Its rich history, and celtic name are known to many, and yet, the town remains something of a hidden gem. Tucked away as it is, on the banks of the River Cocker and Derwent. Away from major highways, between the last of the rolling fells and the Irish Sea.

Cokermouth is, most definitely, a place to wander, not as lonely as a cloud, but with delight and finding independently owned shops. You could, in fact, be forgiven for thinking, at first glance, that Cockermouth has stopped in times past. How fabulous is the ironmongers. I might just have to type 'ironmongers' again. When did I last get to use that word? And yet, here is is in its full wonder. J. B. Banks Ironmongers and Hardware - full of interesting draws to open and useful things to buy...not only does the shop seem like a living museum but they have opened a small museum around the back of the shop too.

But, Cockermouth has not stopped in time. It is very much in the 21st century with its festivals and its hosting of Taste Cumbria. As you wander and wonder through the town, past the antique & boutique shops the wafts of freshly brewed coffee and properly baked bread, will lead you to The Coffee Kitchen, a coffee shop that cares greatly about ethical sourcing.

Famous people from Cockermouth

Dorothy and William Wordsworth were both born and spent their early years here. Another claim to fame for this pretty market town isFletcher Christian, who lived in a village nearby and attended the same school as Wordsworth. However, it is here that the similarities end. For Christian joined the Navy and eventually had an instrumental part in the Mutiny on the Bounty.

Renowned Physicist and Chemist John Dalton is also from these parts. His learning made significant advances in the hereditary nature of colour blindness. Amongst his physicist peers he is perhaps best remembered for Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures

Cockermouth Georgian Fair

Visit Cockermouth in May and you could be transported back to the Georgian era, of many of its buildings. The Georgian Fair takes place every other year. Georgian dress is encouraged and events include a sedan chair race. Details of the next Georgian Fair can be found here

Taste Cumbria

The Cockermouth Food Festival is attracting leading chefs as well as local artisans and purveyors of local outstanding food and is most definitely putting Cockermouth on to the map! Cumbrian born Dave and Simon from the Hairy Bikers tell us why Taste Cumbria is such a success

The proposed dates for 2016 are 24 & 25 September, but why not sign up for the Taste Cumbria newsletter so you don't miss out?

CockRock & The Cockermouth Festival - June 24 - 26 2016

Two festivals take place here in Cockermouth : CockRock most definitely has takes the biscuit for its festival name! Gaining popularity each year, you can camp for the weekend. Find out about the line up for this year here. The Midsummer Cockermouth Festival quite rightly conjuring up images of literary readings, dramas, jazz and takes place around the summer solstice.

Jennings Brewery

Family owned Jennings know how to do things properly. How can you fault a brewery tour that starts by sampling its ales? Cumbrian water from their own well is just one of the successful ingredients that has kept these traditional beers very much in demand. Tour times vary so check tour times & dates before you go.