The National Trust is a charity that owns and manages many of England's heritage sites, including the William Wordsworth House and Garden. The house is where Wordsworth was born in 1770, and it has been carefully restored to look exactly as it did when he lived there. It is open to the public every year from March to October, and it is a popular tourist attraction.
Very interesting visit, had a guided tour (free) Very interactive place with a beautiful garden. Lots to do and see.
David Grace — Google review
Wordsworth House and Garden gives you an insight into the life of William's childhood home.
William Wordsworth was one of 5 children, born in the house back in 1770. When you arrive in Cockermouth, you're best bet for parking will be either one street parking (Mon-Sat 1 hour only) or Lidl car park, 90 minutes for free.
The house and gardens are available for viewing at this National Trust, allowing you to explore 10 notable locations throughout the house. There are interactive experiences dotted around the interior, allowing kids and adults to dress up and play with wooden toys, consistent with those played with by William and his siblings back in the day.
The 1st floor of the house also offers an exhibition room, usually hosting subjects linked to nature, landscape or language.
In the walled garden to the back of the house, you'll find lots of wonderfully coloured plants to catch your gaze, along with a view across the river.
The house and garden offers much more than meets the eye from the roadside and is a fantastic insight into William Wordsworth's life.
AT.
Adam Turner — Google review
A small National Trust property in the centre of Cockermouth. We parked in the pay and display carpark on the opposite side of the river (£2.80 for 2 hours), and crossed the bridge to get to Wordsworth House which was about a 2-3 minute walk from the carpark.
Although the property is small, it is full of interesting things and history of William Wordsworth's childhood. Some rooms have a 'no touch' policy, but in others you are encouraged to explore the items on display - the free map provided, and the helpful staff and volunteers, make it clear which rooms have which policy. During our visit there were several rooms set up with dressing clothes for children and adults, a room with a quill pen and ink to try writing with, and some wool and beads to decorate cardboard Easter eggs. In the garden there were skittles, hoopla, and lots of painted pebbles to make your own (very daft) poems! The garden was well stocked with beautiful and unusual plants, and had beautiful views over the river. There was an exhibition in the house with memories from people who'd lived in the house in more recent times before it came to the National Trust. I'd definitely visit again!
Phil Townes — Google review
Entry is £9 for an adult. National Heritage passes get free entry. There is a queue for entry and the staff are elderly volunteers who are very friendly but take an absolute age to process payments and get people on their way. If five people are in the queue, you can expect a ten minute wait. It’s frustrating.
The real positive about this place is that both the garden and house are beautifully maintained. My problem really, is that it’s a pretty abject tourist attraction. It’s of questionable relevance to Wordsworth’s career as it was simply the house of his childhood. There are few references to it in his work and that becomes clear as you walk around. In effect you’re just walking around a late 18th century home but the curators have struggled to draw any significance to Wordsworth the poet. Instead, it could almost be any upper middle class family if the time. It’s not particularly interesting and the displays are minimal. In fact you have to wait until the very end of the tour to read anything about the man and his career. It’s one of the weirder tourist sites I’ve seen and a huge disappointment to anyone wanting to better acquaint themselves with the history of the Lakes’ most famous son. I’d definitely give this one a pass. You’re not missing much.
There is a souvenir shop and toilet at the beginning/end of the tour.
Leaburn — Google review
Very interesting and informative visit.
Enthusiastic and friendly, informative staff, you can learn a great deal.
Phil Cooper — Google review
exhibits are really well laid out in this very explorable house. the garden is peaceful and there is a small lawned section ideal for a picnic lunch. Allow yourself a good 1.5hrs, parking available other side of the river and provides close access by footbridge. When crowded, timed ticketing in use.
Paul Denton — Google review
Staff were brilliant with me needing disabled access which does only go to the first floor but there is an audio guide for the second floor of the house if needed. With me being able to walk shirt distances I did not use the audio guide. The tour guide had a lot of information about the house and the Wordsworth's life while living there. The garden is not really suitable for wheelchairs at the moment but the house do have a wheelchair with larger tires that does work in the garden if pulled backwards.
Catherine Rennison — Google review
For once the National Trust have got it right. So evocative and authentic, taking you back to the time of Wordsworth. Staff so friendly and knowledgeable. Well worth a visit
Grant Jones — Google review
What an amazing bit of history we had the guided tour and free entry as English heritage the knowledge of the guild was incredibly lasted 40min and then we had all the time we needed to walk around the house and gardens
Lea Somerfield — Google review
Situated right in the middle of Cockermouth town centre and close to the river.
Shame there's no cafe on site but there are plenty of eateries and cafes close by.
Knowledgeable and friendly staff made our visit very enjoyable.
Pauline — Google review
A really nice building and garden with friendly staff. An activity for the kids to find things in thr house and garden. Some rooms where you're encouraged to pick things up rather than everything behind a rope. Not totally sure on value for money as we are members but was a nice experience.
