The two tiny villages of Low Lorton and High Lorton are situated near the northern end of Lorton Vale, one of Lakeland’s greener and quieter areas halfway between Keswick and Cockermouth. Lorton Vale runs south from the villages, the scenic B5289 road running parallel to the River Cocker, then past Crummock Water and Buttermere, with a third lake, Loweswater, just a mile’s detour from the main road. Walking in the area varies from the gentler strolls on the lake shores, to the more taxing treks in the fells to the south east of the villages. High and Low Lorton are a very short walk apart, with the early 19th century St Cuthbert’s church between them. The other necessities of village – and tourist – life are to be found here too. There is a post office, shop, and welcoming pub, the Wheatsheaf, though sadly Jennings Brewery moved to Cockermouth from its original home in Lorton in 1887. And there is still a small primary school here. The villages may be small, with a combined population of about 250, but they contain two sights well worth seeing. Lorton Hall has a pele tower, a typical Cumbrian fortification used as a refuge during the regular raids by Scots armies and the dreaded reivers – bandits who stole livestock and anything else they could carry. This is not open to the public, but can be seen easily enough. A gentler history attaches to the ancient yew in the village, at least 1,000 years old. Quaker founder George Fox preached to Roundheads beneath the tree; a century later John Wesley spoke there in less violent times; and Wordsworth wrote his poem Yew Trees inspired by it.
Places to Stay near Lorton
The Old Vicarage (0.48 miles)
Winder Hall Country House (0.51 miles)
The Old Homestead (2.15 miles)
The Old Homestead is an award-winning country guest house offering high quality bed and breakfast accommodation in the Lorton Valley in The Lake District National Park. The property consists of ... More
Travelodge Cockermouth (3.86 miles)
Travelodge Cockermouth is located in the Western Lake District approximately 1 mile to the south of Cockermouth town centre at the junction of the A5086 and A66 trunk road. Close by you will find Wordsworth ... More | visit website
Allerdale Court Hotel (3.89 miles)
Now family owned and run, we pride ourselves on warm hospitality, good food and the constant attention to detail that are the hallmarks of The Allerdale Court’s friendly and dedicated staff. We have 21 en-suite ... More | visit website
The Pheasant (3.95 miles)
The Pheasant is a charming old Coaching Inn situated close to Bassenthwaite Lake at the unspoilt, northern end of the Lake District. It is one of the last remaining traditional ... More | visit website
Pheasant (3.95 miles)
Manor House Hotel (4.11 miles)
The Cottage in the Wood (4.13 miles)
The Cottage in the Wood Country Hotel and Restaurant is a former 17th century coaching inn situated in the heart of the Whinlatter forest near Keswick, in one of the most beautiful and dramatic areas ... More | visit websiteLink House (4.13 miles)
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