Spotlight On Cockermouth
In the first of a new series, highlighting west Cumbria’s towns, we explore why Cockermouth is the hidden ‘Gem’.
There’s more to Cockermouth than meets the eye, although it certainly makes for a picture-postcard sight. This historic market town, situated where the River Cocker meets the River Derwent, is the gateway to the less trodden paths of the Western Lakes. However, it is perhaps better known as the birthplace of not only William Wordsworth but also the famous mutineer Fletcher Christian.
In 1965, Cockermouth, with its pretty Georgian architecture, was made a ‘Gem’ town, one of only 51 towns in Great Britain to be recommended for preservation by the state as part of the National Heritage. As a result of which, the Town Council and Civic Trust work closely together to protect the conservation area. However, while in close proximity to some magnificent lakes, lying just outside the Lake District National Park border, means that the town manages to maintain its charm, without being overwhelmed by the tourist atmosphere.
As with many of our west Cumbrian towns, Cockermouth was once bustling with industry, from milling and weaving, to brewing and cotton thread manufacture. Today Cockermouth is one west Cumbrian town still offering an array of independent shops. From quality children’s shoe fitters, Goody 2 Shoes and unique homewares at White and Green to Limelighting’s dazzling collection of light fittings and every DIY need under one roof at the Lakes Home Centre (to name but a few). Despite devastating flooding and a lack of footfall recently due to roadworks, putting a strain on the town of late, local traders are determined to keep Cockermouth thriving.
Cockermouth Mayor, Cllr Alan Tyson said: “There’s something for everybody in the town, we may miss big outfitters but we make up for it with the variety and number of small shops that are really good quality and lovely little shops to go in.”
The food and drink scene is also something worth shouting about. For the size of the town it boasts an impressive array of cafes, restaurants, bars and bistros – another new addition, Koppers opened its doors just recently, serving up spectacular cocktails in stylish surroundings. And some would go so far as to say it boasts the best fish and chips in the region at Main Street Fisheries. Meanwhile, for the last 190 years, Cockermouth has been home to Jennings Brewery, producer of the traditional Lake District beer, where the brewery tours are as popular as the pints.
Music and the arts also have a prominent place in the town, with the Kirkgate Arts Centre offering a wide selection of theatre and film, and numerous musical societies playing a large part in life in the town. This summer will see another line up of events and entertainment in the and around town centre, from the famous agricultural show to the live music and entertainment extravaganza, Cockermouth Live.
2018 also marks the 35th year of the town twinning with Marvejols in southern France and will see 120 visitors from the town arrive in Cockermouth to mark the anniversary. “It’s a record number for one trip,” Alan said. “35 years is an excellent relationship.”
Which only serves to demonstrate how warm and welcoming Cockermouth is, and while there are many contributing factors to its charm, it’s the town’s spirit that makes it truly unique. Alan added: “What makes it special is that everybody knows one another. I’ve been here 40 years and I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. There’s a lot of goodwill in the town and that’s what we can offer.”
Coming up in Cockermouth 2018
Spring Fair 28 May
Cockermouth Carnival 16 June
Woolfest 22 – 23 June
Cockermouth Live 29 June – 1 July
Cockermouth Show 4 August
Northbound Street Party – 4 August
The Rotary Club’s Touch a Truck Show 9 September
Taste Cumbria 28 – 30 September
Fireworks display 4 November
Christmas Lights Switch On 18 November
Taste Christmas 8 – 9 December
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