Cockermouth Tourist Information
Although Cockermouth is well visited as the place of William Wordsworths birth, it is not as tourist orientated as some of it's bigger neighbours. The large Georgian house, the birthplace of Wordsworth, was built in 1745 for the use of the High Sheriff of Cumberland. It was lucky to escape demolition in the 1930's when the local bus Company decided that it was a perfect site for a bus station. Fortunately the National Trust stepped-in, took over,and has cared for it since with ongoing renovations and improvements.
Cockermouth is a convenient place from which to explore the Lake District. The town amenities provide fully the needs of the visitor.
The Toy Museum displays toys manufactured between 1900 to the present day; the Kirkgate Centre shows diverse films, drama and exhibitions; and the Printing Museum has an interesting collection of early machinery. Annual events include a motor rally, agricultural show, a carnival and a summer festival. Fishing is a very popular sport. Local rivers contain fine brown trout and salmon.
The Jennings Brewery continues the traditional means of producing fine ale.The guided tour is an interesting 1 1/2 hours with the added incentive of tasting the potent "Sneck Lifter" and other brews.
The Cockermouth Western Lake District Centre with it's emphasis on the hardy Herdwick sheep is a fascinating place especially for the kids. Maybe Dad can be "excused duty" to take time-off for a round of golf at the Cockermouth Golf Club where the convivial club house offers a warm welcome.
The main shopping centre is more than adequate; cafes, pubs and restaurants give value for money and accommodation is plentiful.
With a little research you will find that there is something for everyone.
How to get there:
By rail: Take the London to Scotland West Coast main line straight to Carlisle. From Carlisle the coastal rail line links with Workington or Maryport, only a short distance from Cockermouth.
By road: Leave M6 at J40 and follow A66 via Keswick.
Or, from Carlisle take the A595 roman road to Cockermouth.
| Cockermouth Accommodation | Cockermouth Attractions |
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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.
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 |