5 GREAT REASONS TO MOVE TO WEST CUMBRIA

As a new and unique community development, nestled in a rural haven on the west coast of Cumbria, WELLBANK PARK is itself reason enough for a move to Cumbria! However, for readers not familiar with the area, in this blog, we provide a wider perspective on what this amazing region has to offer for our potential homeowners.  

1. LIVE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK – WITHOUT THE CROWDS

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park is renowned for its spectacular landscape. As you would expect, with its abundance of scenic mountains, valleys, lakes and fells, such an attractive location is a popular destination for visitors, holiday makers and homeowners.  

While WELLBANK PARK is located within the boundaries of the National Park and is an integral part of this beautiful natural landscape, its position on the west coast of the county is a much quieter environment, away from the busier hotspots.

Still within easy reach of the lakes and mountains, a move to this part of the Lake District allows you to benefit from the best of both worlds – a home in a tranquil, coastal setting, just over half an hour drive from the shores of Wastwater and Coniston Lakes, and less than an hour from Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak.

Photo: visitlakedistrict.com

2. IT HAS A STUNNING ‘FORGOTTEN’ COASTLINE

Cumbria’s coastline has been recognised as one of the most scenic in Britain. Often called England’s forgotten coastline, it has plenty to discover and a rich history.

Running from the Scottish borders right down to Morecambe Bay, Cumbria’s coastline offers spectacular scenery and rugged beauty.  On its expansive sandy beaches, you can stroll and dip your toes in the rockpools. Along its miles of coastal paths, you can take time to observe the beautiful flora and fauna as you take in the breathtaking views.

For bird lovers, the striking red cliffs of St Bees Head has a clifftop reserve and nesting site for herring gulls guillemots and razor bills. For golfers there is a wide choice golf courses along the coastline to challenge you.  

Within walking distance from WELLBANK PARK, the unspoilt beach at Selker Bay is perfect for walking dogs, beach combing and enjoying some family time. As part of the development, we will be creating an access path that will allow residents direct access to this amazing shoreline.

Photo: visitlakedistrict.com

3. RURAL COMMUNITY LIVING WITH ALL THE AMENITIES YOU NEED

West Cumbria’s rural communities offer a wealth of local facilities and services with the larger towns of Barrow-in-Furness, Whitehaven, Cockermouth and Kendal all easily accessible from WELLBANK PARK.

While having its own Community Hub with a swimming and hydro pool, café and social spaces, the immediate vicinity of WELLBANK is closely connected to the vibrant and welcoming community of Bootle village. With all the amenities that you would expect of a thriving village, these include:  

• a village shop for picking up groceries and a bike shop
• at the heart of the village, there are 2 churches, including the historic St Michael’s and All Angels Church which dates back to the 12^thCentury
• two village hall offering lots of opportunities for activities and socialising
• a variety of sports social and fitness clubs
• for those with young families, Captain Shaw’s, an Ofsted ‘Good with Outstanding features’ rated CE primary school, has its own fascinating history, best left for another blog!
• the bustling Byre Café, where you will find local residents and visitors sharing moments, exchanging chat and enjoying the delights of its home baked goods and delicious, nutritious food
• the Doctor’s Surgery and pharmacy are also close to hand and Bootle even has its own fire station should you need their services.

As a working village, you will find a friendly face on every corner. With pride, it’s army of green fingered volunteers are regular Gold Award Winners of ‘Cumbria in Bloom’, adorning the village with beautiful flower displays.

In addition to all this right on your doorstep, you can also cycle or walk to explore the endless surrounding trails, ponds, streams and the village’s very own waterfall – Gibson Spout!

4. A VIBRANT SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SCENE

The West Cumbria region enjoys a host of year-round events and community activities to stimulate the senses, tempt the taste buds and relax the mind.

Taste Cumbria food festivals – the food scene is vital to the rich culture of West Cumbria’s events calendar. Regular food festivals and farmers markets are a great way to ‘taste the region’, discover new food products and meet like-minded foodies.

Country Shows – as a rural farming environment, agricultural and livestock shows are a great way to immerse yourself in country life and Cumbrian culture. Local to WELLBANK PARK, the Black Combe Country Fair is a highlight for the area.

Muncaster Castle’s grand estate and gardens offers an enchanting insight into the history of the region. Located just north of WELLBANK PARK, near the historic town of Ravenglass, the site is host to a full calendar of festivals, events and activities.

The historic ports of Whitehaven and Maryport have a strong heritage of coal mining and ship building. Alongside Ravenglass, today, their pretty harbours are great for a wander around. At Maryport’s aquarium, arts centre, maritime and roman museums you can delve deeper and lose yourself in a world of interesting insights and ancient artefacts.   

5. PLENTY OF CONNECTIVITY & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Ok, so maybe this is two points!

Despite being a rural location, the area is surprisingly well-connected by road and rail. With excellent rail connectivity across the region, the West Cumbrian coastline also has a spectacularly scenic rail route. WELLBANK PARK is just a mile from Bootle train station providing access for work commuters and leisure passengers.  By Road, the network reaches out to all the major towns, with the North West’s M6 spine just an hour away.

For those with a more active lifestyle (or looking to develop one!) West Cumbria is hard to beat.  

For cyclists the area is a prime spot for all kinds of road cycling, gravel trails and mountain biking. Whether you’re looking to have a leisurely ride or keen to tackle one of the region’s many, many cycling sportives, there is something here for you.

On two feet, whatever your preference – hill walking, hiking, mountain climbing and fell running or perhaps just a simple evening stroll, the region has limitless opportunities. Again, there are a host challenges and events at which to test yourself.

If water is your thing, the infamous lakes are easily accessible for swimming, sailing, kayaking, canoeing or even a spot of water-skiing.  Whatever your sport or leisure pursuit, it’s likely to be available here.

Photos: visitlakedistrict.com

Photo: visitlakedistrict.com

Distilling all the reasons why this is a hidden gem and a great place to live into just five points is no mean feat, however, we hope we’ve come up with what we believe are 5 or maybe 6 great reasons to move to West Cumbria!

We invite you to come along, explore, enjoy and live well.