Be part of the pack. Learn the intricacy of social ranking and the subtle art of canine communication. If you?re lucky, hear them howl, and if you like to, howl with them!

Or for great views of Morecambe Bay, walk from the village up Hampsfell to the lookout tower with a viewfinding ‘compass’.

And to finish your holiday? If you have a taste for luxury, give your loved one a treat of a lifetime at L’Enclume. This stunning restaurant has two Michelin stars and 5 AA rosettes,  and was named the No.1 restaurant in the UK by The Good Food Guide 2020.  The kitchen is supplied with vegetables, herbs, fruit and flowers by L’Enclume’s own ‘Our Farm‘, where Simon Rogan and his team of chefs selected what is grown and how it is prepared.

‘Ingredients that change with the seasons inspire my menu development and ensure a truly traceable dining experience reflecting my farm to table philosophy’ — Simon Rogan.

Expect the best seasonal and local ingredients, handled with passion and creativity. Organic vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers grown on our very own farm take centre stage, along with the finest produce from the surrounding Cumbrian countryside.

Rogan & Co | Shop
Blending in with the charming architecture of the village, ‘Our Shop’ sells a range of L’Enclume keepsakes as well as a selection of regional produce, allowing guests to take a piece of Cartmel home.  www.roganandco.co.uk

‘Our Shop’ at L’Enclume, Cartmel