Cockermouth is an English market town of 8,700 people (2011) in the modern county of Cumbria, at the north western end of the Lake District. Much of the architectural core of the town remains largely unchanged since the 18th and 19th centuries. Wordsworth House was expensively restored in 2010, and visitors may take tea in its 18th-century kitchen. Cockermouth is a few minutes travelling distance from lakes such as Ennerdale Water, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Bassenthwaite Lake but is much less crowded with tourists than many Cumbrian towns.

Understand

Main Street

The town has ancient roots and Romans, Vikings and Normans have each left lingering marks on the town and surrounding placenames. Curiously, Cockermouth lays claim to be the first town in Britain to pilot electric lighting, reputably in 1881.

It is perhaps best known as the birthplace of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, John Grayston, and Fletcher Christian (of Mutiny on the Bounty fame). John Dalton (a father of atomic theory) was born in Eaglesfield, a village on the outskirts of Cockermouth, and Astronomer Royal Fearon Fallows also hailed from the town. Also world-famous mountaineer and TV personality Chris Bonnington is a native of the town.

The tree-lined main street boasts a statue of Lord Mayo, a former MP for Cockermouth, who became British Viceroy of India and whose subsequent claim to fame was that he was assassinated.

Its location tends to enhance the life and character of the town without the negative impact of receiving too many tourists (as some believe has occurred in the case of Cockermouth's neighbour Keswick).

Visitor information

• Cockermouth visitor information

See

Attractions include the sizeable but partly ruined Norman castle (still inhabited by Lady Egremont), built at the confluence of the Rivers Cocker and Derwent (complete with a tilting tower which hangs Pisa-like over Jennings Brewery). The castle with its preserved dungeons opens to the public only once a year during the annual town festival. Wordsworth's birthplace are other attractions.

• 1 Wordsworth House and Garden, Main Street, CA13 9RX, ☏ +44 1900 824805, wordsworthhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk.  

Do

Cockermouth is home to the traditional Jenning's Brewery which offers regular public tours and occasional carriage rides pulled by a shire horse. Culturally, the Kirkgate Centre offers international music, theatre and world cinema (including critically acclaimed and art-house movies on Monday evenings) and the town has an annual festival of concerts and performances each Summer. Cockermouth has an annual Easter Fair, fireworks display and carnival. In April 2005 it hosted its first Georgian Fair, which was such a success it was repeated in April 2006, and will in future become a biennial event. At Christmas the town presents festive lighting, accompanied by competing shop displays.

Eat

There are many restaurants and of course lots of pubs. There is even a gourmet fish and chip restaurant in the Market Place.

• The Bitter End Pub and Brewery, Kirkgate. Has its own micro-brewery and is famous for its quality and wholesome bar meals using locally sourced produce including beef, lamb, pork, sausages, fish and cheese from Cumbria. You are guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome from staff and customers alike. The traditional coal fires set the ambience while you can view numerous photographs depicting the history of Cockermouth through the ages. 
• 1 The Honest Lawyer, No 2 Main Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9LQ, ☏ +44 1900 824888, info@honestlawyerrestaurant.co.uk. Tu-Su 5:30-9PM. Honest Lawyer offers a playful take on traditional British cuisine emphasising local, rustic, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. From £18 per head. (updated May 2017)

Sleep

• 1 Cockermouth Youth Hostel, Double Mills, CA13 0DS, ☏ +44 870 770 5768. Small summer-only hostel near the town centre. From £10 pppn. (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Graysonside Bed and Breakfast, Lorton Road CA13 9TQ. 9-room guesthouse and 2 self-catering units. from £45. (updated Mar 2016)
• 3 The Trout Hotel, Crown Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0EJ, ☏ +44 1900 823591, reservations@trouthotel.co.uk. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. 49 bed boutique hotel in the centre of Cockermouth. From £155 per room per night. (updated May 2017)
• 4 New House Farm, Lorton CA13 9UU, ☏ +44 7841 159818. Stylish B&B in converted farmhouse with five rooms, often booked out for weddings. No children under 6. B&B double £140. (updated Jun 2020)
• 5 The Pheasant, Basenthwaite Lake CA13 9YE (On A66), ☏ +44 1768 776234. Comfy 300-year-old coaching inn, dog-friendly. No children under 8. B&B double £120. (updated Jul 2020)

Go next

• South east to Keswick through the scenic Honister Pass on the B5289 via Buttermere and Borrowdale.
• South West on the A595 to Whitehaven 14 mi (23 km)