Retire to Cumbria
If you want to retire near the coast, mountains and lakes, then senior living at our retirement properties in Cumbria will fit the bill.
A county rich with nature and modern conveniences alike, you’ll never run out of fun things to see and do when you retire to Cumbria. Enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in England. From the mountains, forests and open waters of the enormous Lake District to the historic city of Carlisle — or stay busy with popular activities such as taking a boat out on Lake Windermere, visiting the Solway Coast or exploring Furness Abbey.
2 retirement developments in Cumbria
Alavana Place | Kendal
Retirement Living- Properties 5 available
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Shared Ownership 75% example share/no rent £161,250
- Purchase from £234,950
- Rent from £1,850 pcm
Lancaster Court | Cockermouth
Retirement Living- Properties TBC
- Bedrooms 1–2 beds available
- Rental available
Explore places in the Cumbria area
Retirement living in Cumbria
Cumbria is a mostly rural county that is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life, while staying active in the surrounding nature and local communities.
Activities for retirees in Cumbria
If you love the lure of fresh air, there's plenty to keep you busy around the county for an active retirement.
- Hike over the thrilling scenery, take a walk alongside Hadrian's Wall, or enjoy a leisurely bike ride down country lanes.
- Grizedale Forest allows you to explore at your own pace, wandering between the sculptures, zooming through the assault course, or cycling on the dedicated trails.
- Find water sports, horse riding, fishing and even archery in the Lake District. You can even take advantage of Cumbria's 30 golf courses and 20 different tennis clubs.
Visit the world famous Lake District
With more than a third of the county taken up by the world-famous Lake District, our retirement properties in Cumbria allow you to call this stunning panoramic landscape your home.
Cumbria is the home of Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, with views from the summit stretching as far as the Irish Mourne Mountains and the Welsh Snowdonia. You can visit both the deepest and the longest lakes in the country – Wastwater and Windermere – or explore the extensive woodlands, where you can spot rare red squirrels.
Enjoy a coastal retirement in Cumbria
You’ll find plenty to see and do outside of the Lake District, thanks to the abundance of coastal areas.
For example, you can visit the charming Victorian seaside resorts of Seascale, St Bees and Allonby. Spend time on their sandy beaches, swimming spots and coastal walks along the Cumbria Coastal Way. Each of these seaside towns has their own thriving local community, and there are plenty of picturesque villages to explore too.
You can see the coast in style by taking a train along the Cumbrian Coastline. This is one of the most scenic rail trips in the country, as it weaves through Ravenglass, Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport.
Experience arts and culture in Carlisle
Just 10 miles from the border with Scotland, the city of Carlisle covers 400 square miles of land, making it the largest city in England by area. Living in Carlisle - the only city in the county - you'll find more than 70 big names in the Lanes Shopping Centre. Or discover a variety of local produce at the Market Hall, one of the last remaining Victorian covered markets.
The historic Carlisle Castle is a 900-year-old strategic site that was in a crucial position near the Scotland-England border. Explore its dark dungeons, or see hundreds of years' worth of history at the Museum of Military Life. Or, head to Castlerigg Stone Circle, one of the earliest megalithic structures in England.
Transport links and connections
Despite its rural setting, transport links make it easy to travel to local areas in Cumbria and reach nearby towns and cities.
- By car - The M6 provides access to areas further north and to the south of England, while the A66 offers east to west travel. Driving is ideal in villages where public transport might be limited, but local volunteer schemes offer community transport for seniors.
- By bus - Local bus networks connect towns and cities throughout Cumbria, though services can be infrequent in less populated areas.
- By rail - Several train networks pass through stations in Cumbria, offering connections to locations further afield. Reach Glasgow or Edinburgh from Carlisle in 1.5-2 hours, or London in around 3.5 hours.
Homeowner testimonials: telling it like it is
We believe we create great places to live. Beautiful award-winning retirement apartments in brilliant locations with thoughtful, reassuring, services on tap and a thriving friendly community on the doorstep.
But what do people living in our communities think? We regularly ask for feedback on everything from the sales and moving in process to the lifestyle and services. Here’s what our homeowners have to say:
McCarthy & Stone recommended an estate agent as well as a solicitor and a removals firm, which all worked out really well and took the stress out of moving. Everyone is so friendly. It has been a great tonic for me.
George, homeowner, Brideoake Court
Browse by Retirement Living services
Our retirement developments offer differing amenities and assisted living services. Choose from two options to find your perfect fit.
Retirement Living
Low-maintenance independent living for people aged 60 and over, with a House Manager on-site and a friendly community on the doorstep.
Retirement Living PLUS
Independence combined with assisted living for people aged 70 and over, including an Estate Manager, on-site restaurant and optional personal care.
McCarthy & Stone community news from Cumbria
Retirement living in Cumbria FAQs
Yes, there are major hospitals in towns such as Carlisle, Kendal, Whitehaven, and Barrows for A&E and specialist treatment. More rural locations also have community hospitals so you won’t always need to travel for care. There are local GP surgeries throughout areas in the county, covering day-to-day needs.
Everyday costs tend to be affordable in Cumbria, and housing costs are lower than the national average — though locations near the Lake District can be pricier due to its desirability. It can also get very cold during the winter months, so energy bills can spike throughout chilly seasons.
You can expect retirement life in a town, city, or village within Cumbria to be relaxed and peaceful. Areas throughout the county are known for having friendly, close-knit communities which welcome new residents with open arms — getting involved with volunteering and local hobby clubs is a great way to meet like-minded people. For example, walking clubs are very popular as Cumbria has seemingly endless access to stunning natural landscapes.
Browse our retirement homes by city and county
Search for the best places to retire in the UK by selecting a city or county to explore.
