Live in the Lake District, Cumbria

Cumbria is #ThePerfectPlaceToLive

It’s where you can find England’s highest mountain and both its longest and deepest lakes. It’s the birthplace of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth, where Cumberland Sausage and Kendal Mint Cake were perfected; has TWO World Heritage sites (the English Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall) and a stunning coastline; and is the home of just under half a million people.

Cumbria’s population of around 498,000 residents all have plenty of space to breathe too. It’s the most sparsely populated county in England, with an average of 73 people per square kilometre. To put that in perspective, down in Kent it’s 438 people per square kilometre: or in even simpler terms, six times as busy.
 

So where should I go?

Ok, so we’ve established that there’s enough room for you to relocate. So, where to go? Well, we think you’ll get whatever you want from Cumbria – so, that’s the question… ‘What do you want?’

The world-famous English Lake District World Heritage Site covers a massive 2,362 square kilometres and the iconic Hadrian’s Wall has a rich 1900 year history to match its dramatic landscape.

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For people toying with the idea of a more peaceful way of life, it’s an option to be seriously considered. Despite being largely rural though, there’s no accessibility problems here, with some great transport links.

So it’s a quiet county, then?

Not entirely, no. For those who quite fancy living in a place where adventure is on their doorstep, Cumbria ranks right up there. It’s not only a great place to live, but a great place to play too.

Let’s not forget, we consider Cumbria to be the UK’s capital of adventure and it’s no coincidence that renowned sporting events like the Tour of Britain are regular visitors to the county.

People who live in Cumbria are never short of attractions and events to enjoy. Music festivals and concerts, major events like the Keswick Mountain Festival and Kendal Mountain Festivals, nationally recognised food and drink shows, the international Comic Art festival and some of the greatest domestic journeys by rail and boat to enjoy, people here are never far from their next big day out.

Of course, we also have a mouth-watering 15 Michelin stars here in Cumbria (2024) – the highest number outside London!
 

Sounds like fun – but what about jobs?

Cumbria is a county with excellent employment prospects. From tourism to farming, education to national defence, nuclear energy to renewable sources, food/drink and the arts, there’s a job here that will suit your career.

We have some great job vacancies across tourism, travel and hospitality. Choose from industry sectors including: Sales & Marketing, Front of House, Kitchen, Catering & Housekeeping, Arts, Heritage & Creative, Retail and Apprenticeships.

You can meet some of the people who have chosen to live and work in the Lake District, Cumbria to pursue careers in the visitor economy here.

And don’t forget we also have massive employers like Associated British Ports, Toshiba, Eddie Stobart, BAE, Kimberly Clark, Nestle and Heinz too.

Live the Dream

Do you love the Lake District, Cumbria so much that you want to buy your own holiday home?

There are some great spots for lodges and caravans on holiday parks across the region.

Or have TV shows like Four in a Bed and The Hotel Inspector got you thinking about making a move here to start your own business – and a brand new life? You can make that dream a reality! From starting your own cosy B&B, being a pub landlord or even running your own country house hotel, you can be your own boss in your favourite place.

Cumbria is the number one choice for people who want to escape from the rat race and find a work/life balance that suits them.
 

Can I study in Cumbria?

For students just beginning life’s great adventure, good schools and education providers are never far away – and we’re also home to the country’s newest university, The University of Cumbria. There are hundreds of different subjects and courses on offer, plus some great opportunities for graduate Appenticeships.
 

Is there more than just mountains and lakes though? 

We’re not just talking about the Lake District here. If saltwater’s more your thing, there’s more than 100 miles of glorious coastline to find your perfect coastal home - from  the unspoilt town of Silloth to the Furness Peninsula and Morecambe Bay, down to the seaside retreats of Grange Over Sands and Arnside. Coastal towns like Maryport, Whitehaven, Workington, Millom and Ulverston all sit conveniently close to the border of the Lake District National Park.

To the east, did you know that a good of chunk of Cumbria is actually in the Yorkshire Dales National Park? You’ll also have the dramatic landscape of the Pennines on your doorstep. And don’t forget the city of Carlisle is steeped in 2000 years of history.
 

Still not quite convinced?

Relocating is a big step. But consider this for a moment, then go and make a cup of coffee and have a think about it: Where else in England can some of the world’s most beautiful scenery not only serve as a world-class visitor destination, but also be your forever home?

Whatever you want from where you choose to live, Cumbria has it covered – firmly making it #theperfectplacetobe.