Cottages in Cartmel

Nestled in a tranquil valley, the small village of Cartmel is a charming holiday destination with superb cottages close to wildflower-filled fields and lovely artisan shops. Here you can enjoy world-class dining and a phenomenal stay surrounded by jaw-dropping Lakeland scenery, as well as fun adventures in the forests and lakes.

With something to suit all tastes, Cartmel has rustic cottages with an exclusive touch, ideal for a weekend away in the countryside. You'll find cosy cottages for couples and slightly larger properties for families with features such as wood-burning cookers, well-equipped kitchens, comfortable sofas, rain shower baths, gardens filled with bluebells, spacious bedrooms, private terraces and best of all... hot tubs surrounded by lush woodland for extra privacy during your stay.

With 23 acres of romantic gardens rich in character and beauty, strolling through Holker Hall and Gardens has become a favourite activity for couples. The place is an intimate Victorian haven where you can enjoy peaceful strolls and a riot of colour filled with exotic plants, tulips, daffodils and magnolias, as well as a spectacular waterfall topped by a marble statue of Neptune. In addition, the gardens feature a deer park, benches with views framed by evergreen oaks and rhododendrons, and a cosy café offering food made from ingredients sourced from the Holker estate and local suppliers. However, if you fancy something more romantic, such as a picnic, the beautifully landscaped grounds also offer a picnic area.

If you enjoy galloping through the hills, the beach and feeling the fresh air on your face, the Cartmel countryside has the experience for you! The Friesian Experience, a centre of excellence for lovers of the extraordinary Friesian horse, offers day and half-day trips for experienced riders. You can experience this black beauty of the Netherlands in a special way and enjoy rides through the countryside and along the beach, as well as having the great opportunity to get to know the gentle and prosperous character of these horses much more closely. And for a special occasion, the team also offers horse-drawn carriage rides through Cartmel and the surrounding countryside, if you have a proposal in mind for your partner.

Admire the scenery of the Lakes and ride through the picturesque countryside in a fun way! Awarded 'Best of Cumbria Experience', Lakeland Segway offers a selection of Segway tours for all levels to take you around the area in a completely different way. If you're a beginner, take an easy tour of Cartmel on an incredible scenic route through the Holker Estate and racecourse. And if you're an expert, take the adventure ride through the woodland and along more challenging trails. This experience is the longest of its kind in the UK and is known as the oldest Segway Tour company in the country.

Despite being a small shop, the venue is one of the most popular in the village and offers a wide variety of cheeses from all over the world, fresh breads to accompany your cheese and a selection of jams and chutneys. Indulge in the aromas and flavours, combine the jam and chutney with a Damson cheese, pop in on Friday and Saturday nights for an authentic Italian pizza and bring the real taste of Italy to your holiday cottage by buying the best Italian produce for dinner!

Located next to Cartmel Cheese, visit the little gem of Unsworth's Yard. With a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, the microbrewery is an oasis for those who love good beer and a must if you're on holiday in Cartmel village. Take a free small tasting at the brewery and enjoy a unique craft beer with a cheese board in the pretty courtyard garden. It's a place worth visiting to relax for a while.

Chapel Island is a remote limestone outcrop situated in the Leven Estuary in Morecambe Bay, which lies on the path of the old Cartmel to Conisheada crossing. The rock formation measures approximately 450 metres and is a popular gem for walkers in the area. To access the island, remove your shoes and take a guided walk across the sands of Leven at low tide. Once you arrive, explore the ruins of the chapel and observe the large number of attractive wading birds that live on the island - On a hot, sunny day, a trip to Chapel Island is the best option of all to cool your feet in the water.

Just minutes from Cartmel, get your adrenaline pumping with River Deep Mountain High activities. The team specialise in outdoor activities suitable for beginners and experts including canoeing, kayaking, abseiling, archery, hiking and rock climbing. Learn new skills and test your physical abilities, take a kayak tour on a lake, climb rocky hillsides, hike and access areas beyond the reach of the casual hiker and enjoy unparalleled views from the hills of Lakeland. River Deep Mountain High is definitely the best choice if you want to release the stresses of everyday life.

If you're a pudding lover, head to the Cartmel village shop and try the Sticky Toffee Pudding. The shop is world famous for its delicious puddings made from 100% natural ingredients that have become the talk of the town's holidaymakers! During your visit, don't miss out on the cosy atmosphere and try the award-winning pudding and the other handmade desserts such as cakes and tarts.

Situated in the heart of the village of Cartmel and steeped in over 800 years of history, explore Cartmel Priory and discover the legends and myths it holds. The building is a charming church of remarkable architecture where pilgrims have worshipped in the past and left their traces. If you look closely, you can find the marks of the pilgrims and discover the unique features that make the Priory such an enchanting place.