You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a historic Georgian market town that serves as a gateway to the Western Lakes and the Solway Coast. Situated just outside the boundary of the Lake District, Cumbria, the town offers a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier tourist hubs. Visitors can explore a vibrant local arts scene, excellent independent shopping, and a busy calendar of events. Thanks to its superb location, you can reach tranquil lake shores, sandy beaches, or dramatic mountain fells within a twenty-minute drive.
Cockermouth owes its name and origins to its position at the confluence of the River Derwent and the River Cocker. A Norman castle was established here around 1134, utilising stone from the nearby Roman settlement of Derventio at Papcastle. Although the castle is now privately owned and largely in ruins, it occasionally opens for tours during the summer, and as a venue for the Cockermouth Live! festival in July each year. The town still retains its distinctive medieval layout, featuring a wide main street and narrow connecting lanes lined with Georgian and Victorian architecture.
In the thirteenth century, King Henry III granted the town its market charters, paving the way for it to become a major commercial hub. This historic layout and well-preserved architecture led to Cockermouth being designated as one of Great Britain’s few "Gem Towns" in 1964. The town is also famous as the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, who were born in a grand Georgian house on Main Street in 1770. Maintained by the National Trust, Wordsworth House and Garden is kept in a style that reflects their childhood years.
Other notable historic figures from the area include Fletcher Christian, leader of the mutiny on the Bounty, and the pioneering scientist John Dalton. More recently, the town has shown immense resilience after experiencing significant flooding in 2009 and 2015. The subsequent restoration work carefully preserved the historic character of the town, resulting in beautifully restored Georgian shopfronts. Visitors can still see flood markers on local business walls indicating the historic water levels.
Cockermouth is a thriving cultural and retail hub with a wide variety of attractions. Literature enthusiasts can tour Wordsworth House and Garden to experience what life was like in the eighteenth century. For entertainment, many local venues host regular programmes of theatre, live music and performance, cinema, and art exhibitions. The town is also home to Cockermouth Live!, a completely not-for-profit festival at the beginning of July which hosts a weekend of free and ticketed performances by local musicians and performers.
The town is highly regarded for its exceptional independent shopping across Main Street, Market Place, and Station Street. Visitors can also attend a live auction at Mitchells Auction House, which has held regular sales since 1873. The town is especially magical for Daffodil Day in March each year, when shopkeepers decorate their windows and storefronts.
Cockermouth boasts a diverse food and drink scene, featuring everything from contemporary cafes and traditional tearooms to cosy pubs and fine dining restaurants. The town centre is packed with quality independent food retailers, including local butchers, artisan bakers, and excellent fishmongers. Many local pubs host live music at weekends and proudly serve locally brewed beers.
The local brewing heritage is kept alive by Jennings Brewery, which has resumed production as of 2025, and now hosts regular quiz nights and other events. Food lovers should also plan a visit during the popular Taste Cumbria festivals, which take place in September and December. These events transform the town into a bustling showcase of regional produce, street food, and live entertainment.
Cockermouth is situated in the north-west of Cumbria, perfectly positioned between the coast and the fells. The eastern boundary of the town sits directly alongside the edge of the Lake District National Park.
The town and its surrounding countryside offer an excellent range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. It makes an ideal base for exploring both the high fells and the nearby coastline.
Cockermouth is easily accessible by car via the A66 from both the east and west, or along the A595 from Carlisle. For those travelling by public transport, regular bus services connect the town to key locations across the region. These include direct routes from Penrith, Carlisle, Workington, and Keswick. The nearest mainline railway station is located at Penrith.
There are four main car parks located in the town centre, alongside various short-stay disc parking zones on the streets. Visitors should note that parking regulations are strictly enforced, so it is important to check ticket expiry times carefully.
Cockermouth is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Lake District, Cumbria.
Western Lakes - The beautiful western lakes of Loweswater, Crummock Water, and Buttermere are all located within an eleven-mile drive from the town centre, and Bassenthwaite Lake is just six miles away.
