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The handsome Georgian town of Cockermouth is the gateway to the western Lake District. A busy schedule of events keeps the town buzzing throughout the year (highlights include the Taste food festival and the Northbound music festival), but it’s the location that makes it a great place to stay: 20 minutes out of town and you’re by the shores of a lake, sitting on a beach or walking up a fell.
The town is also home to the renowned Jennings Brewery, while it is also the proud birthplace of William and Dorothy Wordsworth; Wordsworth House offers a fascinating insight into the poet’s early life but also gives modern visitors a glimpse of how people lived in the 18th century. Other famous children of Cockermouth include astronomer Fearon Fallows, scientist John Dalton and Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty fame.
Cockermouth has a tasty selection of places to eat and drink. It’s a place that can cater for every appetite, and every craving.
It’s home to a wealth of cafes and traditional tea shops, perfect for breakfast or a light lunch, as well as pubs serving up the heartiest of local fare, and contemporary restaurants with an international flavour.
If it’s just a drink you’re after, a pint of Jennings ale will always go down well – and it’s brewed in the heart of the town. It doesn’t get more local than that…
Cockermouth and its surrounding villages are gaining a reputation as a foodie paradise. 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. Every kind of cuisine is catered to, from classic English to modern European and more. Whatever you’re in the mood for, be sure to try local specialties of meat reared in the fields just outside of town and seafood caught fresh off the West Cumbrian coast.
There’s a fine selection of friendly teashops and cafes, where the emphasis is on local ingredients and old-fashioned home cooking. Some of these even come with their own bakeries, so the cakes and breads you eat are usually fresh out of the oven. Come in the evening and you can enjoy a bistro night along with live entertainment.
Don’t miss the pubs either – the majority of which are dog-friendly. From the liveliest of nights out, to a quiet pint, Cockermouth has a great range, many of them serving food too. Their menus range from bar snacks or proper hearty pub grub, to something more contemporary. The one thing they all have in common is a great range of beers, many of them brewed locally in Cumbria, including of course those brewed by Jennings, right here in town.
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.
And, for the perfect foodie treat, head to Cockermouth in the last weekend of September for the annual Taste Cumbria food festival. It attracted an estimated 40,000 people in 2015, all eager to eat, drink and graze their way around the stalls, eat at Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan’s pop-up restaurant, and learn from some culinary masters.
There’s history, literature, culture, shopping and more in Cockermouth. With family friendly places to visit, everything within an easy walk, and plenty to catch your eye around town, it’s a great place to visit.
It’s also the perfect gateway to the Western Lake District and the Solway coast, so it’s worth planning your trip so you’ve got time to head out of town too. You’ve got fells, lakes, forests and beaches on your doorstep if you choose to stay in Cockermouth.
Cockermouth is the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth, so you’ll see his face around town, not least at the National Trust-owned Wordsworth House and Garden. If you like history, seek out the mini museum in Banks Hardware store in Market Place or take the Civic Trust’s town trail. 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.
Tours are also on offer at Jennings Brewery, and they finish with samples of their ales. Or head out of town to the Lakes Distillery, a short drive away, and find out how whisky is being made here for the first time in hundreds of years.
Cockermouth Castle is owned by Lord and Lady Egremont and is usually closed to visitors, but this historic building is open on a handful of days around the time of Georgian Fair and the Midsummer Festival. They are two events not to be missed, as is September’s Taste Cumbria Festival which is a foodie paradise with celebrity chefs, cookery demonstrations and a wealth of stalls; and Woolfest, which attracts international visitors who love crafts and this most natural of products.
There’s always something going on in Cockermouth. The town’s arts venue is the Kirkgate Centre, with its mix of music, comedy, theatre and exhibitions. Its Monday night cinema shows everything from subtitled arts films to recent blockbusters, while its Film Club has themed seasons. Many of the Main Street pubs have live music at weekends, and you get ad hoc events in some of the cafes, bistros and at Wordsworth House and Garden. There are lots of creative places to browse, and high-end art is on show at Castlegate Gallery, which has a national reputation.
