3/11/2023 0 Comments Giftlist cartmell![]() ![]() Up to the mid-19th century, the only viable link between the peninsula and the rest of the country was over the sands of Morecambe Bay at low tide. An appeal by the villagers to keep the church as a place of worship for the parish was granted, thus saving this impressive church (and the gatehouse) for posterity. The priory was at the heart of community life, until it was largely destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII in 1536. The famous Cartmel Races are said to date back to monastic times, as part of the Whitsuntide celebrations. The monks stored their grain at Grange (from the French word ‘graunge’ meaning ‘granary’) and may have had a small harbour here. Limestone was crushed and burned to produce quicklime for spreading on the fields to ‘sweeten’ the grass, woods provided coppice timber for agricultural implements and for charcoal burning, oats were grown, and the sea and rivers yielded good supplies of fish. Locals eked out a living with farming and fishing, with the monks lending a helping hand. ![]() It was not until 1189 that an enduring ecclesiastical presence was established with the founding of Cartmel Priory next to the River Eea (pronounced ‘Ay’). An early church dedicated to St Cuthbert was built at Kirkhead near Allithwaite, although nothing now remains of the structure. In the warmer months you can sit in the Beer gardens, giving lovely views over the village and across the fields.Īround 678 AD, the Cartmel peninsula was granted to St Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, by King Egfrith of Northumberland for the establishment of a monastery. Cartmel has three great quality pubs to choose from, where you’re guaranteed a good atmosphere with an excellent choice of local beers, wines and cocktails and an excellent choice of homemade dishes - pies being a favourite! Sunday lunch is very popular too and is often great value. You can’t beat a good traditional pub though, complete with oak beams and roaring fires. Some cafes have food shops downstairs offering local cheeses, beers, jams and potted shrimps to purchase and take home with you, while upstairs you can sit in a window seat overlooking the village square whilst sipping your coffee and sampling one of the many home-baked treats. They’re family and dog friendly and often there’s popular extras, like free papers to read, book swap exchange and local gifts. Local dishes are presented from succulent, local lamb to delicious Cartmel tart.Īlthough fine dining is a wonderful way to spoil yourself, you might be looking for something a little lighter local shrimps perhaps, an excellent homemade fruit pie or Cartmel’s own, sticky toffee pudding? Cartmel has an abundance of delightful cafes to try out with wonderful home-baked treats in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. Some restaurants have a country house feel, where diners will be greeted personally by the owner, which is always a lovely touch. The village is very fortunate to have three 4/5-star wheelchair accessible restaurants, offering excellent silver-service, friendly staff and roaring fires on a cold day. And all this can be enjoyed with pretty views looking out over the village, or to Cartmel Priory. Vegans and vegetarians are given lots of delicious options to choose from, as are those looking for Gluten Free. This is when food becomes pure theatre and the most impeccable and luscious art. When you have 5-star food and service and a 16 course taster menu, of superb oysters and glorious venison, you certainly don’t rush! This is an experience to be savoured over a 4-hour period of pure heaven. And to top it all off there’s the world-famous sticky toffee pudding, sold here in enormous quantities and served in all of its restaurants, including the ones with Michelin stars.Ĭartmel is a foodie paradise, boasting some of the finest dining in the country. At the heart of the village is a beautiful 12th-century priory, which is only a few steps away from its ancient racecourse that still hosts one of England’s most famous racing festivals. One of the prettiest villages in all of Cumbria, Cartmel is a picture-postcard destination, with a delightful olde-worlde feel and a fine collection of inns, artisan shops and cute cottages.
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