Cartmel

Cartmel, a village steeped in history, derives its name from Old Norse, signifying 'sandbank by rocky ground.' Once known as Kirkby during the Norman Conquest, the village's identity evolved with the presence of a church. Founded in 1190, Cartmel Priory played a pivotal role and was generously endowed by William Marshal, granting it vast lands. These lands later transitioned through various owners, eventually becoming part of the Cavendish estate. The Norman influence explains why it was once known as Kirkby, denoting the location of a church.

The mid-20th century witnessed a transformation in Cartmel's landscape, with the emergence of tourism as a driving force. This transformation was bolstered by the presence of attractions like Cartmel Racecourse, which dates back to at least the 19th century but gained immense popularity as a National Hunt course post-World War II. Today, it hosts well-attended meetings several times a year. Cartmel Racecourse, despite its relatively small size, consistently attracts substantial crowds, often ranking as the third-highest attended jumps track in Britain, trailing only Aintree and Cheltenham.

Cartmel Racecourse's layout, divided by the finishing straight, offers visitors a remarkable experience. One side features a lively fairground, while the other hosts the Parade Ring and Winners' Enclosure. The village's quaint shops are a short stroll away, enhancing the race day experience. Notably, the racecourse is renowned for its impressive four-furlong run-in on the Steeplechase course, the longest in Britain, guaranteeing thrilling races. The Hurdle track features a slightly shorter run-in of less than 2 furlongs.

The tradition of presenting Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding to winning connections adds a delightful, sweet touch to their victories at Cartmel Racecourse. The rich history of racing in Cartmel dates back to at least 1856 when it enjoyed strong support from local landowners. Initially, it was a modest venue with mainly amateur jockeys, but over the years, it transformed into a professionalized and expanded racing destination in the latter half of the 20th century. The Holker Estate, owned by the Cavendish family, has deep-seated ties to the racecourse's history, and since Hugh Cavendish's involvement in 1974, Cartmel Racecourse has thrived. Moreover, Cartmel's reputation is further enhanced by the presence of Michelin-starred restaurants in the surrounding area, making it an excellent destination for both racing and culinary enthusiasts. This unique combination of sporting and gastronomic excellence makes Cartmel a truly wonderful place to indulge in the pleasures of both the track and the table.