Area Overview for Barton and Pooley Bridge

Parkfoot Caravan Park in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Sheep in field at Elderbeck Farm in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Minor road towards Pooley Bridge in Barton and Pooley Bridge
The track to Hollinthwaite leaves on the right in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Buildings at Roehead in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Eroded hill Road heading south from Roehead in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Track on Heughscar Hill in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Hollinthwaite Cottage in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Superfluous speed limit near Elderbeck in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Trees on a field boundary in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Farmland north of Elderbeck in Barton and Pooley Bridge
Sheep grazing alongside the Howtown road in Barton and Pooley Bridge
28 photos from this area

Area Information

Living in Barton and Pooley Bridge offers a distinctly rural existence within Westmorland and Furness. This civil parish occupies 18.3 km² on the edge of the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. The area encompasses the village of Pooley Bridge, the hamlet of Barton, part of Ullswater lake, and extends south to Loadpot Hill. Historical records indicate the modern civil parish renamed itself from Barton on 1 April 2019. Previously, the region included parts of Patterdale, Yanwath, Eamont Bridge, Sockbridge and Tirril. Daily life remains defined by agriculture until the 19th century, though tourism increasingly shapes the local economy. You will find 37 listed buildings scattered across the landscape, including the Grade I St Michael's Church with its 12th-century origins and Norman tower. A medieval parish church of St Michael stands restored from 1904, while St Paul's chapel was built between 1867 and 1868. The community benefits from a pier at Pooley Bridge and the presence of Parkin Memorial Hall built in 1911. Historical assets include a free endowed grammar school founded in 1648 and a vicarage constructed in 1637 by Reverend Lancelot Dawes. While fish markets and livestock fairs ceased operations in the 19th century, paddle steamers have operated since 1859. You can expect a population density of 14 per square kilometre based on a 2011 population of 238. The postcode area CA10 2LZ sits near coordinates 54.589929, -2.843834.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
18.3 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community in Barton and Pooley Bridge reflects an older settlement pattern. The median age stands at 70 years, making this one of the oldest residential areas in the country. Age data indicates a total population structure without specific sub-range breakdowns in the current records. You will find that 56% of residents own their homes outright, suggesting strong community stability among local inhabitants. Household composition data is recorded as total figures without detailed breakdowns of family sizes or single-person households. Accommodation types are similarly aggregated under total categories rather than specific dwelling classifications. The area maintains a predominantly rural character with low population density. Ethnic group data is available only as total figures, offering no insight into specific diversity metrics within the parish. Religious affiliation is also recorded as a total without further demographic segmentation. These aggregate statistics confirm a static, long-established community. The higher median age correlates with a population defined historically by agriculture and dependent on the slow shift towards tourism after the 19th century. You should anticipate a neighbourhood where life moves at a traditional pace. Standard security precautions are advisable given the medium crime risk environment. The demographic profile suggests an area where established families and retired residents maintain the village feel. No data exists regarding specific deprivation levels.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

56
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

36
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who typically lives in Barton and Pooley Bridge?
The parish has a median age of 70, indicating a community dominated by older residents and retirees. Historical data suggests a population of 238 in 2011 across 18.3 km². Only 56% of residents own their homes, yet the median age implies long-term settlement rather than transient living.
What is the digital connectivity like for working from home?
Mobile coverage scores excellent at 81, but fixed broadband quality is poor with a score of 15. This means you can receive calls reliably but may struggle with high-speed internet downloads or video calls using wired connections.
Are there any environmental risks I should know about?
The area has medium flood risk with a score of 10.42. It contains protected nature reserves scoring 7.58 and protected woodland at 2.42. There are no Ramsar wetland sites or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the parish boundaries.
How safe is the community compared to the rest of the UK?
Crime risk is assessed as medium with a score of 42, which places the parish around the national average. Standard security precautions are advisable for homeowners. The low population density of 14 per sq km means limited interaction but also less street activity.

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