Cockermouth

Roman Origins
Lying just outside the boundary of the Lake District National Park, Cockermouth is an attractive market town not overwhelmed by the tourist atmosphere of Keswick and Ambleside. Cockermouth grew up at the junction of the two most important rivers in the area. Here the River Cocker, flowing out of the lakes Buttermere, Crummock and Loweswater meets the River Derwent on its journey from lakes Derwent and Bassenthwaite to the sea at Workington.

The Romans built the fort of Deventio at Papcastle, about a mile from the present town, at a meeting place of roads from Maryport, Carlisle and Penrith. Cockermouth Castle was built in the 13th century, but little of that remains because of the efforts of Robert the Bruce. The majority of today's ruins date from 1360 to 1370, though there have been some modern additions. The castle is privately owned, and not normally open to the public. Tours are often available during the Cockermouth Festival in July.

The Wordsworth Connection
Today's visitors are attracted by the town's calm, its nearness to some of the more peaceful lakes and mountains, and the fact that Dorothy and William Wordsworth were born here. The large Georgian house in the Main Street where they were born, is now in the care of the National Trust. Another famous son of Cockermouth was Fletcher Christian, the man who led the mutiny on 'The Bounty'. He was born about a mile from the town at Eaglesfield in 1764, and attended the same school as Wordsworth. John Dalton, born in 1766 also at Eaglesfield, was one of the most brilliant scientists of his age, and was the originator of the atomic theory.

The town received its Market Charter in 1221, and has retained its importance as a market town ever since. Quarrying and mining for lead and iron were later developments outside the town, and a brewery has been built at the foot of the castle mound, where the two rivers meet.

Places of interest

Wordsworth House
As the birthplace of William Wordsworth, Wordsworth House is arguably the best-known of Cockermouth's attractions. Following a major £1m refurbishment, the house offers a lively and participative visit with hands-on activities and costumed living history.
Tel: 01900 824 805
Website: www.wordsworthhouse.org.uk

The Bitter End
A past winner of 'Pub of the Year' from the local branch of CAMRA, the pub also revels in being the home of Cumbria's smallest brewery. At the rear of the pub, and viewable through a glass window in the lounge, is a Micro Brewery, set up to supply customers with real ale.
Tel: 01900 828 993
Website: www.bitterend.co.uk

Museum of Printing
The Printing Museum has a varied and fascinating range of printing presses brought together from all over Britain. The collection is housed in a building dating back to the 16th Century.
Tel: 01900 824 984

Toy and Model Museum
The museum exhibits a wide selection of mainly British toys from 1900 to the present in adjoining carefully restored late 18th Century buildings.
Tel: 01900 827 606
Website: www.toymuseum.co.uk

Western Lake District Visitor Centre
The Western lake District Visitor Centre is housed in the Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre, and gives an opportunity to discover why the Western Lakes and Coast is a very special part of Cumbria with its own distinctive character, history, landscape and culture.
Tel: 01900 822 673
Website: www.western-lakedistrict.co.uk

Serviced Accommodation

Allerdale Court Hotel
Market Place, Cockermouth CA13 9NQ
Tel: 01900 823 654
Website: www.allerdalecourthotel.co.uk

Six Castlegate Guest House
6 Castlegate, Cockermouth CA13 9EU
Tel: 01900 826 786
Website: www.sixcastlegate.co.uk
Email: info@sixcastlegate.co.uk

Croft Guest House
6/8 Challoner St, Cockermouth, CA13 9QS
Tel: 01900 827 533
Website: www.croft-guesthouse.com

Huddlestone Cottage & The Hayloft (self catering)
Redmain House, Redmain, Cockermouth CA13 0PZ
Tel: 01900 825 695
Website: www.lakesnw.co.uk/hudcot

Linskeldfield (self-catering) Farm Holiday Cottages
Linskeldfield Farm, ISEL, Nr. Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9SR
Contact: Pauline Young
Tel: 01900 822 136
Website: www.linskeldfield.co.uk
Email: Cooleye1977@hotmail.com

The Manor House Hotel & Restaurant
Crown Street, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 0EH
Tel: 01900 828 663

Riverside
12 Market St, Cumbria, CA13 9NJ
Tel: 01900 827 504

The Rook Guest House
9 Castlegate, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9EU
Tel: 01900 828 496

Rose Cottage
Lorton Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria CA13 9DX
Tel: 01900 822 189
Website: www.rosecottageguest.co.uk

Camping

Graysonside Farm
Lorton Road, Cockermouth
Tel: 01900 821 665.

Violet Bank Caravan Park
Simonscales Lane, Cockermouth
Tel: 01900 822 169

Wyndham Holiday Park
Old Keswick Road, Cockermouth
Tel: 01900 822 571

Youth Hostels

Cockermouth Youth Hostel
Double Mills, Cockermouth CA13 0DS
Tel: 0870 770 5768
Website: www.yha.org.uk

Bike Shops

Derwent Cycles
4 Market Place, Cockermouth
Tel: 01900 822 113

4 Play
Old Kings Arms Lane, Cockermouth
Tel: 01900 823 377