Welcome to the first of what we hope to be a regular feature, where Alan and Jan Kenny visit various parks in their touring caravan and report back to you our loyal readers and park owners.
“Mrs K and I decided to take our first sojourn in our new-to-us touring caravan to the Vale of Lorton, close to the bustling town of Cockermouth in the North Lakes. There is a phrase often used to describe a place of natural beauty and peace as being ‘a little piece of heaven on earth’ and there could be no finer example than the Vale; and in particular the Wheatsheaf pub and caravan site where touring caravans, motorhomes and tent pitches nestle within the park at the rear of what must be the finest hostelry for many miles around.
The facilities for the camping and touring are spotlessly clean, if not a little quirky, and the food served in the evenings is to die for, but more of that a little later. The pitches are well spaced, with a feeling of privacy and surrounded by a backdrop of majestic hills on all four sides. The babbling river meandering through the village just adds that special touch of magic for those inclined to enjoy the myriad of walks that can be undertaken using the Wheatsheaf as a base to explore this most beautiful of vistas.
On arrival, our inexperience to this new phenomena of touring was only too evident and the help and advice of Stewart and his wife, (who also loaned us an electric extension lead) was invaluable. They own one of the static holiday homes available to rent or buy at the Wheatsheaf and help Mark and Jackie, the owners, keep the park in tip top condition, and are a veritable asset to the park.
Now to my favourite subject, the vast range of craft beers and spirits to be enjoyed in the Wheatsheaf bar; looked after by the fantastic girls, Sally and Kylie, for whom nothing is too much trouble, with ready smiles and a willingness to make your stay pleasurable that brings back fond memories of bygone times when the customer came first.
It would have been rude not to sample a few of the magnificent ales on offer and the lovely Mrs K found the ginger and Rhubarb gin too much of a temptation to resist, and we were grateful that the stroll back to caravan under pleasant skies was not too far. I had decided on the pork steaks, topped with black pudding in a creamy locally sourced mushroom cream sauce was literally the best cuisine I have sampled for many a long year, and then I was served with very generous portion of home made chips that meant my desire to try the deserts could not be fulfilled. Mrs K said the salmon she ordered with salad went beyond all expectations. You really must try the food.
When talking of fantastic landlords and landladies, it must be said that Mark and Jackie probably have no equal in the licencing trade; a ready smile, affable banter and commitment to ensure that every week there is something going on at the Wheatsheaf. Celebrations are already well under way for the Royal wedding at the end of May and a date definitely not to be missed from your diary, 17th, 18th and 20th of August when the BEER & GIN FESTIVAL will take place with live music and open mic for all to enjoy, an event not to missed. By the way if you have bushy eyebrows which I used to sport until Jackie decided to trim them give her a wide berth if she is carrying scissors.
All in all a five star experience for our first time out, no frills but fantastic, food, fare and friendship.
Give the Wheatsheaf caravan and camping site a try, you will definitely not be disappointed. www.wheatsheafinnlorton.co.uk Visited May 2018