Cockermouth Tourist Information
Cockermouth, the birthplace of the poet William Wordsworth, stands on the fringes of the northern Lake District, a few miles from the wide horizons and freedom of the Solway Coast and within sight of one of Nature's pleasure grounds of fells and lakes. Cockermouth is quieter than its larger neighbour of Keswick but nonetheless the close knit thriving community of around 8ooo is well served by a broad mix of traditional shops, stores, cafés, restaurants, pubs, 4 Banks and a Post Office all gathered on or around the main street. Cockermouth is a doorway to the open countryside of Lorton Vale and beyond to the lakes of Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Crummock Water, Loweswater and to the beauty and wildlife of a Heritage Coast and the flora and fauna along the Solway Firth. When it comes to “things to see and do”, the visitor is spoilt for choice. Beginning in April and throughout the summer and autumn months, Cockermouth together with nearby towns and villages stage a range of events including “rock” festivals, carnivals, beer festivals, music and drama, agricultural shows, a Georgian Fair and classic vehicle displays. However, this is an all year round destination of a town which appreciates the needs of dedicated and independent minded climbers, walkers and cyclists who arrive to enjoy the challenges and spectacular scenery even on the coldest and shortest days. Cockermouth is a town to which the maxim “arrive as a guest and leave as a friend” readily applies. Please browse our Local Events and Lake District attractions for family fun and entertainment. |
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How to get there:
By rail: The nearest mainline railway stations are Penrith and Carlisle. Whitehaven and Workington are the nearest on the Cumbria Coast Line. Bus connections to Cockermouth.
By Bus: Regular services to and from Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington, Wigton, Keswick.
By road: Leave M6 at J40 and follow A66 via Keswick.
Or, from Carlisle take the A595 roman road to Cockermouth.
Attractions in Cockermouth |
Wordsworth House
This is one of the Lake District and Cumbria’s best known locations. The building was renovated in 2003 and re-opened to the public in the following year. A recreation of an 18th C working kitchen and family rooms are the result of painstaking work and attention to detail. Those making wedding preparations may be interested to know the house is opening up its interior and gardens to grooms, brides and couples for wedding photographs.
www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk
Percy House Gallery
The Gallery, a 14th C building of low ceilings and exposed beams specializes in exhibitions by artists of the Lake District and Cumbria. The displays feature jewellery, textiles, glassware, ceramics, metal ware, paintings and photographs.
Jennings Brewery
The towns well known brewery produces a wide range of ales including Jennings Bitter, the favourite of the Lake District and Cumbria. There are Brewery Tours throughout the year and for those with discriminating palates, the opportunity to sample some of the finest is a welcome feature.
www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk
Solway Coast
It is not far to the wild unspoilt area of the North West coastline of Cumbria. This area of outstanding natural beauty is particularly important for the preservation and care of bird life, diverse plants and animal habitat.
Vale of Lorton
The vale is one of the prettiest and most fertile in the whole of the Lake District and Cumbria. Wordsworth’s poem “Yew Trees” begins, “There is a yew tree, pride of Lorton Vale”. Visitors here will find such a tree standing next to the narrow stream of Whit Beck behind Lorton’s village hall. It is recorded that under its branches were preaching’s by the Methodist John Wesley, and, George Fox, founder of the Quakers to gatherings which included soldiers of Oliver Cromwell’s army.
Saint Cuthbert’s Church, Lorton
Records show this church dates from the 13th C. It is a matter of pride in the area that the “kneelers” and communion rail cushions were designed and worked by the Lorton Valley Ladies who spent several thousand hours on the detailed needlework. Mary Robinson, the “Beauty of Buttermere” was married to her imposter husband in this church in 1802.
Lakes
Bassenthwaite, Buttermere, Loweswater and Crummock Water are the nearest via the scenic route of the Whinlatter Pass.
Wordsworth Memorial
A bronze bust of the poet stands opposite Wordsworth House.
Mayo Statue
Main Street, Cockermouth.
Cockermouth Castle
Initial construction dates back to the 12th C. with further additions in the 13th and 14th Centuries. Following the English Civil Wars of the 1640's, Parliament ordered it to be demolished and has since remained in ruins. Not open to the public except on certain days during the Cockermouth Festival.
Cockermouth Leisure Centre
A small but busy facility which includes a 25 m. swimming pool, badminton, yoga, sub-aqua, martial arts, circuit training, parent & toddler swimming, climbing wall and a well equipped gymnasium. www.allerdale.gov.uk
Jordans Jungle Play Centre and Café
Lorton Road, Cockermouth. Take a snack while the kids let off steam in the adventure and indoor play areas.
Kirkgate Centre
Cinema, theatre, exhibitions and dance. www.kirkgate.com
Cockermouth Town Trail
Copies of the route from the Tourist Information Centre.
Cockermouth Tourist Information Centre
Old Kings Arms Lane, Cockermouth, Cumbria.
Phone: +44 (0)1900 822634
Fax: +44 (0)1900 822603
All Saints Church
This is the third building on a site dating back to the 14th C. William Wordsworth was baptised here and his father, John, is buried in the churchyard. The 180 feet tall spire is clearly visible from all parts of the town.
Cockermouth Golf Club
Stunning views of Bassenthwaite and Skiddaw and beyond to the Solway.
www.cockermouthgolf.co.uk
Whinlatter Forest
A true mountain forest rising to 790m. Altura Trail for mountain bikers, High Wire Adventure, Visitor Centre, Osprey Viewing Point (April-August) Superb walking tracks.
C2C Cycle Route
Cockermouth is a waymark on this 155 mile journey across England.
Heritage Coast
Take the short journey to St. Bees for a visit to the beach and a walk along the 300 feet high sandstone cliffs to view one of the largest seabird colonies in England.
Food and Drink in Cockermouth |
Jennings Brewery
Enjoy a guided tour of the brewery and sample Lakeland ales in the Old Cooperage bar.
Phone: +44 (0)845 1297 190
www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk
Hartleys Ice Cream Parlour & Coffee Shop
46 Main Street, Cockermouth
Transportation in Cockermouth |
T-Cabs
Airport Transfers and Taxi Services in West Cumbria. Phone: 0044 1900 821489 or 0044 7704 780300.
www.t-cabs.co.uk
G and J Taxis
A friendly family-run concern. Phone: 01900 826307.
A&K Travel Ltd
Local and long distance services. Telephone 01900-511019.
Eric’s Taxi Service
Local and long distance. Sightseeing tours. Telephone 07879118222.
Cockermouth Travel Company
Distance no object. Telephone 01900-826649.
Bicycle Hire
4 Play Cycles, Market Place, Cockermouth.
www.4playcycles.com Telephone 01900-823377.