Kewsick & Derwentwater - The popular town of Keswick and Derwentwater sit thirteen miles to the east. Nearby Whinlatter Forest offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including mountain biking trails, walking routes, and the Go Ape treetop adventure course.
Cumbrian Coast - To the north and west, the dramatic Cumbrian coastline and the Solway Coast National Landscape offer wide sandy beaches and peaceful nature reserves. History enthusiasts can explore the neighbouring village of Papcastle, which sits on the site of an ancient Roman settlement. The quiet village of Eaglesfield lies just a mile away and is notable for its connections to prominent historical figures.
In 1964, Cockermouth was named one of just 51 Gem Towns across the UK by the British Council for Archaeology. The designation recommended the settlement for state preservation to protect its historic layout and architectural heritage, located right on the edge of the Lake District, Cumbria.
First excavated in 1912, the true scale of the Derventio Roman settlement was only realised after the 2009 floods exposed hidden artefacts south of the river. Subsequent digs in 2010 uncovered a remarkably preserved second-century watermill featuring monumental masonry. This discovery confirmed that the historic site was a far more significant northern settlement than previously understood.
The master mate who famously led the mutiny on the Bounty was born just a mile from the town in Eaglesfield in 1764. He later attended the same local school as the celebrated poet William Wordsworth.
The historic property deeds for this traditional shop with a quirky museum dates back to the 1650s and are written on vellum. One of these ancient documents bears the original signature of John Wordsworth, the father of the famous poet.
Nestled in a wooded valley in the far west of the Lake District, in the Vale of Lorton, Loweswater…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Cyclewise Cockermouth is a premier independant cycle store based in the heart of the very…
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection,…
It's a date fixed in every food lover's calendar – the flagship Taste Cumbria festival is back in…
Set in Loweswater village between Loweswater lake and Crummock water. Rural setting with…
Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…
Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
We provide two boutique holiday cottages set on the edge of the national park. Both cottages appeal…
We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…
The ultimate animal experience for anyone over the age of 8 years that you will never forget! This…
Step behind the scenes with our guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that…
Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
"Cafe Ambio at Whinlatter Forest is set in the beautiful location of Whinlatter Forest, nestled in…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Cumberland Flower Farm is rarely open to the public, but this year we're hosting a few small,…
Usually held on the first Thursday of the month, our wine tasting evenings are full of laughter and…
Get up close and personal with our Alpacas, for participants aged 16 years and over. Alpacas are…
Join photographer Steve Blake on a half day workshop Whinlatter's beautiful woodland environment…
The romantic ambience and art-deco features of the stunning train carriages make this a truly…
A range of engaging presentations take place daily bringing you closer to many of your favourite…
Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…


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.
Braithwaite, Keswick
Full Moon Women's Circle in the Lake District
The Full Moon is a powerful time for reflection, release, and renewal. At our special forest site in the Lake District, we gather in circle as women to honour the peak of the Moon's cycle and reconnect…
Workington
Cumberland Flower Farm is rarely open to the public, but this year we're hosting a few small, special events where you can take a look around our sustainable flower farm, see how we grow, and enjoy good food and good company. You'll have the chance…
9, Cockermouth
An exhibition of original prints by members of Cumbria printmakers
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
The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker. This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is…
Coniston
This National Trust wood is a wonderful place to be - right by the lake shore.
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.
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,…
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
From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the magnificent house and it’s sweeping gardens, to the second you retreat to the cosy BBQ house and take a dip in the luxury hot tub.
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.
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 700 dog-friendly cottages.
Cockermouth
Book your place on a beginners half day fusing and slumping 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…
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 -…
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.
Cockermouth
Nestled near the tranquil shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, just ten minutes from Keswick, The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite offers a heartfelt Cumbrian welcome that has stood the test of time for over two centuries.
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…
Cockermouth
Afternoon Tea on board the train at Bassenthwaite Lake Station 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 is served to you…
Cockermouth
Tohi Harada is an outstanding, young, Japanese guitarist. His concert programme includes works by J S Bach, John Dowland, Malcolm Arnold and Stanley Myers. Tickets £22.00. Concert starts at 19:30; doors open 18:30
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL