Things to do in Grange-over-Sands
A charming Victorian and Edwardian South Lakes town between the sea and fells, Grange-over-Sands on the Lakeland Peninsula overlooks Morecambe Bay and is famed for its ornamental gardens, fine tea shops, antique shops and beautiful promenade walks flanking the Bay. Exotic and semi-tropical gardens have thrived in the mild climate of the Peninsula warmed by the Gulf Stream. Town trails and guides to local attractions are all available at the tourist information centre on Main Street.
Easily reached via the Furness Railway from Lancaster and Manchester, Grange-over-Sands garden town is a great gateway into the National Park and sits just a stone’s throw from Lakeside and boat trips on Lake Windermere. This fashionably historic Victorian and Edwardian resort retains much of its architecture from the period including its restored Victorian station! The town however takes its name from the French ‘Grange’ or ‘Graunge’ meaning granary. Grange-over-Sands was once the spot where the monks of nearby Cartmel Priory stored their grain.
The Ornamental Gardens
Lovers of classic heritage gardens and beautiful historic estates will feel more than at home in Grange-over-Sands and the Cartmel Peninsula. Stroll at leisure around the spectacular semi-tropical Ornamental Gardens dating from 1865, laid out around a central lake with feature fountain and Victorian bandstand.
The Ornamental Gardens attract huge numbers of wildfowl and are popular for gentle strolls and picnics. Other pretty gardens include the Park Road Gardens overlooking Morecambe Bay. A beautiful Victorian bandstand here hosts regular concerts over the summer season.
Attractions around Grange-over-Sands
Historic home of the Cavendish family near Cark-in-Cartmel, the beautiful Holker Hall and Gardens has a popular Food Hall selling the finest Lake District local produce from delicious cheeses to the famous Holker Saltmarsh lamb. Holker Hall House dates from the 16th century and the gardens, which cover 25 acres, are famous for their cascading water features, classical sculptures and stunning sunken gardens. Gift shops, premier restaurants and cafes are all on-site and year round events include a Garden Festival, outdoor theatre and local produce food markets.
Just west of Grange-over-Sands sits pretty Cartmel village and the ancient Cartmel Priory, originally an Augustinian priory founded in 1189. Largely destroyed by Henry VIII in 1536, the Priory Gatehouse and church were preserved by the efforts of local villagers and today the Cartmel Priory gatehouse, a unique square belfry tower, is open to the public for tours. Spend the day at the races at nearby Cartmel Racecourse which offers a packed programme of top National Hunt jump racing across the summer season.
A regular bus service departs from Grange to Newby Bridge near Lakeside where you can pick up Windermere Lake Cruises, take a ride on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and visit the aquarium and motor museum. The pretty Furness Line stopping at Grange also puts a wealth of attractions on the Peninsula within easy reach.
Tearooms in Grange-over-Sands
Grange-over-Sands and the Cartmel Peninsula are famous for their Lake District local produce, luxury award-winning restaurants and the exceptional choice of farm shops and beautiful Edwardian tearooms. Tearooms and cafes in Grange-over-Sands include many housed within heritage Edwardian buildings. Some date back to the resort’s Victorian and Edwardian boom period.Tea Guild award winner, the Grade II listed Hazelmere Cafe and Bakery dates from 1897 and overlooks the Ornamental Gardens.
