Chances Park
Chances Park sits just off Wigton Road in Morton, Carlisle, about two miles from the city centre. The park is open to everyone and free to visit, with a free car park on site. Pedestrian entrances can be found on Wigton Road, Dunmail Drive, Dunmallet Rigg, Park Road and Langrigg Road.
Chances Park forms the grounds of the Grade II listed Morton Manor, a Georgian estate with roots stretching back to the early 1800s. The manor and its surrounding parkland were gifted to the city of Carlisle in 1944 by Sir Robert Chance, former Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, for the benefit of the local community. The park retains many of its original features, including the famous Ha-Ha, veteran oak trees, a historic coach drive and evidence of medieval ridge and furrow earthworks.
In 2002 a group of local residents came together, concerned the park was falling into disrepair. That group became the Friends of Chances Park. After years of fundraising and community consultation, a major restoration was completed in 2009, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund to the value of 1.18 million pounds. The project restored the Ha-Ha, created a Georgian garden, improved pathways and play areas, and brought the park back to the standard the local community deserves.
Chances Park is a thriving, well-loved green space enjoyed by thousands of people every year. The trees provide a haven for wildlife, with resident populations of birds and bats providing plenty of opportunities for people interested in nature to watch and get involved in conservation projects such as installing nesting boxes.
Every spring the park bursts into colour as thousands of crocuses, planted by local schoolchildren, come into bloom. Our regeneration plans involve more planting to provide year round colour and interest.
The park is fully accessible, with flat paths throughout suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
The Friends of Chances Park is a community group made up of volunteers from all walks of life. We work closely with Carlisle City Council and Morton Manor Community Centre to maintain and improve the park for everyone who uses it. We hold regular open meetings, organise community events and run practical conservation projects throughout the year. We would love you to get involved and help shape the future of your park.
There is something for everyone at Chances Park. The park hosts the weekly Carlisle parkrun every Saturday morning, along with regular Tai Chi sessions, dog training classes and healthy walking groups. Families can enjoy the well-equipped play area, football pitches and multi-use games area. Schools and youth groups make regular use of the nature trail and activity sheets, which cover topics from wildlife and ecology to the park’s rich history.
Chances Park is looked after by volunteers and we are always glad to welcome new faces. There are plenty of ways to get stuck in, from joining the gardening group and helping with litter picks to supporting community events or lending your skills in fundraising or IT. You do not need any experience, just a willingness to help. Come along to one of our open meetings and see what we are about.
