Best Care Homes in Cumbria & Lake District

Quality residential and dementia care in England’s most beautiful countryside

Finding the right care home in Cumbria means choosing from facilities set in some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery. From lakeside locations to historic market towns, these care homes combine professional support with environments that genuinely enhance daily life. Here are five of the best care homes across Cumbria and the Lake District.

Top Care Homes in Cumbria & Lake District

1. Millfield Care Home, Keswick

Living Developments | 28 Penrith Road, Keswick, CA12 4HB

Millfield Care Home offers exceptional residential and dementia care in the heart of Keswick, surrounded by the spectacular Lake District landscape. This purpose-built facility combines professional care standards with one of England’s most enviable locations.

What Makes Millfield Special:

• Prime location in Keswick with stunning fell views and easy access to Derwentwater
• Specialist residential and dementia care delivered by experienced, trained staff
• Activities programme that takes full advantage of the Lake District setting
• Close to Keswick town centre for shopping, dining, and the famous weekly market
• Regular organised trips to local attractions and scenic spots
• Manager Val Loan leads a dedicated team focused on person-centred care

Best For: Families seeking exceptional care in an unmatched natural setting, those who value outdoor access and scenic beauty, residents who would benefit from the therapeutic Lake District environment.

Contact: 017687 72099 | millfield@livingdevelopments.com

2. Eden Manor Care Home, Carlisle

Lovett Care

Opened in 2022, Eden Manor represents the latest in care home design, offering residential, dementia, and respite care in a brand-new facility on the outskirts of Carlisle near Morton Park.

Key Features:

• Brand new facility with modern amenities throughout
• Comprehensive care options including residential, dementia, and respite services
• Bistro area where families can enjoy refreshments during visits
• Excellent transport links via M6 and rail connections
• 24-hour personalised care tailored to individual needs
• Landscaped grounds and contemporary interior design

Best For: Those preferring the latest care technology and luxury amenities, families wanting modern facilities with comprehensive services, easy access for visitors travelling from northern England or Scotland.

3. Lanercost House Care Home, Carlisle

Barchester Healthcare

This well-established Barchester facility provides residential, dementia, nursing, and respite care in a modern setting on the outskirts of Carlisle, with good access to both Lake District and Scottish Border attractions.

Key Features:

• Part of the Barchester Healthcare group with proven care standards
• En-suite bedrooms with comfortable communal areas and sensory room
• CQC rated ‘Good’ with strong inspection history
• Manicured gardens and outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy
• Comprehensive activities programme including day trips
• Proximity to local amenities and transport links

Best For: Families seeking established care group reliability, those wanting nursing care options alongside residential services, residents who enjoy structured activities and organised outings.

4. Kendal Care Home, Kendal

Multiple Providers

Kendal, the historic “Gateway to the Lakes,” hosts several care homes offering various approaches to residential, nursing, and dementia care in this picturesque market town setting.

Area Advantages:

• Historic town atmosphere with excellent Lake District access
• Multiple care providers offering choice of care philosophies and approaches
• Strong community connections and local heritage
• Good transport links to both countryside and urban areas
• Established healthcare services and local amenities
• Beautiful Kentmere and Windermere areas easily accessible

Best For: Those who prefer established town environments with character, families wanting to compare multiple providers in one location, residents who enjoy historic settings with modern conveniences.

5. Riverside Court Care Home, Maryport

Four Seasons Healthcare

Riverside Court is a larger facility near Maryport’s docks, offering residential, nursing, dementia, and respite care in an industrial coastal setting rather than the scenic Lake District countryside.

Key Features:

• 60-bed facility as part of major Four Seasons chain operation
• Coastal location with harbour views, though more industrial than scenic
• Standard chain amenities and care protocols
• Multiple care types available under one roof
• Further from main Lake District attractions than other options
• Adequate gardens within urban coastal setting

Best For: Those who prefer larger facilities with multiple residents, families comfortable with corporate care chain operations, residents who don’t prioritise scenic countryside settings.

What Sets Cumbrian Care Homes Apart

Unmatched Natural Environment

Cumbria’s care homes benefit from settings that enhance wellbeing in ways urban facilities simply cannot replicate. The Lake District’s UNESCO World Heritage landscape provides daily inspiration through spectacular views, clean mountain air, and opportunities for outdoor activities that support both physical and mental health.

Therapeutic Outdoor Access

Many Cumbrian care homes incorporate the natural environment into their care approach. Garden walks, outdoor seating areas with fell views, and trips to local beauty spots become part of the therapeutic programme rather than occasional treats. The proven benefits of nature exposure for dementia care and general wellbeing make these settings particularly valuable.

