Self Catering in Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District

Richmond self catering cottage in the Cumbrian village of Orton is surrounded by magnificent , unspoilt countryside and is within easy reach of the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. This is an ideal central location for those wanting to explore interesting places by car, by bicycle or on foot. It has a well- stocked shop and post office, Kennedy’s chocolate factory, two tearooms, the George Hotel and Pub. Many buildings are between two and three hundred years old and the church standing proudly at the head of the village dates from the 16th Century. A farmer’s market is held once a month on a Saturday. The charter for a market was granted by Edward 1st.

Nearby Cumbrian Towns

Orton is within easy reach of three popular towns with a wealth of activities, places of historic and cultural interest reached via picturesque routes:

APPLEBY - 9 miles
Delightful market town on the river Eden with its own Castle. Home of the famous annual horse fair .See the famous Eden Benchmark Sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy. Gain access to the Pennines – try visiting High Cup Nick via Duften or take a trip on the Carlisle to Settle Railway. Swimming pool and tennis courts available for use by visitors.

PENRITH - 20 minutes
Lots of historical interest with two medieval castles – Penrith Castle and Broom Castle, Henge monuments – Arthur’s Seat and Mayburgh Henge. For the energetic North Lakes Spa with gym, sauna and pool. Panoramic views from the Beacon Viewpoint. Wetheriggs Pottery – an ideal day out for the children, who can make and paint their own pots. The start to the award winning Scenic drive along the A 685 to Alston and the High Pennines taking in the well known Melmerby bakery – good organic food, cakes and drinks. See unusual animals at the Ostrich Centre at Langwathby. Try falconry at Lowther Castle on the way to Penrith; this has been described as the best day out ever by some visitors!

KENDAL - 20 minutes
An interesting former leather producing town with dozens of old tanning yards. Excellent cultural centre with the thriving Brewery Arts Centre containing a theatre, exhibitions and cimema. Concerts can heard in the Westmorland Hall and the Abbott Hall is an award winning art gallery for those interested in art.

History

An abundance of medieval castles and churches including Brough and Barnard Castle are to be found in the local area. Visit Henge monuments and ancient settlements on Great Asby Scar 2 miles, Crosby Ravensworth (6 miles), and Smardale Valley (6 miles). Stone circles abound - one just outside Orton, Gamelands and another at Little Salkeld (12 miles) with a flour mill and tea shop to visit as well. Museum lovers can visit the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle or Tullie Museum in Carlisle.

Art, Literature and Music

THEATRES & EVENTS
Visit the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick or Brewery Arts in Kendal
Poets and authors – the literary connection – visit homes and gardens throughout Cumbria, which have inspired so much of our poetry and literature - Wordsworth, Ruskin, Southey, Coleridge etc
Lake District Music Festival – go to interesting venues and hear internationally renowned musicians every summer

Lots of brochures in the apartment detailing these places and activities

Grasmere is one of the many Lakeland villages within a short drive from Orton

The village of Orton
The beautiful Cumbrian village of Orton

Sunset over Ullswater - The Lake District is on your doorstep from Orton Hall

Theatre by the Lake is one of the many attractions in The Lake District