The Hidden Charms of Allithwaite

Where can you see Blackpool Tower and the Lake District fells from the same spot, walk to the headland where England’s last wolf is said to have been killed, and end the day with a hand-pulled pint in the village pub?

The answer is Allithwaite, a small village on the edge of Morecambe Bay with more hidden charms than its size suggests.

Come and explore the hidden charms of Allithwaite, which has an altitude higher than other villages around the Morecambe Bay coast.

Allithwaite is a small village situated 2 miles north-west of Grange-over-Sands in the Lake District.

It is possible to easily see the Lake District mountains and Blackpool Tower from here.

Allithwaite at a Glance

Location: 2 miles north-west of Grange-over-Sands, on the edge of the Lake District National Park
Nearest neighbour: The medieval village of Cartmel, just over a mile away
Original name: Hailinstone, from the Old Norse for “Halle’s clearing”
The view: Higher than other villages around Morecambe Bay, with views of the Lake District mountains and Blackpool Tower
Don’t miss: Humphrey Head, a limestone headland reaching into Morecambe Bay, with its legendary holy well and the tale of England’s last wolf
Historic highlights: St Mary’s Church (completed 1866), Wraysholme Tower Farm (15th-century pele tower) and Boarbank Hall
Local produce: Handcrafted ice cream, milk, butter, yoghurt and cheese from Wraysholme Tower Farm and Creamery
Eat and drink: The Pheasant Inn, with real ale and family-friendly food
Village facilities: Community centre, sports fields, bowling green and tennis courts
Getting there: M6 junction 36 by road, or Kents Bank railway station by train
Where to stay: Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, call 07785 944194

It is just over a mile from the medieval village of Cartmel.

The original name of Allithwaite was Hailinstone from the old Norse – Halle’s clearing.

It consisted of a core of old buildings constructed of limestone taken from a local quarry. Incidentally, the quarry was worked until 1939.

Back in the 17th century, the village had its own corn mill and later a brewery.

Quarrying was the main industry at the time.

In 1914, the village had a football team with its base in the Old Brewery.

Allithwaite Institute had a reading room, a billiard room which had been added in 1905 and had 13 committee members.

At one time, Allithwaite had a post office, a Co-op, 2 pubs, a butcher and a grocer. Sadly, most have long gone.

The village still has one pub (The Pheasant Inn), a community centre and sports fields, including a bowling green and tennis courts.

On the outskirts of the village is Humphrey Head. It is a large limestone outcrop within easy walking distance of the village.

This headland extends well into Morecambe Bay, offering a spectacular view.

It is believed the last wolf in England was killed here around 700 years ago.

For centuries, people believed that water from a holy well at Humphrey Head contained a miracle cure.

Its underlying springs contain a natural painkiller and antiseptic from the remains of white willow trees that once grew here.

Notable buildings in Allithwaite

Other notable buildings in Allithwaite are:

St Mary’s Church
Allithwaite Primary School
Wraysholme Tower Farm
The Old Vicarage Residential Home
Boarbank Hall

Wraysholme Tower Farm was built by the Harringtons in the late 15th century. The farmhouse, dating back to 1848, stands on the site of a hall block on the west side.

The farm and buildings huddle below the 15th-century pele.

The tower was a legacy of the Border Wars when the Border Reivers crossed the Debatable Lands from Scotland, intent on rustling stock.

The Morris family runs the 122-acre Wraysholme Tower Farm and Creamery.

Paul Morris is the fifth generation of farmers here. He looks after more than 80 Holstein pedigree cows with Dad Steve.

Because of their breeding, the cows have high protein and high butterfat content, which makes all kinds of dairy products ideal.

Every product on the premises—including ice cream, cream, milk, butter, yoghurt, and cheese is handcrafted.

Boarbank Hall and a Remarkable Local Legacy

Just outside Allithwaite stands Boarbank Hall, which was originally known as Boar Bank Cottage.

It was once the home of a wealthy local woman, Miss Mary Lambert, who also had connections with nearby Abbot Hall in Kents Bank.

When Miss Lambert died in 1851, she left a very large sum of money for her day to fund a new church for Allithwaite village.

Her will also provided for a schoolhouse, a parsonage and a home for the schoolmistress, all to be built on land that she donated.

She went further still, placing £5,000 with the Bishop of Chester to endow the vicar’s salary, along with a number of other gifts.

The Bishop continues to hold the patronage of the living to this day.

The Church of St Mary was finally completed in 1866, when Allithwaite welcomed its first independent vicar.

It remains at the heart of the village and is well worth a visit.

Boarbank Hall itself later took on a new role. In 1954 it became a Roman Catholic guest house and nursing home, and at one point sixteen Augustinian sisters were living on the site.

Where to eat in Allithwaite

The Pheasant Inn is now the only pub in Allithwaite. It has been run by the Jones family since 2005.

As a traditional village pub, real ale is one of the main features of the bar, with different hand-pulled cask beers available.

Food is served in the contemporary dining room and is focused on good, honest dishes that appeal to all, making it appealing to families.

The Allithwaite area, including Kents Bank, makes a great base to book a holiday cottage.

Furthermore, with easy, lovely walks from Allithwaite and with easy access to the Lake District, Allithwaite is worth exploring for your next holiday.

Where to stay near Allithwaite

If you are looking for accommodation in the Allithwaite area, Kents Bank Holiday is an ideal place in Grange-over-Sands to stay.

Click here for enquiries or ring 07785944194.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Where is Allithwaite located?

Allithwaite is a charming village in Cumbria, on the edge of the Lake District National Park. It sits close to Grange-over-Sands and offers easy access to popular destinations such as Windermere and Cartmel. Staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage places you within a short drive of these attractions while enjoying the peace of a coastal village.

2) What can I do while staying in Allithwaite?

Allithwaite is ideal for walkers, nature lovers, and those looking to explore traditional Cumbrian life. You can enjoy coastal walks along Morecambe Bay, visit the nearby Cartmel Priory, or explore Holker Hall and Gardens. After a day out, you can relax at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage, a comfortable base for your adventures.

3) Is Allithwaite a good place for families?

Yes, Allithwaite is a family-friendly village with a welcoming community feel. Children can enjoy local walks, wildlife spotting, and nearby attractions like the Lakeland Miniature Village. Families staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage benefit from a homely environment with plenty of space to relax.

4) How do I get to Allithwaite?

Allithwaite is easily reached by road via the M6 motorway, exiting at junction 36. The nearest train station is Kents Bank, just minutes away, making it convenient for guests staying at Kents Bank Holiday Cottage who prefer to travel without a car.

5) Why choose Kents Bank Holiday Cottage in Allithwaite?

Kents Bank Holiday Cottage offers a cosy retreat in a peaceful location, with stunning views and easy access to both the coast and the Lake District. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups looking to explore Allithwaite and the surrounding area while enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped holiday home.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a Lake District Holiday Cottages near Allithwaite in Grange-over-Sands that is pet-friendly, click here.

How to Book Kents Bank Cottage

Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 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 looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.