Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Cockermouth has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Cockermouth.
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Sights in Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a picturesque town located in the Lake District of England. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, as well as the town’s own historic architecture. Highlights include:
The medieval castle, which overlooks the town and dates back to the 12th century
The market square, which is lined with traditional stone houses and shops
The Wordsworth House, where the famed poet lived as a child and which is now open to the public as a museum
The rivers Derwent and Cocker, which flow through the town and are popular spots for fishing, swimming and canoeing
Cockermouth is a popular destination for both tourists and residents alike, and its friendly atmosphere and abundance of activities make it the perfect place to enjoy a break.
History of Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a town and civil parish in the Allerdale borough of the English county of Cumbria. The town is situated south of Derwentwater and just west of the River Derwent. It is the administrative centre of Allerdale; the town had a population of 5,798 at the time of the 2011 UK census.
Cockermouth is mentioned in the Domesday Book; it appeared under the name of Aquisgitburen [sic], meaning “the Settlement by the River Cocker”, or “the Riverside Meadow of Cocker”. The Norman conquest of England in 1066 saw the replacement of the native AngloSaxon ruling class with a new aristocracy, many of whom had estates far from London and had little or no understanding of the local languages and customs.
The town grew in the Middle Ages as a market town, serving the local agricultural community; it was also a point on the Plotsof the Pennine Way. The local market was established by a charter granted by King Henry III in 1266; it was held in the market square until 1856 when it was moved to the crossroads of Kirkgate and Market Place. In 1307 Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, was crowned at Westminster and afterwards he was enthroned at Scone. On his return to Scotland he stopped at Cockermouth and was entertained by Sir Andrew de Fluwel.
Fluwel collected a force of men and tried to capture Bruce, but the Scots King escaped. The fortress in Cockermouth was ruinous by the 1540s, and the town protected only by the additions of halftimbered houses and a strong brick wall around its perimeter.
In 1648 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Cockermouth was sacked by a Royalist army under the command of Lord George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland. The town was not rebuilt until the early 18th century when the market square and streets were laid out in the presentday form. Since then Cockermouth has slowly expanded, absorbing the villages of Great Scale, economical but picturesque, and Tallentire.
The town was badly flooded twice in 2007, firstly on 19 November and then again on 5 December. A month’s worth of rain had fallen inCockermouth in the 24 hours preceding 19 November, and the surrounding rivers burst their banks. The main road north and south through Cockermouth was closed, as was the West Coast Main Line railway.
The second deluge came after a further month of exceptionally heavy rain and saw the Derwent reach a record level of 6.6 metres (21.7 ft) above its normal summer height. This was higher than the previous record, set in 1876, of 6.4 metres (20.8 ft). The water was so deep in places that it covered the first floor windows of houses on Bridge Street.
The floods caused widespread damage in Cockermouth and the surrounding area, with over 1,000 properties flooded and many more left without power. The clearup operation was expected to take months, and the cost of the damage was estimated at over £100 million.
Cockermouth Castle was founded by Ranulf de Meschines in the early 12th century, on a site overlooking the River Derwent. The castle was built of local stone and was originally a motte and bailey type. In the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in stone and was significantly enlarged. By the 15th century, the castle was in ruins and it was used as a quarry for building material for other local structures.
Mungrisdale Hall is a large country house situated to the south of the town. The house was built in the early 17th century, probably on the site of an earlier building, and was enlarged and altered in the 18th and 19th centuries. The house is currently used as a hotel and golf course.
Crummock Water is a large lake situated to the west of the town. The lake is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide and is fed by the River Cocker. The lake is popular for fishing, swimming and boating.
There are a number of footpaths and cycleways around the town and surrounding countryside. Cockermouth is situated on the Cumbrian coasttocoast cycle route which runs from Whitehaven to Carlisle. The Cumbria Way also passes through the town, following the valley of the River Derwent to Keswick.
Vacation in Cockermouth
If you’re looking for a charming English countryside getaway, Cockermouth in Cumbria is the perfect place for you. This medieval market town is picturesque, with its narrow streets and halftimbered buildings. Nestled between the stunning Lake District National Park and the Cumberland Coast, Cockermouth is an ideal base for exploring all that this region has to offer.
Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, or just simply taking in the scenery, the Lake District is sure to please. For the more adventurous, there are a number of challenging hikes up some of England’s highest peaks, such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn. If you’re looking for an easier walk, there are plenty of gentle lakeside strolls to enjoy as well. And of course, no visit to the Lake District would be complete without taking a cruise on one of its many beautiful lakes.
If you’re more interested in exploring the local culture and history, Cockermouth is home to a number of museums and galleries. The Cockermouth Castle Museum tells the story of the castle that once stood on the site, while the Wordsworth House & Garden showcases the home of the famous Romantic poet. There are also several art galleries in town, featuring the works of both local and international artists.
When it comes to dining, Cockermouth has a number of great options to choose from. If you’re looking for traditional English fare, The Woolpack Inn is a mustvisit. For something a bit more unique, The Cottage in the Wood serves up mouthwatering Cumbrian specialties like herdwick lamb and potted shrimps. And of course, no visit to England would be complete without enjoying a pint (or two) at one of the town’s many pubs.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or cultural exploration, Cockermouth is the perfect destination for your next vacation.
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