Strong Community Heritage

Cumbrian towns maintain deep community traditions, with care homes often well-integrated into local life. Partnerships with schools, churches, and community groups create genuine connections rather than institutional isolation. The slower pace of rural life can be particularly beneficial for residents adjusting to care home living.

Seasonal Beauty and Activities

The changing seasons provide year-round interest, from spring daffodils to autumn colours in the fells. Many care homes organise seasonal activities that connect residents to traditional Cumbrian life – harvest festivals, Christmas markets, and spring flower shows that maintain cultural connections.

Choosing the Right Cumbrian Care Home

Location Considerations

Accessibility for Family: Consider proximity to major routes like the M6, A66, and A590 for regular family visits. Some stunning locations may be more challenging to reach regularly.

Local Services: Evaluate access to healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals and specialist services, which may be more limited in remote areas.

Community Integration: Look for homes that actively participate in local community life rather than operating in isolation.

Care Specialisation Needs

Dementia Expertise: Given the peaceful environments, many Cumbrian homes specialise in dementia care, but ensure staff have appropriate training and facilities are properly adapted.

Future Care Needs: Consider whether nursing care might be needed eventually, as not all residential homes can accommodate increasing medical needs.

Emergency Access: Ensure the home has good relationships with local healthcare services and emergency response capabilities.

Quality Indicators

CQC Ratings: Prioritise homes rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, but read full reports to understand specific strengths and any areas for improvement.

Staff Retention: High staff turnover can indicate problems, whilst stable teams suggest good working conditions and consistent care quality.

Family Feedback: Speak to current residents’ families about their experiences, particularly regarding communication and involvement in care decisions.

Understanding Cumbrian Care Home Costs

Typical Weekly Fees

Care home costs in Cumbria vary significantly based on location, care level, and provider:

• Residential Care: Generally ranges from £650-£1,200 weekly
• Nursing Care: Typically £800-£1,400 weekly where qualified nursing is provided
• Dementia Specialist Care: Often carries premium of £50-£200 weekly above standard rates
• Premium Locations: Facilities in prime Lake District locations may command higher fees

Funding Support Available

• Self-Funding: Most homes accept private payments with various arrangement options
• Local Authority Funding: Cumbria County Council provides means-tested support for eligible residents
• NHS Continuing Healthcare: Available for those with significant health needs requiring nursing care
• Top-Up Arrangements: Family contributions can supplement local authority funding for preferred homes

What’s Typically Included

Most Cumbrian care homes include accommodation, all meals, personal care support, basic activities, and laundry in their weekly fees. Additional costs usually apply for hairdressing, chiropody, newspapers, and some outings or entertainment.

Questions for Cumbrian Care Homes

About Location and Environment

“How do you utilise the Cumbrian countryside in your activities and care approach?” This reveals whether the home truly takes advantage of its setting or just happens to be located there.

“What provisions do you make for weather variations, particularly during Cumbrian winters?” Understanding how homes maintain engagement during challenging weather shows adaptability.

“What community connections do you maintain locally?” Strong local partnerships indicate genuine integration rather than institutional isolation.

About Care Quality and Approach

“What are your staff retention rates and ongoing training programmes?” High-quality care depends on experienced, well-trained staff who stay with the organisation.

“How do you coordinate with local healthcare services?” Remote locations require good relationships with GPs, hospitals, and specialist services.

“What’s your approach to family involvement and communication?” Distance may make regular visits challenging, so good communication becomes even more important.

Why Millfield Leads in Cumbrian Care

Millfield Care Home consistently stands out among Cumbrian facilities for several compelling reasons:

Prime Keswick Location: Situated in the heart of one of the Lake District’s most beloved towns, Millfield offers residents daily access to stunning scenery, local amenities, and the therapeutic benefits of mountain air and natural beauty.

Proven Expertise: Living Developments brings over 25 years of care experience, with particular expertise in both residential and dementia care delivered through genuine person-centred approaches.

Community Integration: Strong connections with Keswick community life mean residents remain part of the vibrant market town rather than feeling isolated from normal daily life.

Natural Therapeutic Environment: The Lake District setting isn’t just beautiful – it’s therapeutic, providing opportunities for outdoor activities, scenic enjoyment, and the proven mental health benefits of natural environments.

Family-Focused Approach: Understanding that families often travel significant distances to visit, Millfield maintains excellent communication and creates welcoming environments for family involvement.

Making Your Decision

Cumbrian care homes offer unique advantages through spectacular settings, strong community connections, and access to therapeutic natural environments. The key lies in matching these environmental benefits with care expertise that meets specific needs.

Visit multiple facilities to experience their different approaches and atmospheres. The stunning Lake District backdrop enhances quality of life, but the warmth of the care team and professionalism of the support make the crucial difference.