Visit the comfort capital of Britain
The exquisite village of Cartmel, in the South Lakes, truly deserves the title of ‘comfort capital of Britain’ thanks to being home to lots of life’s little luxuries, treats and ‘r’ factors – relaxation, racing, restaurant heaven and ridiculously delicious pud!
Cartmel has become a must-do destination for foodies and its Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding has acquired fans from across the globe, including Madonna (allegedly!) and chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, who has described it as the best sticky toffee pudding in the world.
The home of this divine dessert, based on 100 per cent natural ingredients and traditional baking methods, is a quaint village shop, where the star attraction nestles amid a range of equally impressive home made and regional produce.
This includes preserves, fine cheeses, freshly baked bread, real ales from local breweries and not just Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding, but its sister products Sticky Ginger, Sticky Banana and Sticky Chocolate puddings.
Cartmel Village shop is open Monday to Saturday (9.00am – 5.00pm) and on Sundays from 10.30am to 4.30pm, for those wanting the ultimate Cartmel souvenir.
When it comes to shoes, visitors are more likely to be concentrating on those on the sleek racehorses arriving at what must be one of the most picturesque racecourses in the world.
Racing at Cartmel Racecourse is said to have begun in the mid 15th century, when monks from the priory entertained themselves by racing mules. Nowadays, its stages only National Hunt (jump) racing on a sharp, oval course with the country’s longest run-in from the last fence to the finish.
The Cartmel races are a highlight in the social calendar, attracting both aficionados and new race-goers alike, who relish the opportunity to witness racing on a small, yet totally captivating racecourse on which racing is set against the breathtaking landscape of the English Lake District.
There are seven fixtures a year at Cartmel, dates for 2010 being May 29 and 31, June 2, July 15 and August 26,28, 30.
Those wishing to wallow in all of this decadent and delicious lifestyle can stay in a four-poster room at The Cavendish Arms Coaching Inn, choose a local guest house of camping or caravanning site, or book in at the internationally-acclaimed L’Enclume, a Michelin star restaurant voted one of the five best destination restaurants with rooms in Europe.
Guests at Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume can not only tantalise their taste buds with a simply divine menu of culinary delights, but also stay in atmospheric rooms offering new insights into Cartmel village life.
The 12 comfortable and individually designed and finished rooms, along with the cosy 4-bedroomed L’Enclume House are full of character and enchantment. Some overlook Cartmel Priory, whilst others offer views of the village square or the property’s cottage garden.
Room tariffs range from £140 to £188 per room for superior rooms and £228 for suites, including breakfast. Special packages are often available and there are even UK Foraging Breaks, which allow guests to forage for food in the countryside, which then appears on their dinner plate in the evening.
L’Enclume’s cuisine is renowned for continuously pushing the boundaries when it comes to ingredients, textures, and flavour combinations, creating what is a truly unforgettable dining experience, based on breaking all the rules! Three menus are available, priced at £55, £75 and £95.
There is also the opportunity to dine in L’Enclume’s sister restaurant, Rogan & Co, where a relaxed, brasserie-style dining experience can be enjoyed, or eat in one of the four public houses or the quaint tearooms.
Cartmel has provided comfort for pilgrims from many different countries and walks of life for centuries and visitors relish time for quiet contemplation in the Cartmel Priory. This was built by Augustinian canons between 1190 and 1220 and managed to survive Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.
This beautiful Priory Church of St Mary and St Michael has been described as “the most beautiful church in the north-west” (Simon Jenkins – England’s Thousand Best Churches’ and has been a centre of Christian worship for over 800 years.
It receives 60,000 visitors a year and houses a fine 14th century tomb to Lord Harrington, as well as stunning and intricately carved choir stalls, beautiful Renaissance screens, impressive arches in the nave and a bronze sculpture by Josefina de Vasconcellos.
Regular services occur Tuesday to Sunday, and visitors are most welcome. Tours take place every Wednesday, from April to October, at 11.00am and 2.00pm. These cost £2.50 for adults and £1.00 for children. Tours for groups can also be arranged at other times.
There is also a full programme of Saturday evening concerts between April and October each year. These often feature visiting choirs, creating a vibrancy that keeps people coming back to Cartmel Priory for more.
The Cartmel Priory Gatehouse (built in 1330) is a National Trust property open on certain days during the year. Details can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
Wandering around the narrow, winding streets leading from the medieval Cartmel village square with its market cross and ancient fish slabs, opens up a variety of delights, from studying the wonderful architecture, to discovering gift shops, jewellery makers and arts and crafts outlets such as the Cartmel Gallery and Fieldhead Crafts.
With lots of wow factors, Cartmel really is the comfort capital of Britain.
Visit cartmelvillage.com for more details about Cartmel and southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism for accommodation options.