Cartmel in Cumbria, the fifth most picturesque village in England according to Independent Cottages, boasts beautiful walks, fascinating history, a racecourse and two Michelin-starred restaurants
A picturesque village nestled on the fringes of the Lake District National Park has earned acclaim for its stunning rambles and captivating heritage – whilst proving a paradise for foodies thanks to its mouth-watering culinary legacy.
Cartmel, which Independent Cottages crowned as England’s fifth most beautiful village, holds the prestigious title as birthplace of sticky toffee pudding.
The local village shop devised the concept for a takeaway version of this beloved treat in the late 1980s, and still produces its renowned dessert, crafted entirely by hand using 100% natural ingredients.
According to the shop’s account, the sticky toffee pudding originated in their rear kitchen, but news quickly spread and “everybody wanted some”.
Their website states: “We had to move the kitchen, but it’s still handmade, and there’s still nothing to match it. That’s why Cartmel is the home of Sticky Toffee.”, reports the Express.
The settlement boasts centuries of rich history, with Cartmel Priory – which remains an active place of worship today – dating back to the 12th century.
Tourists can wander through charming streets lined with independent boutiques, alongside traditional country pubs and coaching inns. Despite its quaint size, Cartmel boasts not one but two Michelin-starred eateries – Rogan & Co and L’Enclume.
The former has earned accolades from the Michelin Guide for its “dark wood beams and welcoming open fires”, as well as a menu featuring “skilfully prepared, understated dishes that make great use of creative ingredient and flavour combinations”.
Food enthusiasts can savour a six-course seasonal menu for £95 or opt for the set lunch offering, which runs Wednesday to Saturday at £49 for three courses.
L’Enclume, just a stone’s throw away, holds the distinction of being the sole establishment with three Michelin stars outside London and the Southeast.
The Michelin Guide commended it, saying: “Every element is prepared with one eye on sustainability and another on maximum flavour, like the Orkney scallop dusted with a powder of its own roe.”
The village also features a racecourse with an array of events year-round, and Holker Hall nearby makes for an excellent excursion. Visitors have shared their glowing reviews of Cartmel on TripAdvisor, with one enthusiast commenting: “Cartmel is one of my favourite spots on this planet, I try to visit at least a couple of times a year and each time is as lovely as the last.”
Another visitor expressed their admiration, writing: “It’s a stunning village with so many beautiful walks in and around it. There are lots of cute and quirky shops, bars and amazing places to eat alongside some beautiful buildings that are steeped in history.”
A third described Cartmel as a “really quaint village”, and another visitor praised it as a “lovely village to wander around” and dubbed it a “foodies’ heaven”.