Shubha’s guide to Cockermouth
Visiting Cockermouth
Hello, Shubha here from Dosa Chaska on Main Street. These are my favourite things to do in and around Cockermouth: what the town is famous for, ideas for a rainy day, easy day trips to Buttermere, Bassenthwaite and Keswick, the food festival, and where to have breakfast and lunch.
Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 16:00
- 5-star food hygiene rating
- Loved by locals in Cockermouth and Whitehaven
Cockermouth
What Cockermouth is famous for
Cockermouth is a Georgian market town where the rivers Cocker and Derwent meet, on the north-western edge of the Lake District National Park.
William Wordsworth
The poet was born here in 1770. His childhood home, Wordsworth House on Main Street, is run by the National Trust: check their website for opening days.
Fletcher Christian
The leader of the mutiny on the Bounty was born just outside town and went to school in Cockermouth.
Main Street
A wide, tree-lined street of independent shops, cafés and galleries. We’re at number 46B.
A town that bounced back
The 2009 floods hit Main Street hard. The town rebuilt, and it’s busier and friendlier than ever.
When it rains
Things to do in Cockermouth when it’s raining
Wordsworth House
Step into the 1770s, with costumed guides and a working Georgian kitchen.
The Kirkgate Centre
The town’s arts centre: films, live music, comedy and theatre.
Galleries and the bookshop
Browse the town’s small galleries and the New Bookshop on Main Street.
Lakeland Sheep and Wool Centre
On the edge of town, with sheep shows in the season and a shop.
The Lakes Distillery
A short drive towards Bassenthwaite Lake, with tours and tastings.
A long lunch
Come in out of the rain for a hot pancake, a chat bowl and a masala chai. Lunch on Main Street.
Day trips
Days out near Cockermouth
Cockermouth is a quiet base for the western lakes, the fells and the coast.
Buttermere and Crummock Water
About 25 minutes through the Lorton Vale. The walk round Buttermere is flat and beautiful.
Bassenthwaite Lake and Whinlatter
15 minutes away: lakeside walks, forest trails and the Whinlatter visitor centre.
Keswick and Derwentwater
About 20 minutes along the A66 for the lake, boats and the town.
Loweswater
A small, quiet lake with an easy circular walk, about 20 minutes away.
The coast
Maryport’s harbour and Roman museum are about 15 minutes away.
Whitehaven
The Georgian harbour town, and home of our Indian Hub with cooking workshops and Sunday Socials.
Food festival
Taste Cumbria in Cockermouth
Cockermouth hosts Taste Cumbria, one of the county’s biggest food festivals, every September, and Taste Cumbria Christmas fills the town on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.
Come and find us on Main Street while you’re here.
Where to eat
Breakfast and lunch on Main Street
Main Street has plenty of independent cafés. If you’d like something different, come and see us: crispy Indian pancakes, chat bowls and curry rice bowls, made fresh to order, with filter coffee and masala chai.
- Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 16:00, including Sundays
- Everything vegetarian; everything gluten-free except cookies and samosas
- Vegan on request: just ask our team
- Home-made frozen curries to take back to your cottage
Staying nearby?
Your first hot drink and mini meal are on us
Join our free app before you come in, then show your card at the counter.
Opening times
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:30 to 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:30 to 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:30 to 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:30 to 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:30 to 16:00 |
Questions
Good to know
What is Cockermouth famous for?
It’s the birthplace of William Wordsworth, whose childhood home is on Main Street, and Fletcher Christian of the mutiny on the Bounty grew up nearby. It’s a Georgian market town where the rivers Cocker and Derwent meet.
Is Cockermouth in the Lake District?
It sits on the north-western edge of the Lake District National Park, about 20 minutes from Keswick and 25 minutes from Buttermere.
What can I do in Cockermouth when it’s raining?
Visit Wordsworth House, catch a film or show at the Kirkgate Centre, browse the galleries and the New Bookshop, or come in for a long, warm lunch with us.
Where can I have breakfast in Cockermouth town centre?
We serve breakfast and brunch from 10:30, Wednesday to Sunday, at 46B Main Street. See breakfast.
When is the Cockermouth food festival?
Taste Cumbria comes to Cockermouth every September, and Taste Cumbria Christmas is on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026.
Where do I park in Cockermouth?
There’s disc parking on Main Street for short stops and pay-and-display car parks a short walk away, including Memorial Gardens and Bitterbeck.
Free to join
Your first hot drink and mini meal are on us
Join the Dosa Chaska club free. Collect stamps on every visit, fill a card and the next one is free, and be first to hear about new dishes and Sunday Socials.