Boutique Festivities in the Heart of the Lake District
Welcome to Christmas at Cartmel Old Grammar
As winter arrives in the Lake District, the air sharpens, the skies deepen, and a quiet kind of magic settles over Cartmel. It is here, at the southern tip of the Lakes, where tradition and tranquillity meet—and where our old grammar school, reborn as a boutique retreat, readies itself for the most anticipated season of all.
Enjoy glasses of mulled wine by the fire, brandy-soaked fruitcake in the bay window, carols at the village Priory, and laughter over long, lingering dinners in The Refectory. It’s the joy of gifting—thoughtful, simple, and lasting—and the sense of being surrounded by beauty, comfort, and a little old-fashioned cheer.
Whether you’re joining us for a restorative winter stay, gathering your loved ones for a Christmas celebration, or raising a glass at our glittering New Year’s Eve Black Tie Gala Dinner, our team is here to welcome you like family—and to offer the kind of hospitality that feels both refined and heartwarming.
Throughout December, Cartmel Old Grammar welcomes both residents and non-residents alike to savour the quieter pleasures of the season. With the fire always lit, the tree standing tall, and soft carols floating through the stairwells, our historic home becomes a place to retreat, recharge, and reconnect.
The Refectory Restaurant & Lounge Bar
Our restaurant, The Refectory, is a calm, candlelit space where seasonal produce takes centre stage. In December, the menu leans gently festive: roasted winter roots, estate-aged cheeses, pheasant with spiced red cabbage, and rich desserts touched with orange and dark chocolate.
Expect Lake District ingredients prepared with precision and grace, served alongside wines curated for lingering afternoons and soft winter light. Lunch with friends or festive gatherings of quite a few, the Refectory is a place celebration and festive elegance.
The Lounge Bar is stocked for the season, and our team has crafted a short, elegant list of winter drinks designed to warm the soul. You’ll find mulled wine steeped in spices, seasonal G&Ts featuring locally foraged botanicals, velvet-smooth sloe gin sours and single malts by the fire from our extensive whisky collection.
Non-residents welcome. Reservations recommended for lunch and festive gatherings.
The Perfect Christmas
Join us for
New Year’s Eve
Black tie gala Wednesday 31st December
Step into an evening of candlelight, sparkle, and celebration as Cartmel Old Grammar opens its doors for a black-tie New Year’s Eve Gala — a night of exceptional food, fine fizz, warm hospitality, and refined festivities in our beautifully restored 18th-century house.
Option one: Gala Dinner Experience
Price per person: £165.00
Please enquire for tickets via email or phone.
7.30pm arrival time
Includes:
• Champagne and canapes on arrival
• Five-course gala dinner
• Live music and dancing
• Access throughout the restaurant, lounges, main bar and lounge bar
• Fireworks on the terrace
This is a rare chance to celebrate with us, even if you’re not staying overnight. Join us for an unforgettable evening in Cartmel’s most elegant setting.
Please note: limited spaces available for non-resident’s. Advanced booking is essential.
Option two: Residential Gala Stay
Price per room based on 2 nights for 2 people.
Comfy Rooms: £750
Grand Rooms: £830
Superior Rooms: £860
Check in 3pm
Includes:
• Two-night stay in one of our luxury rooms (check-in??)
• New Year’s Eve Gala dinner and party as above
• Breakfast and Bloody Mary bar
Stay overnight and enjoy the full experience, from arrival drinks to a long lie-in on New Year’s Day. No need to book a taxi – just float upstairs at the end of the night.
The Celebration
• Dress code: Black Tie
• Fizz, firelight and fireworks
• Live music and dancing throughout the night
• Carriages at 2am
Whether you are just joining us for an evening or making a long weekend of it, New Year’s Eve at Cartmel Old Grammar promises glamour, generosity, and just the right amount of mischief.