Living in Askam-in-Furness

Askam-in-Furness is known for its welcoming and strong community spirit. Residents often take part in local clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities, helping to foster a lively and supportive atmosphere. The village has a well-used community centre and frequent events, from quiz nights at the pub to craft fairs and summer festivals at the beach.

The Askam beach and Duddon Estuary are focal points for outdoor life, supporting year-round activities such as bird-watching, dog-walking, and kite-flying. The area benefits from a number of open spaces, children's play parks, and proximity to countryside walks leading towards the Lake District National Park. Local life is often centred around family activities, charity events, and the successful preservation of village traditions.

Askam-in-Furness is generally regarded as a safe and quiet village, with crime rates typically much lower than in larger urban areas of Cumbria. Incidents of anti-social behaviour or property crime are rare, and the village benefits from a reputation for neighbourliness and mutual support.

The presence of visible policing and local neighbourhood watch groups adds a further sense of security for residents. Like many rural communities, community cohesion and vigilance play an important role in maintaining safety. Initiatives such as village meetings and local social media groups help keep everyone updated on any issues, further promoting a reassuring environment for families and individuals alike.

Parking in Askam-in-Furness is straightforward for most residents. Residential on-street parking is the norm, with few restrictions aside from busier periods near the village centre and railway station. Many properties have their own driveways or off-road spaces. For visitors, modest-sized village car parks and on-street options cater to short stays, particularly near local amenities and the beach area.

Congestion is rare except at school drop-off and pick-up times or during special events. Road access is excellent for a rural area, with the A595 and A590 giving direct routes to neighbouring towns and into the Lake District. The connection to the M6 is via the A590.

Barrow-in-Furness – approx. 15 minutes via A595 (6 miles)
Ulverston – approx. 12 minutes via A595/A590 (6 miles)
Kendal – approx. 50 minutes via A590 (35 miles)
Lancaster – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes via A590/M6 (65 miles)

The dining scene in Askam-in-Furness is small but welcoming. The village centre is home to The Railway Inn, a popular pub known for its hearty meals and friendly atmosphere. Several local cafés and takeaways serve the community, with options including fish & chips and home-baked goods.

For a wider choice of restaurants, bars, and nightlife, residents tend to travel to nearby Dalton-in-Furness or Barrow-in-Furness, both offering a variety of eateries from traditional pubs to international cuisine. While Askam itself does not have nightclubs, occasional live music and themed nights can be found at village pubs, and the community hall regularly hosts events. The overall social scene is relaxed, reflecting the village’s coastal charm and quieter evenings.

School Quality:
The local Askam Village School is popular, with good standards of education and a focus on well-being. Secondary options nearby allow families to stay locally as children grow.

Parks and Green Spaces:
Ample green areas, safe play parks, and access to the beach make Askam-in-Furness ideal for outdoor family life.

Childcare:
Nurseries and childminders operate in the village and neighbouring areas, supporting working families and young children.

Safety:
The village enjoys a reputation for safety, with low crime rates and a neighbourhood-oriented community.

Family Activities:
Plenty of local events, clubs, and sports activities are available. The beach and countryside provide year-round free entertainment and opportunities to explore nearby adventures in the Lakes.

Askam-in-Furness is a pet-friendly village, thanks in large part to its wide-open spaces, beach, and proximity to rural walks. The local coastline allows for dog-walking throughout the year, and the dunes and pathways along the Duddon Estuary are favourites among dog owners. Several local parks also welcome pets, and there are footpath routes stretching towards Kirkby Moor and the Furness countryside.

Essential services are available in the wider area, with veterinary clinics and pet shops in Dalton-in-Furness and Barrow. 'Dog-friendly' attitudes prevail in public areas and some local cafés, and many rental properties are open to pets, reflecting the outdoor lifestyle enjoyed by villagers and their animals alike.

Askam-in-Furness enjoys good transport connections for a village of its size, particularly by rail. The Askam railway station sits on the scenic Furness Line, offering direct services to Barrow-in-Furness, Lancaster, and Carlisle. These connections make commuting and travelling to larger urban centres straightforward. There are regular bus routes through the village, linking residents to Dalton-in-Furness, Barrow-in-Furness, and Ulverston.

Car travel is convenient via the A595 and A590, with the route east connecting Askam-in-Furness to the M6 motorway near Kendal. For national and international flights, Manchester Airport is usually reached within two hours by car, while Blackpool Airport is another option for domestic routes.

Commute Times (by train or car):

• Barrow-in-Furness – approx. 12 minutes by train (6 miles)
• Ulverston – approx. 10 minutes by train (6 miles)
• Lancaster – approx. 1 hour by train
• Manchester – approx. 2 hours by car or train (with changes)

Primary Schools in Askam-in-Furness
Askam Village School serves the local area and is at the heart of the community, offering education from Reception to Year 6. The school received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in 2017, reflecting its inclusive ethos and emphasis on pupil well-being. Just outside the village, nearby Dalton St Mary’s CofE Primary School is also popular with Askam families, providing another quality option within a short drive.

Secondary Schools
The nearest secondary school is Dowdales School in Dalton-in-Furness, around three miles away. Dowdales is a mixed comprehensive for students aged 11–16 and received a 'Good' Ofsted report in November 2019. Pupils also commonly travel to Furness Academy in Barrow-in-Furness or Ulverston Victoria High School, both well-regarded in the area. Ulverston Victoria High School is especially notable, offering a broad curriculum and strong arts provision, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2020.

Further Education, Colleges and Universities
For post-16 education, Furness College in Barrow-in-Furness is easily accessible, offering a range of courses from A-levels to vocational and technical training. University-level study can be found slightly further afield, with the University of Cumbria's campus in Lancaster within commuting distance, while larger universities in Preston or Lancaster provide wider options for those willing to travel.