Lorton
A small quite village in the north-west of the lake district.
Lorton is situated in the valley bottom on the road mid-way between Cockermouth and Keswick, approximately 11 km (7 miles) from Keswick.
This puts Lorton at the north end of the Lorton Vale, a beautiful pastoral valley linking the high fells of Buttermere with the market town of Cockermouth - 6.4 km (4 miles) away.
The river Cocker runs the full length of the Vale, its fast-flowing streams were used to power flour and linen mills in the village between 1700 and 1800.
In the village itself, the complex of buildings either side of Boon Beck bridge started like as a water-powered lined mill, but later became the site of a brewery under the ownership of the local Jennings family. Jennings Brewery is now a major company in Cockermouth where it was relocated in 1887. Lorton's village hall was once the original brewery malt house. High Mill was once a water powered centre of industry, just one of the many mills in the area.
Established in 1809, Lorton school is still thriving, with over 70 pupils. Next door to the school are four tennis courts - 2 hard, 2 grass, and the pavilion of the very-active tennis club. Members of all ages support this club well. Visitors to the village are very welcome to use these facilities for a nominal charge.
Some would say that Lorton's claim to fame is the famous Yew tree of which William Wordsworth wrote his famous poem, Wordsworth's birthplace is in Cockermouth, where his home is open to the public and well worth a visit.
The village has a shop, post office and of course a pub which serves delicious food.
There are two private estates in the village, Lorton Park built in the 19th century, with an attractive high-walled garden and gateway. Within its grounds is a smokehouse used for smoking fish and hams. At Low Lorton is Lorton Hall which was built around the 15th century.
There are many walks around the village, Buttermere and Crummockwater being close at hand. The coast to coast cycle route passes through the village. This is a very pleasant cycling area. This is a peaceful village with many historic associations set in beautiful countryside and well worth visiting.
Description kindly supplied by Christine Edmunds, Meadow Bank, Lorton
Accommodation
Bed and breakfast
Meadow Bank
Meadow bank is a comfortable detached house where a warm welcome awaits
you. Situated in the picturesque village of High Lorton, within easy reach
of the northern lakes of Buttermere and Crummock Water, Loweswater, Bassenthwaite
and Derwentwater. A beautiful area. Tennis, golf, horse riding, swimming
and fishing are all nearby.
Accommodation:
1 double room with private bathroom
1 twin-bedded room en-suite bathroom and tea/coffee facilities
Lounge with colour TV and a cosy log fire. Large garden which can be used.
Ample parking at the front of the house
Breakfast 8.00 am to 9.00 am or other times by arrangement. Special diets by arrangement. Packed lunches available.
Self catering
Groom Cottage - Lakeland Cottage Holidays
Lorton, Cumbria
Tel: 017687 71071
fax: 017687 75036
email: info@lakelandcottages.co.uk
Lady Cottage - Lakeland Cottage Holidays
Lorton, Cumbria
Tel: 017687 71071
fax: 017687 75036
email: info@lakelandcottages.co.uk