Cockermouth is an ancient market town in Cumbria. It lies between the rivers Cocker and Derwent, and has an estimated population of more than 9,200. The town is prone to floods, and has a relatively temperate climate.
Cockermouth dates back to Ancient times. The Romans established a fort in what was Derventio - a settlement in Papcastle, near Cockermouth - to protect against the threat of outside forces. The main town itself was established by the Normans who built Cockermouth Castle on a river crossing. The town would later take on its distinctive medieval layout - which remains to this day, as a site for preservation.
While much of the city’s architecture is medieval in origin, certain aspects of it were subject to an update during Georgian and Medieval times. Evidence of this can be seen in the terraced houses and cobbled streets which line the River Cocker.
These days, Cockermouth has a strong artistic and community focus. At its centre lies the cultural hub, Kirkgate Arts, which offers events, functions and shows throughout the year, and, just a short distance from there, Wordsworth House and Garden - the former home of English Poet, William Wordsworth. Other popular Cockermouth attractions include Isel Hall, the Old Railway Footpath and St James’ Church.
The A66 runs through Cockermouth and connects to various other parts of the UK including Middlesbrough and North Yorkshire. This main road also links to the M6 - a major motorway adjoining Liverpool, Preston, Lancaster, Carlisle, Liverpool and Stoke on Trent.
Cockermouth’s transport links are buses and trains. The closest train stations to Cockermouth are Carlisle and Penrith - both of which lie on the West Coast main line. The main buses serving Cockermouth are the X4 and X5. Cockermouth’s nearest airport is Newcastle Airport, at roughly 30 miles from the town.
