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You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Cockermouth
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...Read More
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.
Read LessA 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A 5.5 mile multi terrain race. Start / Finish: Cockermouth School Registration From: 10 am Race…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Situated conveniently between Cockermouth and Workington, close to the A66, lies The Melbreak Hotel…
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A 5.5 mile multi terrain race. Start / Finish: Cockermouth School Registration From: 10 am Race…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
A 5.5 mile multi terrain race. Start / Finish: Cockermouth School Registration From: 10 am Race…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
The Orient Express Afternoon Tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station and Carriage Cafe offers a unique…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
A 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Situated conveniently between Cockermouth and Workington, close to the A66, lies The Melbreak Hotel…
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
Eco cottages, built and furnished to the highest standards, in 'one of the most beautiful places…
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 76
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in the treetops. We offer modern cafe food, and brilliant coffee. We use local suppliers to showcase the best food that Cumbria has to offer. Everything…
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…
Cockermouth
A 5.5 mile multi terrain race.
Start / Finish: Cockermouth School
Registration From: 10 am
Race Start: 11am
Minimum Age: 15 years
Entry Fees:
Affiliated Club Members - £10 + online booking fee £1.05
Unattached Runners - £12 + online booking…
Braithwaite
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. Located in the North West of the Lake District, you'll find us in the heart of it. It plays host to two of our…
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…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over the valleys of the River Keekle and Dub Beck to distant villages and the rearing hills beyond.
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 5-hour course with an expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast at Bassenthwaite Lake Station.
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…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
Bassenthwaite
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This experience is the perfect way to meet our Tapirs, Meerkats, and Ring-Tailed Lemurs!
Cockermouth
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly unique experience that is not to be missed by locomotive lovers, film enthusiasts and foodies alike! Breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas are catered for…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed bedrooms, wood panelled public rooms, real log fire, Lake View Restaurant, six conference rooms, croquet lawn, tennis courts and spa facility.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef takes full advantage of a wealth of local seasonal produce and Cumbrian specialities to create a variety of gastronomic delights.
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm. Diners can choose from a selection of savoury and sweet treats, including sandwiches and filled mini brioche rolls, quiche, homemade cake, biscuits,…
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
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and for all ages !
Braithwaite, Keswick
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the finest ingredients from Cumbria and further afield in creative, sustainable ways.
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…
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.
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