Cockermouth is perhaps today best known for the unprecedented floods of November 19th 2009, when the rivers Cocker and Derwent burst their banks and flooded much of central Cockermouth. The resulting destruction left a number of homes and most of the towns, shops, pubs and restaurants devastated. It could not have happened at a worse time coming just before Christmas, but people rallied together and within a year the town was reborn.
It would be a shame to just think of Cockermouth in terms of the flood as this plucky little market town has so much more to offer. Being situated just outside of the Lake District National Park it is not overwhelmed by tourists, maintaining an individuality not found in towns such as Keswick and Ambleside where every second shop sells camping equipment. In Cockermouth you can still find thriving butchers and greengrocers, nestled next to antique shops and designer boutiques, it’s a high street with individuality and that’s what adds to the town’s charm.
Cockermouth is an excellent base from which to enjoy the fells and lake during the day while experiencing the town’s vibrant nightlife. The lakes of Buttermere, Crummock, Loweswater, Derwent and Bassenthwaite are all just a short car journey away with the fells of Skiddaw, High Stile, Great Gable, Grisdale Pike and Scafell Pike all within the general area.
For those of a less energetic persuasion the town is steeped in history being the birthplace of the romantic poet William Wordsworth, whose family home a large Georgian house still stands on the town’s main street. Wordsworth House is open to the public and offers a fascinating interactive insight into life at the turn of the 19th century.
Other notable residents include Fletcher Christian, the leader of the mutineers on board the HMS Bounty who took control from the ill-fated Captain Bligh 28 April 1789. The area was also home to John Dalton who was born at Eaglesfield, just outside the town in 1766 and was one of the most brilliant scientists of his age, and the father of the modern atomic theory.
The Jennings Brewery tour is a very interesting and pleasant way to pass a few hours as the knowledgeable guide takes you through the brewing process before you retire to the onsite bar to sample the Jennings range.
For those of you looking for adventure, look no further than Go Ape in the Whinlatter Forest Park at near by Brathwaite. The highest Go Ape course in the country with a total length of 601m that takes you through the treetops to a height of 14m and with a zip wire that is 89m long, this has to be the ultimate rush for any adrenaline junky.