While you’re in the area, explore the coast – there are fabulous beaches, lovely harbours and loads of history, or head inland to the amazing valleys of Buttermere and Ennerdale. Nearby Whinlatter Forest Park has Go Ape aerial assault course and a brilliant adventure playground trail, as well as great mountain biking and walks.
In busy Cockermouth you’ll find a full range of shops, many of them independently owned and all proud of their friendly service. There are butchers and bakers (no candlestick maker, alas), toyshops and bookshops, antiquarians and homewares. Supplies for your pet? They’ve got you covered.
There are card shops, furniture stores, national supermarket chains and car retailers, as well as historic hardware shops, interesting curios, pharmacies, banks and some luxury shops with lovely clothes, shoes and lingerie.
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. There are pop-up vintage, antique and country food and plant markets on Main Street on a weekly basis – look for the signs to tell you they’re open.
It’s worth visiting Cockermouth before Christmas too. The shopkeepers light their doorways with candles, the fairy lights are magical, and there’s even late night shopping, with mulled wine to keep away the chill.
Don’t forget to try your luck on Shop 10, the town’s loyalty scheme and prize draw – available in almost all independent shops. Fill your Shop 10 card with stamps and put it in the box at Meglans IT shop at number 10 Station Street and you could win a £10 voucher for a participating retailer.
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School,…
Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of a Georgian All Hallows Eve, get creative…
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain…
The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Visit William and Dorothy Wordsworth's childhood home and enjoy some much-loved poems around the…
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal…
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
Come along to Wordsworth House and Garden and get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room. Be…
Located in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Hundith Hill offers stunning views of the Cumbrian…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire to horrify and delight you. This event…
Join us for an evening of intrigue and opulence aboard the Orient Express! Our Murder Mystery…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 83
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cockermouth
The Hay O' Trail is a 6km multi terrain race. Runners leave the grounds of Cockermouth School, heading away from Cockermouth along a footpath adjacent to the road (Castlegate Drive)
Keswick
Ladies from West Cumbria - join Jo from JAG Outdoors for this special free Dark Skies Walk at Ennerdale!
A chance to get outside, explore the local area, and experience the the forest at night.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsCockermouth
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
393 reviewsThe 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.
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
154 reviewsCockermouth
Join us for celestial exploration of flavour for one night only, Saturday 4th May 2024.
To celebrate the launch of Galáxia, you are invited to join us at the distillery for an evening of stargazing and whisky tasting. Co-hosted by local…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
809 reviewsCockermouth
After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of a Georgian All Hallows Eve, get creative by making yourself something scary to wear or decorate the house!
Join us in the discovery room where you will find everything you need for a spooky…
Keswick
The autumn 23/24 series of canicross races has now launched! Held in England's only mountain forest, Dodd Wood & Grizedale Forest. The perfect location for you to enjoy stunning scenery and a fully marked course on forest roads and trails.
This…
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
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 Orient Express train, right here in the Lake District.
Cockermouth
Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.
Loweswater
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.
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.
Cockermouth
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home. Whether you meet the maid-of-all-work or a knowledgeable 21st-century guide, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.
Keswick
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests staying at the hotel, included heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym. Set beneath some of England's highest fells and overlooking Bassenthwaite…
Cockermouth
Visit William and Dorothy Wordsworth's childhood home and enjoy some much-loved poems around the house to celebrate National Poetry Day.
Step back in time and explore the birthplace and childhood home of romantic poet William Wordsworth and his…
Whinlatter Pass, Keswick
Enchanting evenings of music in the forest, with floor spots, special guests and an informal session to round off the evening.
Keswick
Overlooking Bassenthwaite Lake and some of England’s highest fells, the Castle Inn offers the warmest of welcomes and leisure facilities that provide the opportunity to unwind after a long day.
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