A Guide to Cockermouth: Things to Do in the Gem Town
The pretty town of Cockermouth sits on the outer edge of the North West Lake District. It not only has a vibrant scene of independent shops - a rarity nowadays - it also hosts regular events, is full of history, has a strong cultural scene, and offers plenty of gentle walking.
Just a 10-minute drive away from The Melbreak Hotel, you can easily spend a day or two wandering this town and its surrounding area. Here’s our full guide.
Things To Do In Cockermouth
Wordsworth House & Gardens
Cockermouth is the birthplace of Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his childhood home - now owned by the National Trust - is open to the public.
Wordsworth House and Garden is an imposing Georgian House as you enter Cockermouth from the west. Kept in the manner that it would have been 250 years ago when William and his sister Dorothy were growing up there, you can wander the rooms to see how the family lived. Tours are available from friendly volunteers, and you can sometimes smell and sample treats in the original kitchen.
Outside, the walled riverside garden gives you an idea of where Wordsworth’s love of nature may have sparked. Wander between the veg and flower beds and soak up the idyllic atmosphere.
Jennings Brewery
A Cumbrian institution, Jennings Brewery stands proudly at the fork where the River Derwent and the River Cocker meet. There has been a brewery standing in this spot since at least the 1600s and you can experience the history for yourself - as well as the current beer-making process - with a tour.
The more recent story of the Jennings Brewery is a happy one. Though closed by its then-corporate owner, Carlsberg, in 2022, it was brought back into independent ownership and reopened in 2025 to much celebration. As well as tours, you can also visit the tap room, enjoy a weekly quiz night and other events, and buy their produce from the shop.
Kirkgate Arts & Heritage: Cinema, Music and More
The Kirkgate Arts & Heritage Centre offers a varied programme of cultural activities, including weekly cinema, live music, theatre, heritage talks and exhibitions. It’s a key part of Cockermouth’s cultural scene and there’s always something going on. Browse their extensive events programme to see what’s on during your stay.
Live Music
You can barely turn a corner in Cockermouth without finding some live music event taking place. The Kirkgate Centre, above, has a regular programme of live music, and many of the town pubs and restaurants host guest musicians from all genres. There are also community choirs and professional classical music groups that hold regular concerts and performances in the town. But the big music event every year is Cockermouth Live each July, a festival that sees the town bursting to the brim with talented performers both on the street and in venues.
Harris Park and Memorial Gardens
Harris Park, at the top of the town, sits by the river and features a children’s play area and open green space. It also leads to footpaths along the river, bike track, and into the countryside. It’s a nice place to take a pleasant walk or for children to let off steam.
In the centre of town is Memorial Gardens, a tree-lined riverside walk that gives you a view of the ruins of Cockermouth Castle (not open to the public), and leads into the fields surrounding the town if you would like to expand your walk. Memorial Gardens also includes an enclosed children’s play area and open areas of grass.
Art Galleries
Scattered amongst the many independent shops in Cockermouth are a number of wonderful art galleries where you can browse beautiful artwork and make a purchase if something catches your eye.
The newest art gallery in town is Dot Gallery. Run by a husband and wife team, you can view artwork from across the UK, as well as from local artists, and take part in art classes.
On the other end of the spectrum is Percy House Gallery, which lives in Cockermouth’s oldest town house. As well as the range of wonderful artwork itself, visitors can admire the unique features of this 12th-century house.
Finally is Castlegate House Gallery, one of the UK’s leading art galleries. It specialises in 20th century and contemporary British art, exhibiting well-known names like David Hockney alongside fresh talent.
JB Banks & Son Heritage Museum
This quirky heritage museum is tucked away behind a traditional family-run hardware shop. You’d be forgiven for walking by and never knowing it was there, which is partly why this hidden gem is such a delightful find.
Free to enter, the eclectic displays are a historic what’s-what of tools, household goods and memorabilia stretching back for centuries. It’s hard to explain quite how fascinating this place is, so step in and find out for yourself.
Stay Near Cockermouth
From The Melbreak Hotel you’re just a 10-minute drive from Cockermouth and all its many attractions. Book a stay now.