Abbot Hall Kents Bank
Did you know a donkey once met every train at Kents Bank station — pulling a cart loaded with holidaymakers’ luggage up to Abbot Hall?
Kents Bank‘s Abbot Hall (formerly known as Lambert Manor) is located on an ancient site dating from about 1160.
It stands on the site of an ancient dwelling built for the Abbot of Furness.
At a Glance
🏛️ What it is: Abbot Hall, a historic site in Kents Bank dating back to around 1160, once a resting point for the Abbot of Furness crossing Morecambe Bay
🏚️ Rebuilt: Current mansion dates from the 1840s, commissioned after Mrs Carter’s death by her niece, Miss Mary Lambert
🎓 Past lives: Boys’ preparatory school (c. 1900), Methodist guest house, and Lambert Manor Hotel
🐴 Fun fact: A donkey once collected holidaymakers’ luggage from the station and pulled it to the hotel by cart
🚶 Location: A 5-minute walk from Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
🥾 Nearby walks: Morecambe Bay shoreline, the Cumbria Coastal Way, Hampsfell, and Eggerslack Woods
🚂 Getting there: Easily reached by train via Kents Bank railway station, or by car via the A590
📞 Book your stay: Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, Grange-over-Sands — call 07785944194 or visit www.kentsbankholiday.co.uk
There is little reason to doubt that Abbot Hall was once a resting point from where the Abbot of Furness broke his journey when crossing the sands of Morecambe Bay.
The medieval buildings of Abbot Hall have long since disappeared.
Since the Dissolution of the monasteries, Abbot Hall became, for a long time, a private residence, passing through various families’ hands over the years. In later years, it became a Wesley Guild Holiday Home.
The current mansion was rebuilt in the 1840s after the death of Mrs Carter.
Mrs Carter left the property to her wealthy niece, Miss Mary Lambert, who, perhaps, was the wealthiest lady to ever have lived in Cartmel.
Miss Lambert also built Boarbank Hall and left bequests to St Mary’s church in nearby Allithwaite.
Around 1900, Abbot Hall was a school known as Abbot Hall Preparatory School. It catered for boys aged eight to fifteen.
The headmaster was Mr Hubert Lowry, M.A. and assisted by Mrs Lowry.
For many years, Abbot Hall ran successfully as a Methodist guest house.
It has recently changed hands and is undergoing an upgrade.
Finally, I was told a story by Cecil Hayman, who lived at Kents Bank Railway Station in the 1930s.
He remembered trains stopping at Kents Bank full of passengers going to Abbot Hall for their holidays.
The train was met at the station by the Abbot Hall donkey pulling a cart ready to take their luggage to the hotel.
I presume the donkey in the photograph is the very same donkey, this time pulling a lawnmower.
Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is a 5-minute walk from Abbot Hall.
If you are looking for quality accommodation in Kents Bank and close to Abbot Hall, look no further,
For booking your stay in Kents Bank, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Abbot Hall in Kents Bank, and can you visit it?
Abbot Hall is a historic 16th-century manor house in Kents Bank, near Grange-over-Sands. While it’s a private residence and not open to the public, visitors can admire its impressive exterior and enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery, making it a picturesque stop on walks in the area.
2. Where is Abbot Hall located, and how do I get there?
Abbot Hall is situated in the quiet village of Kents Bank, just south of Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria. It’s easily accessible by train (Kents Bank railway station) or by car via the A590. The hall is a short walk from the railway station, with nearby parking available.
3. What are the best walks near Abbot Hall in Kents Bank?
Kents Bank offers stunning coastal walks, including routes along Morecambe Bay and the Cumbria Coastal Way.
The area also connects to scenic trails like Hampsfell and Eggerslack Woods, perfect for hikers looking for panoramic views of the Lake District and beyond.
4. What is the history of Abbot Hall in Kents Bank?
Dating back to the 1500s, Abbot Hall is one of Kents Bank’s oldest buildings, with ties to local landowning families.
Its architecture reflects traditional Cumbrian design, and while it remains a private home today, its historical significance makes it a notable landmark in the South Lakes region.
5. Is Kents Bank worth visiting for a holiday?
Yes! Kents Bank is a charming coastal village ideal for a peaceful getaway. Alongside Abbot Hall, visitors can explore Morecambe Bay’s shoreline, take scenic train rides on the Furness Line, and enjoy nearby attractions in Grange-over-Sands, such as the ornamental gardens and independent cafes.
Book your stay in Kents Bank, Grange-over-Sands
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday cottage in Grange-over-Sands
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call at 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay. Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on your relaxing holiday near Cartmel, and the Lake District.