Cartmel Hill is located in the gorgeous village of Cartmel in Cumbria.

This pretty South Lakeland village has several restaurants and 5 pubs that all serve very good food.

Cartmel also has several wonderful cafes, an excellent cheese shop and artisan bakery, a wine shop, a chocolate shop and the world famous Cartmel Village Shop, home to the acclaimed Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Oh, did we mention L’Enclume? Britain’s best restaurant!

Cartmel Village

Cartmel Valley in the autumn

View from Cartmel Hill

The view from Cartmel Hill in summer

LOCATION

Cartmel Hill is located off road up a dead-end track in the hills above the village.

The quiet, peaceful location has absolutely spectacular views sweeping down the valley and out across the vast expanses of Morecambe Bay.

The tidal bay usually has 2 high tides a day and when the tide is in the sea views from the house, garden and patio are amazing.

When the tide is out the sands and channels of the bay provide the perfect backdrop where Cartmel Valley tumbles into the bay.

Cartmel has become THE place in Northern England to visit for people who appreciate fining dining and modern European cuisine with the on-going success of 1 of the world’s top chefs, Simon Rogan and especially his restaurant, L’Enclume.

In October 2012, L’Enclume became the only restaurant in Northern England to be awarded 2 Michelin stars.

Cartmel Village

Cartmel Village Square and shop

L'Enclume

Image of Couple walkin past L'Enclume in Cartmel

The ‘Good Food Guide’ has rated ‘L’Enclume’ a perfect ‘10 out of 10’ and also rated the restaurant as the ‘best restaurant in the UK for 3 consecutive years!’

Simon Rogan’s second restaurant in Cartmel is ‘Rogan & Company’ and offers a more relaxed approach to Simon’s cooking serving great locally produced food in the heart of Cartmel village. This ‘more affordable’ restaurant also scores highly in the ‘Good Food Guide’.

WALKS

There are 6 footpaths from Cartmel Hill. The house itself is actually listed on Ordnance Survey maps as ‘The Hill’.

Our favourite walk from the house takes you along the babbling stream called ‘Burns Beck’ and then winds up Howbarrow fell for breath-taking 360 degree views across The Lake District (Cumbria), Yorkshire and across Morecambe Bay to north Lancashire. Even when the tide is out you can see right out to sea with Peel Island and Castle visible on a clear day.

View from 'Howbarrow'

View of the Levens Estuary from Howbarrow

View from 'Howbarrow'

The view north from Howbarrow in Cartmel Valley

To the north the views across the Leven Estuary to the Lake District fells are truly spectacular.

This lovely walk takes less than an hour (details are left in the house for you along with plenty of other walks too)

Cartmel Valley is a great location for people who love walking. The local fells are not high or too steep and the higher Lake District mountains and lakes are only a short drive away.

The Lake District

See more about the Lake District and Lake District walks here

Local Lake District Information Links

 

BEATRIX POTTER AND PETER RABBIT

Beatrix Potter is famous throughout the world and this is the place to experience the best of her legacy. You can learn about the people behind the scenes, meet Peter Rabbit, learn about Beatrix Potter and experience the tales being bought to life.

 

CARTMEL RACES

Cartmel racecourse has the 3rd highest average attendance of any race meeting in the UK (after Ascot and Aintree) yet it is 1 of the smallest race courses in Britain.

People travel from near and far for this great social gathering and the atmosphere that provides a great fun day out for everyone. To top it off, this spectacular event is set against the backdrop of the stunning Lake District fells and mountains.

 

CARTMEL VILLAGE

A historic village in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A regular winner of Cumbria in Bloom ensures it remains as picturesque as ever!

A lovely day out for all ages with many shops, eateries and places to stay including L’Enclume.

 

CISTERCIAN WAY WALK

This two to three day trail follows this ancient trail along Morecambe Bay as well as the Furness and Cartmel penninsulas. Passing through a variety of places in the South-West Lakes including Cartmel, Dalton and Barrow. All areas are of great historic interest.

 

CONISTON LAUNCH LAKE CRUISES

Enjoy a beautiful cruise on Lake Coniston in the Lake District. Choose to stay aboard for the whole cruise or get off and on to explore and walk.

Two special cruise are available: Swallows & Amazon and Campbells on Coniston.

 

CUMBRIAN COASTAL WAY

This coastal path is 182 miles long going from the Cumbrian boundary which edges Lancashire to the Scottish boarders. Known to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in Britain. It can be walked in full over 10-14 days or in sections.

 

HAVERTHWAITE TO LAKESIDE STEAM RAILWAY

This historic branch line offers the chance to ride in a steam train to Lakeside which is the southern point of Lake Windermere.

There is a tea room, gift shop, adventure playground, picnic area and engine shed.

 

HOLEHIRD GARDENS

“A Lakeland garden for all seasons” overlooking Lake Windermere which also sells plants and between May-September offers free guided walks.

 

HOLKER HALL

Holker Hall is one of the best-loved stately homes in Britain and home to Lord and Lady Cavendish & family.

Holker Hall which is just five miles away is set in exceptionally beautiful countryside with gardens that merge into Parkland framed by the Lakeland Hills.

 

LAKES AQUARIUM

The Lakes Aquarium in Newby Bridge is a wonderful day out. There is a virtual dive bell, an underwater tunnel beneath Lake Windermere, Rainforest exhibits, coral reef tanks and various other exhibitions.

There is also a shop and cafe.

 

LEIGHTON MOSS NATURE RESERVE

Offering a selection of  walks and hides in the largest reedbed in the North West. Most of these are suitable for wheelchair users. Home to butterflies, deer and special birds. Children can learn in the visitor centre and there is also a tea room.

 

L’ENCLUME RESTAURANT

Advertised as a hideaway but it has grown so much in popularity it has become something of an icon. Simon Rogan uses the best seasonal and local ingredients to ensure he meets his own farm to table standards.

 

LEVENS HALL

This estate has been family owned for over 400 years.

Enjoy the hall, walk through Levens Deer Park, eat afternoon tea or enjoy the topiary gardens which has over 100 pieces.

 

MORECAMBE BAY

Morecambe Bay is a beautiful historical coast line with the added bonus of being able to offer a large range of outdoor activities. It stretches from the south west coast of Cumbria all the way to Fleetwood in Lancashire.

 

SIZERGH CASTLE

A medieval house in beautiful grounds with its own lake, pond and limestone rock garden. Displaying unique art work, shops and a cafe as well as offering events for both adults and families throughout the year there is something for everyone.

 

STEAM YACHT GONDOLA

A beautiful National Trust owned Victorian steam-powered yacht offers a unique experience on Coniston water.

 

WALNEY ISLAND NATURE RESERVE

Cumbria Wildlife Trust maintain this shingle island reserve containing lots of interesting things and the only grey seal colony in Cumbria.

 

WINDERMERE LAKE CRUISES

Enjoy the scenic views of the Lake District while cruising on the famous Lake Windermere.

Cruises start from Bowness, Lakeside or Ambleside and vary in length from 45 minutes to 3 hours.