Cartmel Racecourse
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.
The original ‘steeplechase’ course is the only racecourse in Britain located within a village and this provides the backdrop to a fabulous event for everyone with a funfair, country stalls and a great Lake District atmosphere.
The National Hunt jump racing at Cartmel’s left handed oval course is quite different from other courses. The home straight veers off the course and dissects the oval course to give a thrilling finish for the crowds on either side of the finish line. This is unique to Cartmel and is the longest run-in/finish straight in the country at just over 4 undulating and gruelling furlongs.
The steeplechase course has at least 6 fences which include an open ditch and a water jump. The number of fences can vary from year to year.
On race days the crowds start arriving quite early as the atmosphere builds around the village and neighbouring villages. The centre of Cartmel becomes a very special place to be with plenty of watering holes in the medieval village square. The choice includes ‘Cartmel Coffee’, the Priory Hotel & bar, the Royal Oak and the Kings Arms.
The Kings Arms is hugely popular with tables and chairs outside on the cobbles of The Square. The Royal Oak also has a few tables and chairs on the cobbles at the front and a large riverside garden at the rear which is decked out with a BBQ bar and large marquee.
Underneath the medieval arch just off The Square is the Cavendish Arms with another riverside garden and 5 minutes walk away on the outskirts of the village is the Pig & Whistle pub that also has another lovely large beer garden overlooking the fields and Cartmel Priory.
CARTMEL HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Cartmel’s best holiday cottage is Weavers Cottage, a gorgeous 4 bedroom cottage that comfortably sleeps up to 8 people. The cottage is located on the edge of the village just 8 minutes short, flat walk to the racecourse.
See Weavers Cottage
On the other side of the village we have Cartmel’s best holiday house. Cartmel Hill is a large 5 bedroom detached house located in the hills above the racecourse.
This amazing house sleeps 8 to 10 people and is about 15 minutes walk downhill to the racecourse.
See Cartmel Hill
The locations of Weavers Cottage and Cartmel Hill are close enough for a short walk to the racecourse but are far enough away to avoid the sounds of the crowds, the funfair and the revellers in the village square that can keep awake any unsuspecting holidaymakers that booked to stay in the centre of the village.
See all our luxury Lake District Cottages