A town on the River Ellen with prehistoric origins, Aspatria (or St Patrick’s ash tree) stands on a former Roman road and was the object of many attacks by Vikings and later, marauders from beyond the Scottish border. It is best known for its 19th century church of St Kentigern, on the site of a former Norman church. Within is a carved Viking hogback tombstone and carved stones pre-dating the Normans. The churchyard has a holy well reputed to have been used by St Kentigern himself. Nearby, an ancient burial site discovered in the 18th century contained a skeleton, weaponry and gold ornaments.
The old market town of Aspatria has a population of just less than 3000. It is situated on the A596 around 20 miles west of Carlisle, just to the north of the Lake District National Park. The town is surrounded by agricultural land with the coast just a few miles away. There are good road links to Carlisle and Workington with the towns of Maryport, Cockermouth and Keswick all relatively close by.
The town is served by a bus service from Carlisle to Workington and has a similar rail link calling at Aspatria on request.
There is a good mixture of housing, both for sale and rent in the area with prices tending to be cheaper than those areas within the National Park. There are a number of houses currently being built and a recent growth in small private developments in the town.
The town is home to bed manufacturers Sealy (UK) and the First Milk Aspatria Creamery factory. There are many smaller industrial units both on the small industrial estate and within the local area.
Facilities are typical of a small rural town. Aspatria has banks, a building society and numerous shops, as well as local amenities. The town has its own doctor’s surgery where the district Nurse is based. There is also a dental surgery and a library close to the school.
There are several churches serving all of the major denominations.
There are many sports and recreational facilities such as a bowling club, successful Rugby club for both men’s and ladies teams, children’s play area and a memorial park, complete with tennis courts. There are two gymnasiums and on the outskirts of the town there is a 9-hole golf course with restaurant and Carp fishery.
With close proximity to the coast, Carlisle and the Lake District, there is a vast opportunity for a whole range of other recreational activities.