Living in Allerdale
Allerdale is a great place to live, work and visit.
A borough of great contrast, it comprises three distinct
areas. There is the urban triangle of Cockermouth, Maryport and
Workington, where most of the population is based. There are also
the dispersed hill farms, forests, mountains and lakes of the Lake
District National Park and the rural and fertile Solway Plain,
which stretches north towards Carlisle.
The environment of Allerdale is made up of some of the most
beautiful countryside in the UK, which brings with it a wide range
of challenges and opportunities. Approximately a third of the
borough lies within the Lake District National Park. 
The borough boasts a good range of sports and leisure
facilities with access to many varied and high quality cultural and
entertainment opportunities.
Education and schools
There are 74 schools in Allerdale, three of which were judged to
be outstanding in the 2005/06 annual report by Office for Standards
in Education (Ofsted):
- Eaglesfield Paddle Primary School, Cockermouth
- Grasslot Infant School, Maryport
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Workington.
In November 2006, Ofsted inspectors also classed one of the
borough’s secondary schools, Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, as
an outstanding school.
Allerdale’s secondary schools are also specialist schools:
Cockermouth School and Nelson Thomlinson at Wigton specialise in
maths and computing. Lakes College and the University of Cumbria
cover further and higher education.
Homes and neighbourhoods
Research suggests that urban dwellers suffer increased stress
due to their lack of interaction with the natural environment and a
sea view is the quickest and most effective way to reduce high
stress levels for many people.
Cumbria is a friendly place for family to grow in. The Cumbria
Quality of Life survey in 2006 showed that 90% of Allerdale
residents were satisfied with their local area as a place to
live.
The 2004 Cumbrian Attitudes survey shows that Cumbrians are
generally more happy with their neighbourhoods, trusting of their
neighbours and feel relationships with people in their community
are important to them.
The natural beauty of the area, relaxed lifestyle and uncrowded
space, tied in with the excellent quality of life and low crime
rates all combine to make Allerdale a great lifestyle choice.
Allerdale Borough Council
