Cartmel Old Grammar is a country-house hotel in Cartmel, the pretty village on the southern edge of the Lake District that is known for its priory, its racecourse and a food scene far above its size. It has a calm, relaxed atmosphere and an unfussy charm: a lobby fireplace, two bars, a restaurant called the Refectory, a terrace and a garden, with comfortable rooms that have free WiFi, laptop-friendly desks, bathrobes and hair dryers. A cooked-to-order breakfast is included, which is unusual for a hotel of this style and takes some of the sting out of the nightly price, and parking is free. The ten room options range from cosy doubles to larger rooms, so you can choose according to your budget and the occasion. Cartmel Racecourse is a seven-minute walk, the shop that sells Cartmel cheeses ten minutes and the medieval priory twelve, so you can wander the village on foot. Lake Windermere is around twenty minutes away by car, and Coniston Water about thirty-six minutes, which makes it a great base for a relaxed trip that mixes the lakes with gentler countryside. Dogs are welcome for a modest fee per stay, with up to two per room. The hotel can also host weddings, offers pet-sitting and provides highchairs, so families are welcome too. If you want a quiet, characterful base away from the summer crowds of Bowness and Ambleside, this is a lovely choice.
Location and getting around
Cartmel is a small village around a market square, with pubs, delicatessens and the famous sticky toffee pudding shop within easy reach. Grange-over-Sands station is six minutes away by car, and Newby Bridge and the southern end of Windermere are a short drive. The Cartmel Peninsula has quiet lanes that are good for cycling and walking.
The rooms
Rooms are comfortable and well kept, with sizes that differ across the ten options. The larger rooms are best for couples celebrating, while smaller ones are good for a short stay. Ask for a quiet room if you are a light sleeper, especially on race days.
Who it suits
Couples, foodies, racegoers and dog owners who like a country-house setting without a spa. It is a lovely base for visitors who have a car and want to see the quieter southern lakes. If you want to be in a busy lakeshore town, the northern lakes are better.
Good to know
Check-in runs from the afternoon until early evening, with late arrival possible at limited hours, so tell the hotel in advance. Check-out is at eleven. Race days and the Christmas period are the busiest, so book early, and check when you book for current prices.
Why stay here
- ✓Country-house hotel
- ✓Cooked-to-order breakfast included
- ✓Refectory restaurant
- ✓Two bars
- ✓Terrace and garden
- ✓Lobby fireplace
- ✓Free WiFi
- ✓Free parking
Good questions
Is breakfast included at Cartmel Old Grammar?+
A cooked-to-order breakfast is included on many rates. Check what your rate includes when you book.
How far is it from Lake Windermere?+
About twenty minutes by car, with Coniston Water around thirty-six minutes. You will want a car to explore the lakes.
Are dogs allowed?+
Yes, up to two dogs are welcome for a fee per stay. Check the current policy when you book.
