Discover Cartmel

One of Cumbria's most beautiful villages

Cartmel has been described as, ‘a thimble full of Diamonds’, by DJ Chris Evans and is regarded to be one of the best areas to live in the country. A race track, riding stable, a Michelin Starred restaurant, the Famous Sticky Toffee Pudding shop and medieval priory are just a few minutes walk away from the village centre.

There are plenty of excellent pubs to eat in and a brewery, artisan bakery, cheese maker and many beautiful little gift shops to visit. The medieval town is nestled in the Cartmel Peninsula under the watchful eye of the Priory, which dates back to 667AD. The River Eea carries water off the fells and meanders through the centre of the village.

The Edwardian seaside town of Grange Over Sands is close by. While the surrounding villages of Allithwaite, Cark in Cartmel, Lindale, Haverthwaite and Flookburgh all have their own little secrets to reveal.

There are plenty of places to visit that are a short drive from Cartmel including; Lake Windermere, Holker Hall, Humphrey Head, Lakeland Motor Museum, Aquarium of The Lakes, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. If you feel daring you could enroll in a parachuting course organised by Skydive North West at Cark Airfield.

Shopping in Cartmel
Cartmel is a quaint village with oldy worldy shops and evidence of cobbled streets. It is bursting with establishments selling locally sourced food and high quality gifts. Home to the famous Sticky Toffee Pudding Cartmel has many more culinary delights to offer. Unsworth Yard is home to a microbrewery and Cartmel Cheeses where you can also buy artisan bread. Hales of Cartmel is the local chocolate shop in the shadow of the Priory. If you are wishing to purchase gifts, The Larch Tree, Perfect English, Kerr Books and Simon Rogan’s Our Shop are just a few suggestions. The only problem with eating and drinking in Cartmel is choosing where to go.

Cartmel Priory
Surrounded by history, mystery and tradition, Cartmel Priory has played a major role in the village since its foundations were laid in 680 AD. The land was owned by Lindisfarne Monks until 1189 AD when William Marshal founded the Priory. In the 1530’s Cartmel Priory was saved from destruction during the Dissolution Of The Monasteries because the villagers claimed that it was their Parish Church. During the 13th Century the Archbishop of York visted to deal with discipline problems, Robert the Bruce damaged part of the priory and Papal Bull described it as, ‘ruinous’ so it has quite a colourful past. Cartmel Priory remains an important part of village life with an active church community, visiting musicians and son et lumieres. The Priory is well worth a visit and an amazing opportunity to find out about its rich history.

Wall Nook is blissfully tranquil and the perfect base from which to explore the rest of The Lakes. Just a mile and a half away lies the medieval Priory, the oldest & prettiest racecourse in England and the wonderful ‘foodie’ village of Cartmel.

Our original, luxuriously appointed Pheasant Cottage comfortably sleeps 4 and next door is the beautiful new Kestrel Cottage – a romantic hideaway, just perfect for 2!

Choose Your Cottage

Wall Nook Lakeland Cottages are situated within a beautifully renovated 17th century barn, nestling in glorious countryside - a ramblers and cyclists paradise.