Orton: Village History and Panoramic Views

Orton combines a rural hilltop setting with a historic village and far-reaching views across Warwickshire. The designated Conservation Area brings together the village centre around St Edith’s Church and the more formal buildings along Main Street. This gives you two distinct themes to consider when planning your holiday: the open landscape of the ridge and the area’s buildings and history.

The Ridge and Village Scene

The Orton-on-the-Hill Conservation Area is in open countryside on a high ridge. From Orton on the Hill, there are far-reaching panoramic views down into Warwickshire and beyond. The designated area includes the historic village centre around St Edith’s Church, as well as the more formal buildings along Main Street. The contrast between the historic centre and the buildings on the main road offers two different perspectives on the village scene.

The Conservation Area extends beyond the church: it also includes The Old Rectory, village farms and houses of former agricultural workers. The area also covers the site of the former manor house and its parkland. Thus, traces of a former manor are part of the village’s history, alongside the buildings that shaped village life.

St Edith’s Church and Its History

St Edith’s is a parish church dating from the early 14th century; later alterations and additions are also part of its architectural history. Inside, the box pews and pulpit date from the 18th century. The so-called “stump” of the church is Orton’s third known church spire. This unusual detail adds a distinctive story about the church tower to the building’s history.

During British Summer Time, St Edith’s is open every Saturday and Sunday. At other times, visits can be arranged by contacting the church. If you plan to include the church in your trip, take this seasonal arrangement into account and check the opening information before travelling.

Orton Hall and William Worthington

Orton Hall was rebuilt as a modern Georgian manor house in 1786. The family crest is still visible on the stone pillars at the entrance to the former drive. The building’s history and the crest offer different ways to explore the history of the Hall.

Another local landmark commemorates William Worthington: his blue plaque is at The Unicorn, 20 Main Street. It identifies Worthington as the founder of the Worthington Brewery in Burton-upon-Trent, established in 1761. The plaque thus connects a name from local history with the history of a brewery in Burton-upon-Trent.

A Footpath to Consider in Your Plans

If you would like to include a walk alongside the historic sites in your plans, T1 is a clearly identified point of reference. The footpath starts at Pipe Lane in Orton on the Hill and leads to footpath S99. This gives you a choice of a specific route as well as the village’s cultural and landscape attractions when planning your trip.

Choose Orton for Your Holiday

When looking for a holiday cottage in Orton, you can consider which theme you would like to shape your stay: the rural hilltop setting and panoramic views, the architectural history of St Edith’s and Orton Hall, or the memory of William Worthington. These features give the village a distinctive character for travellers who want to include cultural history and landscape in their holiday plans. When planning your stay, also check whether St Edith’s seasonal opening times suit your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Broughton Astley, Sibson, Buckminster, Shepshed, Great Easton, Sproxton, Coalville, Old Dalby.

For the main travel overview: Leicestershire.