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Cockermouth Western Lakes & Coast

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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.

History & Heritage

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.

Things To Do in Cockermouth

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.

What’s On in Cockermouth

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).

Food & Drink in Cockermouth

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.

Shopping in Cockermouth

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.

FAQs

Where is Cockermouth located?

Cockermouth is located in the north-west of Cumbria, in between the Lake District National Park and the Solway coast.

Where is there to stay in Cockermouth?

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.

How to get to Cockermouth?

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.

Highlights

The Spa at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Armathwaite Hall has created a timeless, yet contemporary countryside spa within a stunning rural…

Forest Bathing & Wellbeing in Nature Walk – Winter

Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a…

Jennings Brewery Tours

Step behind the scenes with our guided tour and uncover the heritage, stories, and secrets that…

Holme Wood

Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and…

Dining at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine will find much to appreciate at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa. Chef…

The Cottage in the Wood

Our Michelin Star restaurant offers a delicious tasting menu, created by Chef Jack Bond using the…

Jennings Brewery

The brewery is now open again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent…

Bassenthwaite Lake Station

Situated on what was once the Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith railway line, Bassenthwaite Lake…

Castle Guards Farm Retreat

4 Luxury Glamping Retreat on The North Western edge of the Lake District - Castle Guards Farm…

Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

The privately owned, four star 17th century former stately home, has 42 individually designed…

Landscape Photography Full day workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment. Full day workshops are…

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

St. Bega's Church, Bassenthwaite

The church, dedicated to the Celtic Saint Bega, is situated in a picture perfect setting in fields…

Family Friendly Half day Landscape Photography Workshop

Join photographer Steve Blake on a family friendly half day workshop. Whinlatter's beautiful…

Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

Based at the head of England's best trail centre, the Altura trail in Whinlatter Forest, Keswick. A…

Fused glass taster session

If you fancy trying your hand at making a fused glass bowl, wall hanging or freestanding curve,…

Wild Forest Sauna

Wild Sauna & Forest Plunge | Whinlatter Forest Step into the wild beauty of the Lake District and…

Beginners half day glass fusing course

If you fancy trying your hand at making a fused glass wave, wall hanging and more then don't miss…

Buses to and through Cockermouth

Buses to and through Cockermouth: 35 Workington - Cockermouth - Slatefell. 36 Workington -…

The Fitz

From the moment you pull onto the sprawling driveway and capture your first glimpse of the…

Sally's Cottages

Sally's Cottages is an award-winning, local, family run holiday cottage letting agency in Keswick…

The Cottage in the Wood

We are a relaxed, gourmet getaway nestled in Whinlatter Forest, the only true mountain forest in…

Low Fold Holiday Cottages

We provide two boutique holiday cottages set on the edge of the national park. Both cottages appeal…

Fused glass taster session

If you fancy trying your hand at making a fused glass bowl, wall hanging or freestanding curve,…

You may leave the Lake District, but once you’ve been, it’ll never leave you.

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Towns & Villages

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Holme Wood

Address

B5289, South of Cockermouth, Loweswater, Cumbria

website@cumbriatourism.org

Loweswater

Discover the peace and quiet of Holme Wood, a mixed woodland of alder, oak, lime, chestnut, ash and sycamore.

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The Bistro At The Distillery

Address

The Lakes Distillery, Nr Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria, CA13 9SJ

Telephone
017687 88850

bistro@lakesdistillery.com

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.

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Lake District Castle Inn

Address

Lake District Castle Inn, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4RG

Telephone
0176 877 6401

info@lakedistrictcastleinn.com

Keswick

Nestled near Keswick within the picturesque Lake District National Park lies Lake District Castle Inn Hotel, originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1770. Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cumbrian mountains and with views of the serene…

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1653 reviews
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Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges

Address

Bassenthwaite Lakeside Lodges, Bassenthwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZ

Telephone
01768776641

enquiries@blll.co.uk

Keswick

5* holiday park on the shores of Bassenthwaite.

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Wordsworth House and Garden

Address

Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9RX

Telephone
01900 824805

wordsworthhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

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Jennings Beer Festival

Address

Jennings Brewery, Jennings Brewery, Brewery Ln, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NE

Telephone
01900397453

info@jenningsbrewery.co.uk

Brewery Ln, Cockermouth

Independently brewed beers from around Cumbria
Friday 17th & Saturday 18th April 2026
⏰ 4-10pm Friday & 12-9pm Saturday
Jennings Brewery
Street food vendors all weekend @aupastreetfood @yonderstreetfood
Celebrating Indie beer week…

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The Pheasant Inn - Food & Drink

Address

The Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YE

Telephone
017687 76234

info@the-pheasant.co.uk

Cockermouth

Unspoiled traditional inn with every modern comfort in understated luxury.

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Sally's Cottages

Address

7 St John's Street, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5AP

Telephone
017687 80571

sally@sallyscottages.co.uk

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.

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Embleton Spa Hotel

Address

Embleton Spa Hotel, Embleton, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9YA

Telephone
017687 76606

enquiries@embletonspa.co.uk

Cockermouth

Originally an 18th Century Lakeland farm house, the Embleton Spa Hotel is a relaxed, informal hotel with delightful en-suite rooms, suites and apartments. Perfect for exploring Keswick, Cockermouth and the Lakes.

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1093 reviews
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Forest Bathing & Wellbeing in Nature Walk – Winter

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
+447810890528

jen@lakelandwellbeing.co.uk

Braithwaite, Keswick

Reconnect. Slow down. Breathe deeply.
Step away from the rush of everyday life and join us for a 3-hour guided forest bathing experience with Hannah, inspired by Shinrin-yoku – the Japanese practice of restoring wellbeing through mindful connection…

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Taste Cumbria Christmas

Address

Main Street & Market Place, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9LE

Telephone
01228 817200

paul.walker@cumberland.gov.uk

Cockermouth

Get in to the festive spirit with Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.
We treat you to more than just food and drink at our Christmas event. There will be gifts and homewares, seasonal specials and all…

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St. Bega's Church, Bassenthwaite

Address

St. Bega's Church, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4QZ

vicar@binsey.org.uk

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.

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Bridekirk Dovenby 10k

Address

Bridekirk Dovenby CE Primary School, Dovenby, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PG

Telephone
07971760496

bridekirk10k@gmail.com

Cockermouth

10km race from school around the quiet country roads in the picturesque Bridekirk and Tallentire area

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Buses to and through Cockermouth

Address

Cockermouth, Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NH

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

cockermouthtowncouncil@btinternet.com

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 -…

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Fused glass taster session

Address

RD Glass, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0TR

Telephone
07724746277

info@roxydennyglass.co.uk

Cockermouth

If you fancy trying your hand at making a fused glass bowl, wall hanging or freestanding curve, then don't miss the chance to come to the studio and give it a go.
Learn a new skill and have fun being creative, with the freedom to choose what you…

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Afternoon Tea at Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
017687 76551

reservations@armathwaite-hall.com

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,…

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Low Fold Holiday Cottages

Address

Low Fold Barn, Tallentire, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0PR

Telephone
07989256111

lowfoldholidaycottages@gmail.com

Cockermouth

We provide two boutique holiday cottages set on the edge of the national park. Both cottages appeal to the more discerning guests who enjoy a luxurious and sumptuous stay. The cottages are ideal for romantic couple’s retreats, special occasion…

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Landscape Photography Full day workshop

Address

Whinlatter Forest, Whinlatter Pass, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
0782729869

steveblakephotography@gmail.com

Braithwaite, Keswick

Join photographer Steve Blake in our beautiful woodland environment.

Full day workshops are designed for those looking to take their photography to the next level and learn how to get the most out of your photography equipment, be that an iPad or…

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Cyclewise Whinlatter - Bike Hire & Guide

Address

Cyclewise Whinlatter, Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5TW

Telephone
017687 78711

enquiries@cyclewise.co.uk

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…

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
183 reviews
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Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa

Address

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa, B5291, Bassenthwaite Lake, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RE

Telephone
017687 76551

reservations@armathwaite-hall.com

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.

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Cockermouth

History & Heritage

Things To Do in Cockermouth

What’s On in Cockermouth

Food & Drink in Cockermouth

Shopping in Cockermouth

FAQs

Where is Cockermouth located?

Where is there to stay in Cockermouth?

How to get to Cockermouth?

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