2 Best Sights in Cartmel, The Lake District

Founded in 1190, the huge Cartmel Priory survived the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century because it was also the village church. Four monks and 10 villagers were hanged, however. The 25 wooden misericords are from 1440 and include a carved depiction of the Green Man, with a face made of leaves. Guided tours usually take place every Wednesday from April to October at 11 am and 2 pm.

The red sandstone towers of sprawling Holker Hall, still the home of the Cavendish family, rise above elegant English gardens. Much of the house was rebuilt in Elizabethan style after an 1871 fire, and it has a fine cantilevered staircase and a library with more than 3,000 books. Topiaries, a labyrinth, and an enormous lime tree are the highlights of the 25 manicured acres of gardens. Special events and festivals take place here regularly.