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The Georgian town of Cockermouth is the gateway to the Western Lake District and Solway Coast, and a great place to visit in its own right. It’s home to a vibrant arts scene, great food and drink, and a busy events calendar that keeps the town buzzing throughout the year. It’s location means that in just 20 minutes, you could be relaxing on a lake shore, taking a walk on the beach, or hiking up a fell.
Cockermouth is also the proud birthplace of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. Visit Wordsworth House, now managed by the National Trust, for a fascinating insight into the poet’s early life.
Cockermouth gets its name from its location at the confluence of the River Cocker and the River Derwent. The Normans built Cockermouth Castle here, the ruins of which can be seen today, and developed the town further. It still has a medieval layout, with a wide main street and connecting lanes. Today, its architecture is a mixture of Georgian and Victorian, with cobblestone paving and local slate roofs.
Cockermouth’s medieval layout and historic buildings have marked it out for special care and preservation by the British Council for Archaeology which, in 1964, named it as one of just 51 Gem Towns across the UK.
In 1221 and 1227, Cockermouth was granted market charters by King Henry III. It developed into one of the area’s most popular market towns, with weekly markets - alongside the fact pubs could open all day on market days - bringing visitors to the town. Today, its Market Place is lined by independent shops and businesses; and the Market Bell can be seen set in a wall as a reminder of this period in its history.
In 1770, famed poet William Wordsworth was born here. Today, his former home of Wordsworth House - where he spent his early years - is open to visitors. Other famous Cockermouth residents have included astronomer Fearon Fallows, scientist John Dalton, Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame, and English cricketer Ben Stokes.
For more recent history, look for the flood markers on the town centre businesses which show how high the waters reached when the Rivers Cocker and Derwent burst their banks in 2009.
There’s history, literature, culture, shopping and more in Cockermouth. The town is an artistic hub, and places like the popular Kirkgate Arts centre offer much to enjoy. There are also artists’ studios hosting workshops, independent galleries, and local shops in which to pick up locally made arts and crafts.
Visit the National Trust owned Wordsworth House and Garden to see where the famous poet and his sister, Dorothy Wordsworth, grew up. Take a walk in the scenic Harris Park, or head further afield and enjoy hiking in the nearby fells and mountains of the Lake District. Places like Keswick, Buttermere and Ennerdale are just a short drive away. Nearby Whinlatter Forest Park has Go Ape aerial assault course and a brilliant adventure playground trail, as well as great mountain biking and walks. Or, take a trip to the Cumbrian coast and spent the day exploring its beaches and nature reserves, including the nearby Solway Coast National Landscape.
The Lakes Distillery is just a short drive away and offers you the opportunity to find out how whisky is made, with tours and tastings available.
There’s always something going on in Cockermouth. Many of the Main Street pubs have live music at weekends, and you’ll find events taking place throughout the year. While the town no longer hosts a regular farmers’ market, it is home to several pop up markets which are well worth visiting. These include the popular Taste Cumbria Food Festivals, with one in September and one at Christmas.
Cockermouth Castle is usually closed to visitors, but occasionally opens during events like Heritage Open Days and for select festivals in the town.
Keep an eye out for events like Cockermouth Live: an annual celebration of live entertainment, taking place at venues across the town every summer (including Cockermouth Castle).
Cockermouth has a varied selection of places to eat and drink, with modern cafes and quirky tea rooms alongside cosy pubs and bistros serving up local and internationally inspired cuisine.
You’ll find some great places to eat in town – tucked down a side street or in full view in the main shopping areas – while the surrounding countryside has some wonderful inns and pubs that serve up gorgeous views along with a delicious meal.
There’s a fine selection of friendly tearooms and cafes, alongside independent bakeries and local producers. Come evening, you can enjoy the town’s range of restaurants and pubs, many offering live entertainment and welcoming dogs, too. Keep an eye out for locally brewed beers on the menu!
If you’d rather eat at home, there’s a good range of takeaways, or head to the town’s brilliant butchers, fishmonger, grocers or delis to find the perfect ingredients.
Cockermouth is known for its shopping, with a great range of shops lining its pretty Georgian streets. Many are independently owned, and all offer excellent customer service. From homewares and gifts to toys and locally made food, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The town centre is pretty compact (no long walks required) and the bulk of the shopping is divided between three areas: tree-lined Main Street, pretty Market Place and bustling Station Street. Keep an eye out for pop-up markets, too.
