Attractions and Places To See around Orton - Top 20

Orton and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Carlisle Cathedral, an Augustinian priory founded in 1122, known for its medieval choir stalls and stained glass. Another significant site is Carlisle Castle, a medieval fortress from 1092 that played a crucial role on England’s northwestern border. Don't miss St Michael's Church, Burgh by Sands, a fortified church built with stones from Hadrian's Wall, where King Edward I lay in state.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle offer engaging historical experiences for all ages. Additionally, River Eden Bridge and Rickerby Park War Memorial are located within Rickerby Park, a traditional Victorian parkland perfect for walks and outdoor activities with children.

The Orton area offers beautiful natural landscapes. The River Eden Bridge provides scenic views over the River Eden and connects to Rickerby Park. Beyond the immediate vicinity, the Orton Fells and Orton Scar are limestone hills offering stunning views and areas of limestone pavement, ideal for fell walking. Sunbiggin Tarn is also an unusual small lake important for its birdlife.

The region around Orton is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For cycling, explore routes like the 'River Caldew at Cummersdale – Carlisle Castle loop' or the 'Buckabank Track – Greystoke Village Cross loop'. Runners can enjoy trails such as the 'Bird Feeding Station – Watchtree Nature Reserve loop'. Hikers have options like the 'Rickerby Park War Memorial – River Eden Bridge loop' or the 'Watchtree Nature Reserve – Bird Feeding Station loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the dedicated guides for Cycling around Orton, Running Trails around Orton, and Hiking around Orton.

Beyond the main attractions, Orton, Cumbria, offers unique local experiences. You can visit Kennedy's Chocolate Factory for handmade chocolates or explore the monthly Farmers Market, held on the second Saturday, showcasing local food and craft producers. The village itself is charming, with many 17th and 18th-century stone-faced or whitewashed cottages that reflect its traditional character.

St Michael's Church, Burgh by Sands is a Grade I-listed fortified church with a rich history. It was originally built in the 12th century using stones from the Roman fort of Aballava, part of Hadrian's Wall. King Edward I died near this site in 1307, and his body lay in state here. The church features two fortified towers, one of which served as a shelter during border conflicts, and its architecture is a mix of Norman and Gothic styles.

Carlisle Cathedral, though one of England's smaller ancient cathedrals, is full of detail. Visitors can admire old stone carvings, intricate medieval choir stalls, and beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1122 and became a cathedral in 1133, offering a serene and historically rich atmosphere.

Carlisle Castle was founded in 1092 by William II and served as a crucial fortress on England’s northwestern border with Scotland. It has endured more sieges than any other place in the British Isles. Its history includes imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots in the 16th century and playing a role in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. You can explore its 12th-century gatehouse, Tudor gun platform, and the keep with its 15th-century carvings.

A walk across the River Eden Bridge and into Rickerby Park offers both scenic beauty and historical context. The footbridge itself was built in 1922 as a memorial for the fallen of the First World War. Within Rickerby Park, you'll also find the Rickerby Park War Memorial, and the Hadrian's Wall Path long-distance trail runs through the park, adding another layer of historical interest to your stroll.

Absolutely. The Orton Fells and Orton Scar provide excellent opportunities for fell walking. These limestone hills offer stunning areas of limestone pavement and, on a clear day, views can extend to Blackpool Tower, the Lake District, and the Howgill Fells from Orton Scar. These areas are perfect for those looking for more challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic vistas.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Sunbiggin Tarn is a notable spot. This unusual small lake is important for its diverse birdlife and other animals, making it a great place for birdwatching and observing local fauna in a tranquil setting.

Visitors appreciate the rich blend of history and natural beauty. The historical sites like Carlisle Cathedral and Carlisle Castle are praised for their well-preserved architecture and engaging stories. The scenic viewpoints, such as the River Eden Bridge, are loved for their picturesque settings and connection to local parks. The komoot community has shown strong approval, with over 70 upvotes and 40 photos shared for the attractions in the area, highlighting their appeal.