Lake District Attractions

	Bridge House, Kendal

The Lake District holds a number of town and villages which are widely regarded as some of the prettiest in England. We have decided to give you some insight into what we have regarded as some of the most fascinating areas within close proximity to 17th Century Orton Hall.

Ambleside
Although Ambleside has been a settlement since pre-Roman times, Ambleside is now largely Victorian. St. Mary’s church is of architectural interest is which was completed in 1854 and designed by George Gilbert Scott a medieval style, it is built mainly of local blue stone and has a sandstone spire, which is an unusual feature for a Lakeland church.

Appleby-in-Westmorland
Set at the heart of the Eden Valley, Appleby is one of the prettiest towns in the North of England. With the town being inhabited for over 1000 years, the town was transferred from Scottish rule to English rule in 1092 but continued to suffer attacks from the Scots and was all but destroyed in 1388.

Bowness on Windermere
Bowness on Windermere is one of Cumbria’s most popular destinations and is now a sprawling tourist town on the shore of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in England. The town was developed after the opening of the railway line from Oxenholme and Kendal to Windermere in 1847 and busy for most of the year, people travel from all over the world for its sailing and water sports and to experience the unique Bowness atmosphere.

Kendal
Situated to the south of the Lake District and only a few miles from the sea, Kendal is the third largest settlement in Cumbria and often affectionately known as ‘The Gateway to the Lakes.’ Not technically part of the National Park, Kendal was for many years one of the most important wool towns in the country and is also famous for its Kendal mint cake, the Everest conquering energy bar originally created by Joseph Wiper. 

Penrith
Penrith is a large town just outside the Lake District National Park, once the capital of Cumbria and positioned at the hub of the Eden Valley, the town is rich in history. Burrowgate and Sandgate, Penrith’s two oldest streets date from the 13th Century and the ruins of Penrith Castle are a popular tourist destination.