There’s plenty to do in this Lakeland town

Cockermouth is perfectly positioned to enjoy the best that the northern Lake District has to offer – it’s close enough to the Lake District’s beauty spots but just far enough away to avoid the crowds. There’s plenty to see and do in the town and stunning scenery to enjoy nearby, including Bassenthwaite – the only actual lake in the Lake District.

There are some wonderful independent shops around the town centre, which sit happily alongside chain stores. Most of the shops can be found along the bustling Main Street and Station Street and their off-shoots, with more tucked away in the slightly more tranquil Market Place, which is full of character.

The town is packed with historic interest, from the Georgian buildings of the town centre to the 13th century castle which is still occupied by the Egremont family. There’s also an historic printing works and the fabulous JB Banks ironmongers, a shop-cum-museum packed with fascinating artefacts. A number of galleries and

Shop

Don’t miss Market Place. Find nature-inspired ceramics at Bitterbeck Pottery or gifts from Lily & Co, or lovely lingerie from Jacy’s, topped off with cosy outerwear from Cockermouth Country Clothing. There’s a great bike shop, 4Play Cycles, there too. And for high-end art, head just up the hill to Castlegate House Gallery.

Eat

There’s plenty of choice but we like the newly re-opened Honest Lawyer for bistro food, The Bitter End for a fabulous steak pie, or Tarantella for good pizza and pasta. For fine dining, head out of town to Lorton and The Cedar Tree Dining Room at Winder Hall Country House.

Spoil yourself

There’s a wealth of beauticians in town. Emily’s is tucked away at Lifestyle Gym in Mayo Courtyard off Main Street. Pure Touch on Main Street is another popular salon. For holistic therapies, visit North Lakes Clinic in the heart of the town.

Visit

Wordsworth House and Garden is open from March to October, and The Kirkgate arts centre offers cinema, theatre, music and more every month except August. Both do good children’s entertainment too. Jenning’s Brewery tour is worth a trip too. Visit Fletch’s blog at www.fletchtheperchcrow.wordpress.com and download the Cockermouth app from the App Store.

Amuse the children

There’s a proper Toy Shop on Main Street with goodies spread over two floors. Memorial Gardens and Harris Park have decent play parks, or there’s indoor play at Jordan’s Jungle on Lorton Road. And, if the little ones have been really good, visit Cockermouth Sweet Shop on Main Street with its traditional jars of treats.

Where it is: Cockermouth stands on the A66 about 25 miles west of junction 40 on the M6. If you have a satnav, CA13 9LQ should take you to the town centre.

Where to park: There are car parks around Cockermouth but if you park on the street you’ll probably need a disc which can be collected from shops around the town.

Find out more: Cockermouth Tourist Information Centre is on Main Street, 01900 822634