Fifth most picturesque village in England with delicious claim to fame is foodie paradise

A village on the edge of the Lake District National Park has been lauded for its beautiful walks and fascinating history - and it is perfect for food lovers thanks to its delicious claim to fame.

Cartmel, which was named the fifth prettiest village in England by Independent Cottages, is the home of the sticky toffee pudding.

The village shop came up with the idea for a take-home version of the dish in the late 1980s, and continues to sell its famous dessert, which is handmade with 100% natural ingredients.

It explains that the sticky toffee pudding was made in the shop’s back kitchen, but word soon got out and “everybody wanted some”.

The site reads: “We had to move the kitchen, but it’s still handmade, and there’s still nothing to match it. That’s why Cartmel is the home of Sticky Toffee.”

The village’s history stretches over hundreds of years, and Cartmel Priory - which is still a place of worship today - dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can enjoy picture-perfect streets with independent shops, as well as country pubs and inns.

Despite its small size, Cartmel is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants - Rogan & Co and L’Enclume. Rogan & Co has been praised by the Michelin Guide for its “dark wood beams and welcoming open fires” and menu which lists “skilfully prepared, understated dishes that make great use of creative ingredient and flavour combinations”. Diners can enjoy six courses from a seasonal menu for £95, or try the set lunch menu which is available Wednesday to Saturday and is priced at £49 for three courses.

Nearby L’Enclume is the only restaurant to hold three Michelin stars outside of London and the Southeast. The Michelin Guide said: “Every element is prepared with one eye on sustainability and another on maximum flavour, like the Orkney scallop dusted with a powder of its own roe.”

Cartmel also has a racecourse which hosts a slew of events throughout the year and nearby Holker Hall is also a great day out. Visitors opened up about their experiences in the village on TripAdvisor, with one saying: “Cartmel is one of my favourite spots on this planet, I try to visit at least a couple of times a year and each time is as lovely as the last.”

Another wrote: “It’s a stunning village with so many beautiful walks in and around it. There are lots of cute and quirky shops, bars and amazing places to eat alongside some beautiful buildings that are steeped in history.”

A third said that Cartmel was a “really quaint village”, while one visitor called it a “lovely village to wander around” in and a “foodies’ heaven”.