Wander through the medieval village, past 16th- and 18th-century structures and welcoming inns. Then step back 800 years in time as you cross the threshold of Cartmel Priory, a sacred place surrounded by stories. Built by the famous monks of Lindisfarne, the priory was one of a handful to have survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s. With a vibrant music programme and an engaged community, the priory is a dynamic place of worship and song to this day.
Next, visit Holker Hall and Gardens, the spectacular stately home of the Cavendish family. Set on 18,000 acres of Cumbria countryside, fanning out into the Lakeland Hills, the house is over 400 years old and houses grand antiques, remarkable artworks, and important original manuscripts. Amid these reminders of its Elizabethan origins, it hosts modern-day events such as the Holker Garden Festival and Chilli Fest, which draw thousands to the estate's award-winning gardens.