Nurseries in Cumbria
Cumbria is a large and scenic North West county known for its national parks, market towns and strong community-led early years provision. Covering postcode districts CA1–CA28, LA7–LA23 and parts of DL and BD, it includes Carlisle, Penrith, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal, Barrow-in-Furness and numerous rural villages. Families benefit from access to the Lake District, good primary schools, open green spaces, children’s centres, libraries and family amenities. Nursery and preschool demand is consistently strong in population hubs such as Carlisle, Kendal and Barrow, as well as rural areas with fewer providers but high local need.
Market insights for Cumbria
Parents in Cumbria typically pay £74 per day for childcare, which is slightly 1% lower than the UK average of £75 per day. This pricing reflects local market conditions, including operational costs, demand levels, and regional economic factors that influence childcare provision. With 4,257 childcare places available across Cumbria, families have a range of options to consider. Understanding these market insights helps parents make informed decisions about childcare costs and availability in Cumbria.
- Average daily cost
- £74
- Comparison
- -1% vs UK average
- Total capacity
- 4,257 places
Nurseries near you in Cumbria
- Bright Horizons Barrow Day Nursery
- Lambkins Day Nursery & Pre-School Centre
- Little VIPs Daycare
- The Outward Bound Trust - Ullswater Centre
- Kids' Zone
- Penrith Pre-School Nursery
- Queen Street Nursery and Pre-school
- Little Oaks At Muddy Boots
- Lilyhowe Private Day Nursery & Pre-School Centre
- First Class Kids
- Kinder Park Nursery Services Limited
- Little Owls Nursery (Carlisle) Limited
- Little Monkeys Day Nursery
- Little Jems Nursery
- Greystone Nursery
- Cherry Tree Nursery
- Rosehill Day Nursery
- Mayo Kindergarten
- Mary Platt Methodist Pre-School
- Strawberry How Nursery School
- St. Aidan's Day Nursery
- Happy Hours Private Day Nursery
- Toddler Town Nursery Ltd
- Workington Leisure Centre Holiday Play Scheme
- Poppies Child Care (Cumbria) Ltd
- Footsteps Nursery
- Little Stars (Workington) Limited
- Stepping Stones Day Nursery
- Bolton Nursery
- Shining Stars Nursery (Appleby) Ltd
Frequently asked questions
In Cumbria, private nurseries typically accept children from around 3 months old depending on staffing and availability. School-based nurseries and maintained settings usually offer places from age 2 or 3. Funded early education starts the term after your child turns 3, with some 2 year olds eligible earlier depending on household circumstances or working status.
Across England all 3 and 4 year olds receive 15 funded hours per week, with many working families able to access up to 30 hours. Some 2 year olds also qualify based on household circumstances, and eligible working parents of children from 9 months old may receive funded childcare. Tax-Free Childcare provides a 20 percent government top-up to help with nursery fees.
Nursery fees in Cumbria generally range from £50–£90 per day, with higher rates in Carlisle, Kendal and popular Lake District towns. Rural settings may have slightly lower fees but often have limited availability.
All nurseries in Cumbria are regulated by Ofsted, with early years funding administered locally by Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council.
Ask about outdoor play space, access to nature, staff qualifications, availability of places for babies and toddlers, how funded hours are delivered, and any additional charges for meals, trips or extended care.
Applying for funding
Cumbria is covered by Cumberland Council, the local authority for this area. Search their website for early years funding to apply.
Visit the Cumberland Council websiteThe UK's nursery search platform, built for modern parents
Find nurseries near you
Search by location, filter by age group, hours, and (Ofsted, Care Inspectorate Scotland, and Care Inspectorate Wales). Get a clearer picture before you commit to a visit.
Work out what you'll pay
Childcare costs and government funding can be confusing. Our calculator cuts through it and shows you what to expect each month.
Get guidance from childcare experts
Our advice hub walks you through every stage of the process, so you know when to start looking and exactly what to ask when you visit.