You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Cockermouth
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.
From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the…
The Lambfoot Loop is an accurately measured and certified 10km road race. The race starts and…
Our restaurant has a warm and modern appeal, for either a romantic meal for two, or a family meal.…
The Bistro at the Distillery aims to embrace the spirit of the Lake District, which is achieved by…
A unique and special cafe experience on board the replica Orient Express train and restored station…
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…
The loop begins by skirting along the edge of the fells with dramatic and atmospheric views over…
A 16thC inn situated at the foot of Melbreak and between Loweswater lake and Crummock Water.…
Join us as writer, farmer and Lakes Future Farming Partnerships Manager Andrea Meanwell shares her…
Leisure at the Castle Inn offers a great range of facilities available to our Members and guests…
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel…
Based in Cockermouth, on the edge of the Lake District, Wellington Farm have Six Luxury Glamping…
After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of a Georgian All Hallows Eve, get creative…
Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…
Welcome to England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter boasts unrivalled views across…
Guests at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa can enjoy a full afternoon tea service from 12:30pm-5pm.…
Bassenthwaite Lake, owned by the National Park Authority, is 4 miles long and 3/4 mile wide, and…
Step back in time to the 1770s and experience William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s childhood home.…
The award-winning Lakes Distillery Company opened in December 2014 in The Lake District National…
Our cycling holidays are a unique way to discover Cumbria. Designed with the thoughtful traveller…
Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…
You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.
Number of results: 83
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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
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.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
101 reviewsBraithwaite, 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
Join Jessie McMeekin as she tells tales by the kitchen fire to horrify and delight you.
This event is suitable for children aged 4 to 11. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
This event is free but normal admission charges apply…
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.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Wheatsheaf pub.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
KESWICK
From Keswick: Take the A66 west towards Cockermouth. At Braithwaite turn west onto the B5292 for Lorton. Follow Visitor Centre Sign Posts.
Car park with 35 spaces. Pay on exit. Charges apply 24 hours a day. Short walk to Whinlatter Forest visitor…
COCKERMOUTH
Pay and display car park with 69 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Public toilets available, located adjacent to the car park.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at Cyclewise, Cockermouth.
A donation to Mountain Rescue is requested for use of this facility.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at The Bitter End, Cockermouth.
A 50p charge applies for use of this facility.
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at 4Play Cycles, Cockermouth.
A donation to Mountain Rescue is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on approx 2 miles to Hobcarton car park on your left (identified by a green…
COCKERMOUTH
2 electric bike charging points, located at Bassenthwaite Lake Station Cafe. Charging facility is provided free to paying customers only, in exchange for a donation to a chosen charity which will change each year.
KESWICK
Car park with 20 spaces. To get there from Keswick, take the A66 toward Cockermouth. Follow signs for Braithwaite on the B5292/Whinlatter Pass. Head through Braithwaite and on to Noble Knott car park on your left (identified by a green signpost on…
KESWICK
A small free car park with 20 spaces. Located on the back road to Thornthwaite, off the A66.
KESWICK
Car park with 25 spaces. Located on the road between Lorton and Braithwaite. Take a short walk from here to the waterfall called Spout Force.
COCKERMOUTH
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
A half-mile level walk from Lanthwaite Wood car park is one of the most jaw-dropping beach-side views in the Lakes. The woodland (a haven for red squirrels) suddenly opens up with a view right down Crummock…
COCKERMOUTH
Electric bike charging point, located at Lorton Village Shop.
A Donation to Mountain Rescue is requested for use of this facility.
KESWICK
Non-hired bikes can be charged for half an hour if they have been PAT tested and display the sticker at Cyclewise bike shop.
Electric Bike Charging Point, located at Cyclewise, Whinlatter Forest
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL