South Cumbria villages?

[crystalize]

I am looking to move to south Lakes area and would love any advice on villages there with good community spirit, near a good high school and primary school. Some sporting activities for the boys and farms and horseriding etc! I was thinking Staveley and heard Milnthorpe had a good school. Not explored Kendal yet... Help!

Staveley is great - quite hippy alternative scene with a really good carnival & has a fantastic bike shop, cafe & microbrewery! Dallam school in Milnthorpe is very good yes.
How far north do you want to be? Kirkby Lonsdale (further south east) is fab with briilant school.
Kendal is good - I think Queen Catherine's school there is supposed to be good. In my experience it always rains in Kendal! But there are quite a few good restaurants & a good arts centre, cinema & theatre - The Brewery.

I am near Kirkby so further south than you wnat to be so not an expert but hope that helps in the meantime!

Thanks chocshoes! Pleased to know Staveley has some alternative folk (like me!) Haven't been to Milnthorpe yet but will check it out. Kirkby Lonsdale is just gorgeous. Was considering there at one time but couldn't tell whether it was a little 'conservative'? What do you think - Any little artsy villages near there? Only thought of Staveley as its close to the Lakes and near Kendal for high school/shopping/cinema etc. Pity about the rain mind but probably just as bad here in Manchester! Thanks for your advice :)

Is Staveley where Wheelbase and Wilf's are Chocolate? I'd move there.