Hotels in Cockermouth

Located where the River Cocker flows into the River Derwent, Cockermouth is an ancient market town in Cumbria. It’s home to the childhood residence of William Wordsworth and a 13th-century castle and serves as a gateway to Lake District National Park.

Things to do in Cockermouth

Overlooking the junction of the Cocker and Derwent rivers is the partially ruined Cockermouth Castle, which was home to Lady Egremont until 2013. It was originally built by the Normans in 1134 and played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. Marvel at the castle’s tilting tower or coincide your visit with a Heritage Open Day to explore its preserved dungeons.

Adjacent to Cockermouth Castle is the Jennings Brewery, which has been brewing ales using lakeland water since 1828. Join a guided tour to learn about the traditional brewing techniques still used here and sample some of Jennings’ ales in the Cooperage bar. Carriage rides are occasionally offered through the property and Jennings products are for sale at the brewery store.

One of Cockermouth’s most famous residences is Wordsworth House where the English poet was born in 1770. Now operated by the National Trust, this Georgian townhouse has been transformed into a writer’s house museum for visitors to discover the early years of William Wordsworth’s life. Wander through the 18th-century kitchen and see William’s former bedroom, which is decorated with vintage toys and clothes.

Getting around Cockermouth

Cockermouth is around 40 minutes’ drive from Carlisle and just under two hours from Newcastle upon Tyne and Newcastle International Airport. Buses are the main means of getting to Cockermouth and the town is compact enough to explore on foot. The Sea to Sea and Reviers cycling routes both pass through Cockermouth.