STORIES FROM THE
EDGE OF THE LAKES
There’s something about Grange-over-Sands, a sense of stillness, a salty breeze from the bay, the quiet charm of a town that moves at its own beautiful pace. But beyond the views and the comforts of our hotel, there’s a world waiting to be explored, and we’re here to help you uncover it.
The Grange Journal is where we share everything that makes this place so special. It’s more than a blog, it’s a collection of stories, seasonal tips, and handpicked recommendations written by people who know and love this corner of Cumbria.
Whether you’re planning your next escape, already booked in for a stay at The Grange Hotel, or simply daydreaming about the Lake District, these articles are your guide to discovering more, both within our hotel and beyond it.
Your Shopping Guide to the Lake District
Your Shopping Guide to the Lake District
The Lake District may be known for its mountains and lakes — but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a treasure trove of independent shops, artisan producers, and scenic market towns. Whether you’re in search of handmade gifts, boutique fashion, or award-winning local produce, this guide has you covered.
And the best part? Many of these destinations are just a short drive from the Grange Hotel.
Local Gems in Grange-over-Sands
- Yew Tree Barn & Harry’s Café Bar (Low Newton)
- Distance: 10 minutes by car
- Why go: Antique centre, gift shop, art gallery, and café A beautifully curated space offering vintage furniture, home décor, ceramics, books, and seasonal gifts. Harry’s Café upstairs is perfect for coffee or lunch after a browse. Yew Tree Barn
- Grange Boutique Shops
- Head to Main Street and the surrounding lanes for independent traders selling jewellery, books, cards, clothes, and secondhand treasures. Notable stops include:
- Prom Art on the Promenade – Local artwork is displayed along the Promenade on selected summer Sundays.
- Choco Lori – artisan chocolates made in Cumbria
- Cartmel Village Shops
- Distance: 10 minutes Home to the famous Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding Shop, plus wine merchants, bakeries, delis, and a monthly food market. It’s the perfect place to stock up on foodie gifts.
- Cartmel Farmers Market
- When: 3rd Friday of the month Expect everything from handmade cheeses and preserves to Cumbrian sausages and sweet treats. Held at the village hall — a real community favourite.
- Ulverston Market Town
- Distance: 25 minutes
- When: Twice weekly (Thurs & Sat) Ulverston is one of the area’s most characterful towns, and the covered market is great for fresh produce, flowers, handmade gifts, and even vinyl records.
- Ambleside & Grasmere Boutiques
- Distance: 45 mins–1 hour
- Great for art lovers, outdoor wear, and handmade gifts
Don’t miss:
- Heaton Cooper Studio (Grasmere) – Lake District landscapes and prints
- Old Courthouse Gallery (Ambleside) – ceramics, sculpture, and more
- Herdy Store (Grasmere) – iconic Cumbrian sheep-themed gifts
- Hawkshead Relish Company Shop
- Distance: 50 minutes Award-winning chutneys, pickles, and jams that make perfect souvenirs. The small shop is well-stocked and welcoming. Hawkshead Relish
- Keswick Outdoor Hub
- Distance: 1 hr 15 mins
If your visit involves hiking or water activities, Keswick is your one-stop destination for kit. Explore:
- George Fisher – premium outdoor wear and expert advice
- Cotswold Outdoor & Alpkit
- Rohan – travel and walking clothes
- Lakeland, Windermere
- Distance: 35 minutes A household name for home cooking, storage, and gadgetry. The flagship store features cooking demos and a café, too. Lakeland
- Sam Read Bookseller, Grasmere
- Historic independent bookshop with a fantastic range of nature writing, poetry, and Lake District literature.
- Great for rainy-day mooching and gift-worthy reads.
- Hayes Garden World, Ambleside
- Massive indoor shopping space with everything from gardening gear to Christmas décor, homeware, toys, and food gifts. Hayes Garden World
- Cartmel sticky toffee pudding
- Kendal mint cake (great for hikes too!)
- Lake District gin or whisky
- Hand-thrown pottery and local art
- Sheep-themed Herdy merchandise
