One of England's prettiest villages is foodie heaven and celeb claim to fame
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".
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Metro
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Daily Mirror
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Henry VIII bestowed Cardigan with its charter in 1543; by the 18th century, it had emerged as southern Wales's most significant seaport. It flourished with a thriving herring trade and shipbuilding sector, whilst its merchant vessels carried fish, slate, bricks, tanning bark, grain, and beer, reports the Express. The town's rich past is mirrored in its diverse architecture, where Georgian structures can still be found, including the renovated Castle House and authentic 17th-century archways. Now, it enjoys a lively small-town character with specialist shops, an independent bakery, a renowned hotel, and designated coastal paths that guide you along the breathtaking coastline. Despite the active community's many draws, it hasn't gained the fame of beloved tourist spots like Tenby or the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. 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Known as the birthplace of the Eisteddfod, Wales's leading cultural festival, the town has always been a hub for storytelling, music, and art. Wandering through its streets, you'll find charming cafes, pubs, and a thriving selection of independent shops and businesses. The beautifully restored Cardigan Castle, the first stone castle built by a Welshman and the site of the inaugural Eisteddfod in 1176, sits at the heart of the town. This ancient Norman fortress, originally rebuilt in 1244, underwent a £12 million refurbishment in 2015, restoring its status as the town's crowning glory. With a history that spans over 900 years, the Castle has weathered numerous fierce power struggles between Wales and England. Today, it stands as a vibrant heritage site featuring a museum, restaurant, open-air concert venue, and Grade II-listed pleasure gardens. According to Discover Ceredigion, the Castle also holds cultural significance. 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In addition to Mwldan, St Mary's, a Grade II-listed church dating back to the 12th century, serves as the main venue for the November Other Voices festival concerts, featuring contemporary Welsh musicians of international acclaim. A medley of smaller venues, from cellar bars to art galleries and bakeries, contribute to the vibrant atmosphere along the festival's music trail around town. Nearby, Small World is an eco-conscious theatre company that creates giant puppets, public events, and art commissions. This wildly inventive, near-zero-carbon space hosts family-friendly events such as children's theatre shows featuring live music and puppetry. For a truly unforgettable experience, Cardigan Castle hosts a variety of performances. The Castle's breathtaking surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for choirs, bands, opera performances, and concerts. 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This waymarked trail can be split into seven achievable segments, each concluding in a town or village offering lodging and transport links. You can also opt to complete the entire route over a week or pick shorter segments, such as New Quay to Aberaeron or the 11.7-mile section from Cardigan to Aberporth. Remarkable highlights en route include the striking Mwnt headland, Birds Rock's avian life, the tidal island of Ynys Lochtyn, and the expansive Ynyslas dunes. Wildlife encounters are common; watch for bottlenose dolphins, seals, and even porpoises along the stone-scattered cliffs and inlets. The path starts in Cardigan at its southern terminus, where the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Coast Paths meet. This ancient town, formerly the biggest port on Wales's western shore, gives its name to Cardigan Bay. A bronze otter sculpture, positioned beside a harbourside wall bearing verse by local author Ceri Wyn Jones, signals the official beginning of the route. As you leave the town, the route takes you along the north bank of the River Teifi, past farmland and the likely location of the original wooden Cardigan Castle, hastily built to control river and sea access. The journey carries on past the Cardigan Golf Club and the Victorian-era Cliff Hotel, once part of a grand scheme to turn this coastline into a rival for Brighton. From there, it's a picturesque clifftop stroll towards Aberporth, offering expansive sea views and a coastline dotted with caves, sea stacks, and rock formations bearing intriguing local names like Hatling Bigni, Pen Peles, and Pencestyll. These rocky landmarks were once vital reference points for sailors navigating this wild stretch of coast. Planning a weekend stay? The town and surrounding area offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and campsites. You can compare prices and book on Airbnb and Portia's top hotel choice is conveniently situated right in the town centre. 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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
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Lionel Messi's six luxury hotels featuring £43 Ballon d'Or dessert and superstar's 'personal touches'
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