Orton

An ancient village to the north east of Kendal, Orton has a beck which runs through the village and two bridges which cross at either end. With pretty stonewashed cottages which date back hundreds of years Orton also has a set of original stocks on the village green and although the village church of All Saints has been rebuilt over the years, the original west tower is still standing and houses eight bells. Both tranquil and picturesque the village has an inn, tearooms and is also home to Kennedy’s Chocolate Factory Shop, a draw for chocolate aficionados from all over the world.

The factory shop, founded in March 1991 by brother and sister team David and Alison Kennedy, supplies many of the local chocolate and gift shops with their fine confectionary. There is also a conservatory style coffee house which offers a great range of homemade food including soups, ice creams, cakes and pastries.

Orton Hall is located on the southern edge of Orton Village in Cumbria. Many of the village houses were built in the 18th century and have remained virtually unaltered in outside appearance since. A magnificent Norman church stands guard over the village. The pace of life is slow and offers a truly relaxed and friendly country holiday.

Alfred Wainwright in his book "Westmorland's Heritage" writes:

"Orton is one of the loveliest of Westmorland's villages, a pretty rural settlement built around a central green with two streams crossed by many footbridges and having numerous venerable buildings and a fine church on a hill overlooking tranquil countryside."

Orton Village hosts the nationally acclaimed Orton Farmers' Market every second Saturday of the month. Orton is the National Farmers' Market of the Year 2005 and the first accredited farmers' market in Britain. Please click here to go to the Orton Farmers Website

The immediate area offers some of the best countryside in England. Orton is set within a triangle formed by the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Eden Valley all of which reached over quiet country roads and are no more than 20 minutes away.