Living in Cleator

Community and local life in Cleator are shaped by its rural heritage and active local groups. Residents often take part in events at the village hall or local churches, and fundraising fairs, charity runs, and seasonal celebrations like Christmas light switch-ons are well-attended. There is a friendly, familiar atmosphere and a strong focus on supporting neighbours and maintaining community traditions.

The natural environment plays a key role in local leisure, with the River Ehen and surrounding fells popular with anglers, hillwalkers, and birdwatchers. Community gardens and allotments offer residents the chance to grow their own produce, while Cleator’s proximity to the Lake District National Park means outdoor activities are within easy reach. The sense of belonging and participation is a hallmark of life in Cleator.

Crime rates in Cleator are generally low, reflecting its rural setting and tight-knit community. Neighbourhood policing teams work closely with residents and local authorities, contributing to an overall sense of safety and vigilance across the area. Most reported incidents tend to be minor, such as anti-social behaviour or traffic-related issues.

Compared to larger urban centres in Cumbria, Cleator experiences fewer serious crimes. Neighbouring areas, particularly Cleator Moor and Whitehaven, benefit from targeted community safety initiatives and regular police patrols, adding to the perception of Cleator as a safe place in which to live and raise a family. Community resilience and support networks are a feature of local life, further enhancing the village's reputation for safety.

Parking in Cleator is generally straightforward, owing to the village's moderate population and spacious road layout. Residents typically benefit from on-street parking outside their homes, and some properties have private driveways or garages. There is no controlled residents' permit zone, and congestion is rarely an issue outside of local events or school pick-up times.

The main road passing through Cleator is the A5086, which links to the A595, allowing for easy access by car to major towns in Cumbria. Road journeys to nearby destinations are generally reliable, thanks to relatively low traffic volumes in the region.

• Whitehaven – approx. 15 minutes via A5086 (5 miles)
• Egremont – approx. 10 minutes via A595 (4 miles)
• Workington – approx. 30 minutes via A595 (13 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 75 minutes via A595 and A595/A66 (48 miles)

Cyclists and walkers also make use of local minor roads and trails connecting Cleator to the wider Cumbrian countryside.

Cleator is home to a handful of traditional pubs, most notably The White Mare, which offers hearty food and serves as a popular social gathering spot for residents of all ages. Neighbouring Cleator Moor offers a wider choice of takeaways, casual eateries, and small independent cafés.

The area is largely relaxed when it comes to nightlife, with evenings spent in friendly local pubs rather than in busy clubs or late-night bars. For a wider choice of restaurants, bars and entertainment, residents often head to Whitehaven or Workington, where there are Italian, Indian, and contemporary British options, as well as cinemas and a theatre. While Cleator itself is more subdued, food-lovers and socialisers have plenty of choice within a short drive.

School Quality: Cleator's primary and nearby secondary schools are rated 'Good' by Ofsted, offering families confidence in local educational standards. Both faith schools and non-denominational options are available within a short commute.

Parks & Green Space: The surrounding countryside, public playgrounds, and riverside walks ensure that children and families have ample access to the outdoors. The proximity to the Lake District creates numerous opportunities for nature-based recreation.

Childcare: Childcare is available through local nurseries and childminders in the village or Cleator Moor, meeting the needs of working parents and carers.

Safety: Cleator is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming environment, where community-focused living offers peace of mind to families.

Family Activities: Day trips to the coast, fell walking, visiting local heritage attractions, and taking part in sports clubs or youth groups are all part of family life in and around Cleator.

Pet-friendly living is a notable aspect of Cleator, where wide open spaces, riverside paths, and access to rolling countryside make the area well-suited for dog owners and animal lovers. The nearby Lake District fells offer countless walking trails, while local playing fields, meadows, and the River Ehen provide plenty of space for exercise.

Veterinary services and pet stores are available in Cleator Moor and Whitehaven, and many local pubs, such as The White Mare, are known for their dog-friendly policies. The community’s generally relaxed attitude to pets means that most rental properties and public spaces welcome animals, making Cleator a practical and enjoyable place for people with pets.

Transport links in Cleator give residents reliable access to the surrounding region and the wider North West. There is no train station in the village itself, but Corkickle and Whitehaven railway stations are both within a 15-minute drive, offering services on the Cumbrian Coast Line to towns such as Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, and Lancaster.

Local bus routes connect Cleator with Cleator Moor, Whitehaven, and other nearby communities, enabling travel for school, shopping, or commuting. The A595 trunk road is the main route linking Cleator by car to Workington to the north and Egremont to the south, while further major connections can be made to the M6 motorway at Penrith, roughly a 50-minute drive away.

Typical commute times from Cleator include:

• Whitehaven – approx. 15 minutes by car (5 miles)
• Workington – approx. 30 minutes by car (13 miles)
• Carlisle – approx. 1 hour by train from Whitehaven, or 1 hour 15 minutes by car (48 miles)
• Penrith – approx. 55 minutes by car (42 miles)

Manchester Airport and Newcastle Airport are the nearest major airports, each around two hours' drive from Cleator.

Cleator and its immediate surroundings provide a range of educational facilities, with most schools located in nearby towns and villages. For younger children, Cleator Moor St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School offers a longstanding Catholic education just a short distance from the village (Ofsted rated 'Good', 2019). Montreal Church of England Primary School in Cleator Moor is another well-regarded option, also rated 'Good' in its last inspection (2018).

At secondary level, St Benedict's Catholic High School in Whitehaven (Ofsted 'Good', 2022) serves Cleator and outlying areas, offering a broad curriculum and supportive learning environment. Another nearby option is Whitehaven Academy, providing both academic and vocational pathways.

For post-16 education or specialist courses, Lakes College West Cumbria in Workington delivers a range of A-levels, apprenticeships, and vocational studies. While there are no universities in Cleator itself, the University of Cumbria has campuses in Carlisle, Lancaster, and Ambleside, each within reasonable commuting distance for those seeking higher education.