Cockermouth today

Cockermouth is probably the most attractive, and least known, of the Lake District towns. (Strictly speaking it is not in the Lake district; the National Park boundary skirts around the south of the town). It has not been overtaken by tourism and is essentially still a lively market town serving the surrounding countrydside. On this page we give links to some of the amazing things to be found in Cockermouth and also in the northern lakes area on its doorstep.

Cockermouth Town
There is an excellent and comprehensive town website created by Julian Thurgood. If you want a quick introduction to the town click here to see a short video. Cockermouth is, of course, the birthplace of William Wordsworth. Wordsworth House, where he was born is well worth a visit.

Eating Out
There are a range of eateries, from fine dining restaurants to pubs and even an award-winning vegetarian restaurant. Click here. If you are a serious foodie and want to explore all that the Lake District has to offer, click here.

Real Ale
Cumbria has been famous for its beers for a long time. Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth organizes tours of its brewery. Well worth a visit. The Bitter End pub, just a couple of hundred yards away from the cottage has its own microbrewery. A little further afield is Kirkstyle Inn on Loweswater. One of our favourites

Arts and crafts
There is an abundance of galleries and craft shops in and around Cockermouth. Two deserve special mention. Castlegate House Gallery, housed in a large Georgian house just up from Market Square, and Percy House Gallery located in Cockermouth’s oldest house, built in 1390!

Out and about in the Northern Lake District
For an introduction to the Lakes and Villages outside Cockermouth click here, and for information on the rest of the Lake District click here. The area is famed for its fell walks and also easier low level walks. There are numerous guides available, but try this one. There are lots more things to do, and brochures are available in the lounge of Kirkbrae Cottage.