Morland: historic church, gardens and village history

Morland is an old village in the Eden Valley; its history dates back to the 1st century. If you are considering a stay, you will find specific points of interest in the village’s history, an 11th-century parish church and a Victorian garden. The themes range from historic village life and architecture to walking paths and circular walks.

Village history and church architecture

The village’s development in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries centred on the mill, the church, the chapels and the school. The history of the mill leat is also part of this industrial heritage: it supplied water to the waterwheel at Morland’s sawmill. This waterwheel also powered the mill machinery. The church and the mill can therefore be considered as distinct aspects of local history, without reducing them to the same function.

The parish Church of St Laurence dates from the 11th century. Its tower was built before the Norman Conquest of England, is Saxon in style and is considered the only tower of its kind in the North West. A surviving 11th-century doorway leads into the nave. These features give a visit a specific architectural focus: the early tower and the doorway are distinct elements of the church building and can each be considered in their own right.

St Lawrence Church is open daily in daylight hours and has information panels about its historical and architectural features. If you are travelling to Morland specifically to visit the church, check the opening information before your visit. The Morland Choristers’ Camp is also part of the church’s annual programme: this week-long event takes place every year and is for children aged 9 to 17. The programme includes singing, sacred and secular music, and outdoor activities; the camp aims to introduce participants to the Christian faith. If you would like to combine your trip with the camp, check the event dates in advance.

Morland House Gardens and the landscape

Morland House Gardens cover four acres of extensively landscaped Victorian gardens, arranged around Morland Beck. Riverside walks and views of the Pennines complement the gardens. Their named areas include a Victorian quarry garden, a cliff path and a grotto. A visit to the gardens therefore brings both the Victorian design and individual distinctive areas into focus. The gardens are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm; if you are planning a visit specifically, please check the opening hours in advance.

Morland’s landscape is considered transitional farmland between lowland and upland landscapes. In the Cumbria Landscape Assessment, it is classified as “Intermediate Farmland”. This classification describes the landscape as transitional, rather than assigning Morland solely to either lowland or upland.

Circular walks and cycling

A free walking guide describes and maps four circular walks starting from Morland. Each is between three and four miles long. The four routes offer a manageable choice within a similar length range; the guide helps you compare the routes using their respective descriptions. National Cycle Route 71 passes the gate to Morland House. If you are planning a cycle ride along this route, check the route conditions in advance.

When choosing where to stay in Morland, your travel interests can provide a simple guiding thread: church architecture and village history offer a different focus from garden paths, views or circular walks. Those especially interested in the village’s history will find distinct historical themes in the church and in accounts of the mill and sawmill. For a stay focused on the landscape, the garden paths and the described walking routes take centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Grange Over Sands, Camerton, Gamblesby, Storth, Silecroft, Winton, Kirkby Thore, Kirkby Lonsdale.

See the main travel overview: Cumbria.