Cockermouth
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Attractions in Cockermouth
Just a short drive from our holiday cottages made for 2 and lying just outside the boundary of the Lake District National Park, is the attractive market town of Cockermouth. 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 Water and Loweswater meets the River Derwent on its journey from lakes Derwent and Bassenthwaite, to the sea at Workington.
Today’s visitors are attracted by the town’s calm, its proximity 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. As well as Wordsworth House, there are several other places of interest to the visitor, including the Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre.
*Click for more great things to see and do around Cockermouth.*
The Kirkgate
“In terms of the arts the Kirkgate Centre in Cockermouth is where it all happens” Cumbria Life
The Kirkgate was converted from the former derelict All Saints School through the hard work and help of local people, charities and businesses. It is Cockermouth’s main arts venue with an exhibition space and 125 seat theatre/cinema.
Managed and run entirely by volunteers and supported by over 200 members, it has a varied and exciting programme attracting many nationally acclaimed theatre groups and high quality musical events. The cinema group strives to show a wide range of films from the successful and popular to the less mainstream, notable and interesting films that international cinema has to offer.
Castlegate House Gallery
Castlegate House Gallery exhibits contemporary paintings, sculpture and ceramics from Northern and Scottish artists. There are special exhibitions of guest and gallery artists throughout the year.
Situated on the ground floor of a Grade II* listed Georgian House built in 1739 – it is a friendly place to visit with a warm welcome – and a coal fire in winter. With beautifully proportioned rooms, Adam ceiling and interesting features, it is a great setting for art of a high standard. The walled Secret Garden is open on fine days in summer with a selection of sculpture – www.castlegatehouse.co.uk