Putting the Cart(mel) before the Horse(s)

Putting the Cart(mel) before the Horse(s)

We’d been invited by family to share a Party Tent at the June Cartmel Race Meeting, which is sited just outside the beautiful village of Cartmel on the edge of the English Lake District. We’ve been to these meetings a few times in the past and they’re always great days out, with a fun fair in the centre of the course and lots to do for everyone. This time was slighty different because we’d booked ourselves into the on-course camp site, which meant we could arrive before race day, and stay until Monday.

The drive up was fine and only took an hour (we wisely left it until 4pm on Saturday to set off, as the M6 had been blocked for a while in the morning and traffic was at a standstill until after lunch). We were soon pitched up amongst the caravans and motor homes; Absinthe adding some colour to the white boxes.

We walked into the village on Saturday evening and headed to Unsworth’s Yard, where we could hear entertainment in the shape of an acoustic set. Unsworth’s brewery is on site and we settled down for a few drinks and a pizza.

Unfortunately, whilst the rest of the UK was having a heatwave, Cumbria lived up to its reputation by hitting us with a really heavy rain shower, which had lots of people heading underneath the huge umbrella. No rain equals, no lakes, of course, so we shouldn’t complain.

We headed back to the van later and chilled for a while before turning in for the night. Sunday morning was grey, but dry, with a very strong wind blowing all day.

We met up with Simon and Jodie and their children (and foster kids) around 11am in the Party Tent which was ideally located in the centre of the track. Simon fired up the barbecue and we all shared a picnic and some drinks (us, safe in the knowledge, that we wouldn’t have to drive home).

The rest of the day was spent watching the races and visiting the fun fair.

We had a great day, then headed back to the van for more food and a chill before leaving on Monday morning to drive the hour home. If you haven’t been, then Cartmel is well worth the visit. Simon Rogan owns several places in the village, including L’Enclume, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a fantastic reputation.

Things We’ve Learned

We should take the van to the Lakes more often

It takes special people to be foster parents

I still can’t back more than one winner

The wind off the Atlantic can be flippin’ cold, even at the end of June

We’ll definitely be back to Cartmel

There’s a full set of photos here: Flickr