Cartmel Cottages

Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Cartmel

The unspoiled, historical gem that is the village of Cartmel. Described by Radio 2’s Chris Evans as a ‘thimble full of diamonds’, is most famous for its 12th Century Priory Church. Around it the spectacular, picturesque village has grown. Making it the perfect place to spend a self-catering holiday in the Lake District.

The priory receives some 60,000 visitors and worshipers annually, making Cartmel a tourism hotspot.

Steeped in history, with its 16th to 18th century inns, shops and homes, Cartmel offers a peek into a bygone era for holidaymakers and pilgrims alike to enjoy. Choose from one of our hand-picked portfolio of holiday cottages in Cartmel.

Cartmel Races has been a local specialty since 1856. Yet; it is believed that racing has been a part of its history since the 15th Century. Monks would entertain themselves, by racing on mules.

The famous Racecourse, home to the annual Cartmel Show, is also used for various equestrian and dog agility activities throughout the year.

The Village is perhaps most famous for being the home of the famous, ‘Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding’. Which is so good each pack should come with a helpline number! This unique dessert is shipped all over the country. It can be found is the very best stores, such as Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. It’s also said that Madonna ranks highly as a fan of the famous pudding!

For self-catering in Cartmel, bring friends and family back to your stylish cottage for a relaxing home-cooked meal together.

Self-catering accommodation in Cartmel

Our holiday cottages in Cartmel are historical gems. A converted 16th-century farmhouse, renovated to two exceptional quality properties. This includes the main farmhouse and a loft apartment, is a real treat! Each sleeping 2, the accommodation offers contemporary luxury, with modern fixtures and fittings. Placed amongst traditional cottage features, such as exposed beams and whitewashed stone walls. Our Cartmel cottages are also Green Tourism, Silver Award Winners.

Self-catering in Cartmel warrants a visit to the Grange Bakery, in nearby Grange over Sands. There you can stock up on fresh baked bread, cakes and other savouries. Don’t fancy cooking every night in one of our Cartmel holiday cottages? Why not take a trip to L’Enclume, a Michelin star restaurant. Owned and run by celebrity chef Simon Rogan who has recently shot to fame on such shows as the Great British Menu. Simon even has his own farm and land where he grows many of the ingredients that he serves. You can’t get fresher than that! L’Enclume is number one on Tripadvisor as the best place to eat in Cartmel.

This contemporary, eclectic restaurant offers a new and exciting culinary experience, including a cheese course

! Or why not visit the 450-year-old Cavendish Arms coaching inn? With delicious ales, they also serve the award-winning Higginson’s meat.

Travelling to our holiday cottages in Cartmel is easy. There is a train service running to Cark, for Cark and Cartmel. There’s also a range of public buses that will pass through the village all through the day. Plus ample pay and display parking available at Cartmel Racecourse.

For a Lake District holiday with history at its heart, in a picture postcard village. Set amongst the spectacular South Lakeland scenery. You can’t beat Cartmel holiday cottages for a perfect Lake District break.

Cartmel out and about

There is plenty to see, do and experience whilst self-catering in Cartmel. Such as carriage rides from the famous Black Horses. Experience an adventure with Lakeland Segway. Or make a visit to Unsworth’s Yard, where you can sample Cartmel Cheeses and Bakehouse’s finest foods. Try HOT wines and for the lover of ales, a sip or two at the new Cartmel microbrewery. There is also the nearby Holker Hall and Garden Centre, owned by Lord and Lady Cavendish.

It is an extremely popular tourist attraction, seeing visitors daily from all over the North West and beyond. The annual Holker Hall Garden Festival is certainly a wonderful day out for all the family.

To explore more of the village’s history, Holker Hall and Gardens is must. Located in Cark-in-Cartmel and home to Lord and Lady Cavendish, this stately home with award winning gardens embraces the traditional feel with the stables now been converted into a wonderful café. You can also explore the Estate on Segway’s, a fun activity and a surreal experience if you have never done this before, we would recommend this.

For daytrips in the surrounding area, we’d recommend Lakeland Miniature Village, Haverthwaite-Lakeside Railway, Lakeland Motors, South Lakes Safari Zoo. A trip onto Windermere with Windermere Lake Cruises and a look at what lurks beneath at the Lakes Aquarium is worth a visit too.

For further information on things to do in Cartmel, we have provided information on exploring, places to eat in Cartmel and walking.

Experience all this and more whilst staying at one of our fabulous Cartmel Cottages.

Book your break away in one of our self-catering Cartmel holiday cottages and one of the Lake Districts most historic towns.