It’s worth visiting Cockermouth before Christmas. The shopkeepers light their doorways with candles, the Christmas lights are magical, and there’s even late night shopping, with mulled wine to keep away the chill.
Cockermouth is located in the north-west of Cumbria, in between the Lake District National Park and the Solway coast.
Cockermouth offers plenty of places to stay, from hotels to self catering accommodation. With its location near the Lake District and Cumbrian coast, it’s a great place to base yourself and explore the local area. In town and in the nearby countryside you’ll also find glamping on local farms, country house hotels, and a good range of inns and B&Bs.
Cockermouth is easy to reach by car along the A66 from west and east, and the A595 from Carlisle. There’s parking in Cockermouth town centre. Travelling by public transport? There are regular bus services from locations across Cumbria including Keswick, Carlisle, Penrith and Workington.
Based in Cockermouth, on the edge of the Lake District, Wellington Farm have Six Luxury Glamping…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Situated conveniently between Cockermouth and Workington, close to the A66, lies The Melbreak Hotel…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display…
Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater…
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic…
Join us for a spring adventure and make your way along our fun filled Easter trail with activities…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
Book your place on a beginners half day fusing course at the RD Glass studio. Learn a new skill and…
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Go wild & experience a world of wildlife! There's over 100 species from Anaconda to Zebra. Rare and…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 74
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Lamplugh Rd, Cockermouth
Based in Cockermouth, on the edge of the Lake District, Wellington Farm have Six Luxury Glamping pods all with 7ft Hydrotherapy Hot Tubs and an onsite café & Tearooms. Beautiful panoramic views of the Western Lake District fells.
Keswick
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields on the east shore of Bassenthwaite Lake.
Cockermouth
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and using them to prepare dinner.
Cockermouth
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water. Roaring log fires, home-cooked meals with a local emphasis and high-quality real ales on offer.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A well stocked trail centre bike shop offering premium bike hire, fast repairs and premium road and mountain bike sales. We also offer guiding and…
Keswick
Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick with 500 self-catering holiday cottages in the Lake District and Cumbria, including over 270 dog-friendly cottages.
Cockermouth
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and interesting topics for guests to explore. These are very popular and seats should be reserved in advance through the website.
Great Clifton, Workington
Situated conveniently between Cockermouth and Workington, close to the A66, lies The Melbreak Hotel. Once a farmstead, the 38 en-suite bedroomed hotel has an elegant lounge, well stocked bar and popular restaurant. The hotel has 6 electric vehicle…
Cockermouth
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a selection of delicious food in the most elegant of surroundings. A fine selection of finger sandwiches, savoury and sweet treats…
Cockermouth
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with picturesque views.
Cockermouth
This concert features one of the most famous symphonies of all - Beethoven's Fifth, along with Schubert's masterful, but unfinished eighth symphony and a selection from Beethoven's only ballet music The Creatures of Prometheus.
Cockermouth
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
Bassenthwaite
An unique opportunity for anyone over 16 years old. After enjoying a Bird of Prey flying display on the park your experience will begin. Our falconer will teach you how to recall and hold the birds and we start with an owl. Following this we move…
Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater is a peaceful lake that is often bypassed.
Various locations in Cumbria
Tailor made self guided, walking, cycling and touring holidays with luxury and classic accommodation showing you the hidden gems of the area.
Cockermouth
Join us for a spring adventure and make your way along our fun filled Easter trail with activities for the whole family to discover. Explore the childhood home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth with the beautiful garden overlooking the river Derwent…
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National Park with the vision of producing a world class single malt whisky and a global brand that is recognised and respected around the world
Nr Bassenthwaite Lake
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by using regional ingredients where possible and having a key focus on freshness, flavour and simplicity.
Cockermouth
Book your place on a beginners half day fusing course at the RD Glass studio. Learn a new skill and have fun being creative with hands on instruction and the freedom to choose what you make. Create pieces such as freestanding waves or curves, wall…
Cockermouth
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen'. The cottages have used green design and technologies with ground and air source heat pumps to power the under-floor heating beneath the…
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