Make a self catering villa or holiday rental in Cartmel, the Lake District your home away from home
The delightful village of Cartmel attracts many visitors to enjoy its historic and colourful attractions. It is famous for its horse racing at the nearby racecourse and the Cartmel Agricultural Show is the highlight of the August calendar. It is also home to the wonderful “sticky toffee pudding” which can be bought in local shops. A holiday rental in Cartmel is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Lake District, with Lake Windermere and Coniston close by. Visit the coast at Grange-over-Sands or enjoy the local woods and scenery from the many walking paths.
Things to Do in Cartmel, Lake District Hill Walking and Cycling
The area around Cartmel is perfect for hill walking on the surrounding fells and local woods. The magnificent views across to Morecambe Bay are quite breathtaking on a clear day. Mountain biking is also popular in the area.
A Day at the Races
The Racecourse at Cartmel is well-known for its horse racing on the Spring and Summer Bank Holiday weekends. At other times the racecourse hosts equestrian and dog shows and the local Agricultural Show in early august.
Take the Train
The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway combines a journey on a historic railway with a trip to Lake Windermere. The railway has been running for 140 years and its route goes through the picturesque Leven Valley taking approximately 18 minutes to reach the Lakeside. Combination tickets also include a trip on one of the historic lake steamers, making a great day out from your Cartmel holiday rental.
Places to Visit Near Cartmel, Lake District Cartmel Priory
Known as “the most beautiful church in the Northwest” the priory attracts around 60,000 visitors each year. Built more than 800 years ago, it has many unique features. Look for the square belfry sat diagonally across the original lantern tower, the 15th century stained glass and the Piper Choir with its early English pointed arch and groined roof.
Holker Hall and Gardens
Built in the 16th century, this magnificent stately residence was once owned by the Duke of Devonshire. Its Gothic-style architecture includes many ornamental chimneys, gables and mullioned windows making it a most impressive sight. The 25-acre gardens include colourful herbaceous borders, an arboretum, a rockery and a water cascade. The Lakeland Motor Museum is also located at Holker Hall.
Weather in Cartmel, Lake District
The Lake District has cool winters with average daily highs around 44°F (7°C) and some snow. Summers reach 68°F (20°C) in August and may be cloudy with showers. Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons to visit this beautiful area.
Travel to Cartmel, Lake District
The closest local airport to Cartmel is the Leeds/Bradford International Airport which is 54 miles from your Cartmel holiday home. Newcastle Airport is 66 miles away along the A69, and the Liverpool John Lennon Airport further south is 68 miles drive away. All these options, along with Manchester Airport, are a pleasant one hour’s drive from Cartmel, using the M6.
The Lake District is very accessible by train from London’s Euston Station or Manchester to Oxenholm (Kendal), Penrith or Carlisle. You can pick up a hire car from the station making the journey very pleasant and hassle free.
