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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.
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and…
Join us for a spring adventure and make your way along our fun filled Easter trail with activities…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
Based in Cockermouth, on the edge of the Lake District, Wellington Farm have Six Luxury Glamping…
Buses to and through Cockermouth: 35 Workington - Cockermouth - Slatefell. 36 Workington -…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Cyclewise Cockermouth is a premier independant cycle store based in the heart of the very…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
4 Luxury Glamping Retreat on The North Western edge of the Lake District - Castle Guards Farm…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 75
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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
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake Station offers a unique place to enjoy breakfast, brunch and lunch aboard the replica Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Keswick
5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.
Embleton
The 15 stones, of which the tallest is just under one metre, form an almost perfect circle some 40 metres in diameter. Only 15 stones of the original 30 remain.
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.
Cockermouth
A celebration of live performance across the town; 20+ venues; 70+ acts; almost all are free and for all ages !
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
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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.
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
Cockermouth
A 3-hour workshop with a foraging expert, which includes ID guidance, picking wild ingredients and using them to prepare dinner.
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…
Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural setting, offering a relaxed, high comfort, luxurious spa facility.
Bassenthwaite
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite animals. Watch exhilarating Bird of Prey displays, educational Reptile talks and fun and interesting Lemur, Otter and Red Panda talks.
Braithwaite, Keswick
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in England, with nine contemporary rooms offering woodland or garden views, it’s a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
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.
Cockermouth
Buses to and through Cockermouth:
35 Workington - Cockermouth - Slatefell.
36 Workington - Cockermouth - Keswick.
58 Cockermouth - Maryport.
217 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
219 Cockermouth - Cleator Moor.
263 Maryport - Workington -…
Various locations in Cumbria
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller in mind, we aim to show you the hidden gems of the Lake District and also offer the option of electric bikes.
Bassenthwaite
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are friendly and inquisitive animals and just like us they enjoy a bit of fresh air and exercise. Meet our five boys Hugo, Hector, Herbie, Dougal and…
South Street, Cockermouth
Cyclewise Cockermouth is a premier independant cycle store based in the heart of the very picturesque town of Cockermouth. The shop was opened in 2015 to compliment our mountain biking hire centre in Whinlatter Forest.
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