Things to do in Cartmel

Discover the best attractions and activities that Cartmel has to offer

Cartmel is a fantastic tourist destination in the UK, with an array of attractions to visit and things to do throughout the year

There are plenty of things to do in Cartmel, with something to suit a wealth of different tastes.

Take a trip to Chapel Island, a small limestone tidal island off the coast of Morecambe. Once home to a small chapel built in the 14th century, the current ruin is actually a folly built 500 years later.

For more heritage attractions in Cartmel, discover the 800-year old Cartmel Priory and its Gatehouse. The Priory has been the village church since the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but retains an interesting formation and history. The Priory Gatehouse is the last remaining of the domestic buildings.

Discover a wide range of things to do in Cartmel with our handy guide.

Images by: Andy Hawkins; Ryan Snyder

Cartmel Cheeses

1 & 2 Unsworths Yard
Cartmel
Cumbria
England
LA11 6PG

01539534307

A truly delicious collection of local Cumbrian cheeses, found at their Cartmel shop or at many of the local farmers market and available to buy online.
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Image Credits: Anthony O'Neil - (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Cartmel Priory

The Vicarage/Priest La
Cartmel
Cumbria
England
LA11 6PU

015395 36261

The 13th-century Cartmel Priory can be found in the centre of Cartmel village just outside of the Lake District National Park. Over the centuries, The Priory has witnessed war, raids, and ruin but stands firm today and offers a warm welcome to all visitors.
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Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

Cartmel
Cumbria
England
United Kingdom
LA11 6QB

01539560951

Cartmel Prioty Gatehouse is all that remains of an Augustinian priory, founded in 1188. Thought to have been built around 1330 to 1340 as a ceremonial entrance and defensive presence, the gateway has a porter’s chamber on one side and a guardhouse chamber on the other.
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Cartmel Racecourse

The Racecourse
Grange-over-Sands
LA11 6QF

015395 36340

Head to Cartmel Races for an unforgettable fun-filled day out. Combining the thrill of jump racing with music and a funfair, there’s something to keep every family member amused here. Tuck into delicious food offerings available onsite or bring your own picnic or BBQ and set up for the day.
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Chapel Island

Chapel Island
Near Cartmel
Cumbria
England
LA11 7LL

Chapel Island is a limestone outcrop that sits above the treacherous sands of Morecombe Bay in the Leven Estuary. You can cross the channel at Canal Foot at low tide and see the remains of a building left to nature.
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Image Credits: Barry Lewis – CC BY 2.0

Cumbria Steam Gathering

Cark Airfield
Flookburgh
Grange-over-Sands
Cumbria
LA11 7LS

07825 369601

The Cumbria Steam Gathering takes place every year over the last weekend of July. Started over 40 years ago by a group of steam engine enthusiasts, the event now attracts more than 20,000 visitors over two days. At Cumbria Steam Gathering you’ll find a range of vintage and custom locomotives, cars, and agricultural machinery.
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Image Credits: Andrew Abbot - CC BY-SA 2.0

Holker Hall

Cark
Grange-over-Sands
Cartmel
LA11 7PL

015395 58328

Holker Hall is a beautiful, historic estate that spreads over 200 acres. It rests on the southern outskirts of the Lake District National Park and offers visitors access to the hall, gardens, cafe and gift shop.
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Lakeland Segway

Cartmel Village Car Park
Cartmel
LA11 6QB

0845 619 3456

Providing a truly unforgettable Segway experience, go for a tour through the picturesque Cumbrian countryside in a safe and exciting journey.
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Cartmel Cheeses

Cartmel Priory

Cartmel Priory Gatehouse

Cartmel Racecourse

Chapel Island

Cumbria Steam Gathering

Holker Hall

Lakeland Segway