Dean Freeman — Google review
This was our first visit to the childhood home of William Wordsworth and it was excellent. Our guide was friendly, informative and kept us interested for the duration of our tour, which lasted about 30 minutes. Thereafter, we were able to wander through the house at our own pace and even got to play dress up with some costumes (there were even costumes for adults!) so everyone could get involved.
It wasn't busy, but as we visited during term time on a weekday, I have no idea how busy it does get at the weekends or during school holidays.
There are toilets on-site and a small gift shop too, however there is no parking, but the nearest car park is only 300 yards away, we paid £4.70 for 6 hours (12/09/23) which isn't too bad considering how much some places charge these days! There is no cafe either but Cockermouth has several cafes, pubs and restaurants which aren't too far so you'd be spoilt for choice if you fancied something to eat.
All in all, a lovely way to spend an afternoon - learning about one of the greatest poets our country has ever had.
Nelly C — Google review
A nice historic house with a lovely garden. There's a used book store rather than a gift shop and I found some interesting books. We were here for about 45 minutes shortly before closing and it was very quiet.
Kate Harris — Google review
Great bit of history neatly placed in the heart of Cockermouth. Access friendly and audio guides available should you need one. The walled garden was rustic yet beautiful, and the old apple trees laden with fruit ready to harvest in the coming months.
Darryn James — Google review
We made a point of heading north from where we were staying (near Bootle) up to Cockermouth to visit Wordsworth's house and it was well worth it!
The house is brilliant, furnished with authentic items from the time, although mostly not originally belonging to the family.
We learned so much from our visit! The Wordsworth family tale is somewhat tragic at times, but fascinating at the same time. We had the guide all to ourselves, so it was like a private tour. The guide was animated and enthusiastic, bringing the story of William Wordsworth and his family to life. We even tried on some of the period costumes in one of the bedrooms! The garden at the back is filled with flowers, herbs, trees and vegetables, backing onto the river Derwent. You'll find quotes from Wordsworth (and others) dotted around, which is a nice touch.
Entrance is via the main street, to one side of the gates. There's a small gift shop and the toilets are just outside the back doors, just before you enter the gardens.
Overall, the house really gives an insight into life at the time, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
As well as the Wordsworth family, there's also information about more recent residents, which is equally fascinating (particularly the recordings of one elderly lady recounting her experiences as a child).
Cockermouth itself seems quite a pretty little town from what we saw, with plenty of eating places, shops and galleries. We parked behind Wordsworth's house and crossed the footbridge, as this is the closest and easiest place.
Jon Clynch — Google review
Fantastic realisation of a past time setting with rooms, fittings, furniture and reproduction foods. The childrens room with toys and clothing was great. The kitchen just showed all manner of cooking tools ovens sinks and gave an impression of the shear amount of work the staff would have had to get through. The gardens are a must if it raining put your hood up and have a look, go to the back there is a bit round the corner as well. Be a daffodil!
Darian Crowther — Google review
Friendly staff abound,
Wordsworth's life and works profound,
Knowledge all around.
Garden's serene view,
Cooking apples, flowers too,
River in full view.
Inkpen, pot to try,
Harpsichord notes fill the sky,
No-touch, else rooms lie.
History, nature blend,
Literature, a close friend,
A must-visit end.
Ben Topham — Google review
It looks modest from outside, but what a treasures are inside. Good for exploring with kids as well as quite stroll in stunnning garden. Where you can listen to birds, volunteers, audio of poetry.
Castlegate House Gallery is a top-notch art gallery with knowledgeable and friendly owners who are passionate about the artworks showcased. The quality of the artwork surpasses that found in local museums, and they regularly rotate their exhibits to keep things fresh. The gallery space is impressive, featuring renowned artists' works, and visitors can expect an intimate and relaxed experience. The Sheila Fell exhibition was particularly noteworthy for its display of local talent.
Easily the best gallery in the region in terms of the quality of work they have on offer often far superior to any of the local museums. Everyone who works here seems charming, enthusiastic and well informed if you have an interest in art and are in the region it is an absolute must see.
Rupert “Tigerwa” Prawnworthy — Google review
Excellent gallery with knowledgeable owners who are happy to discuss the art works and provide information about the artists. They also keen that the experience is positive from the moment you see the work you like right up to the moment you decide to purchase. Would definitely recommend a visit!
Kim Wade — Google review
Small but well laid out gallery. Often showcasing local artists work. Mostly made up of paintings, some ceramics on display when we visited. Few different ways to pay if something catches the eye. Visit the gallery's website to see what is on
Sam Bradford — Google review
This is an outstanding gallery. Cockermouth is, admittedly, off the beaten track but if you can face an extra few miles from the usual Lakeland hotspots, it's a lovely place to visit. There are excellent independent shops but the best feature of the town is the Castlegate gallery. There is always a thoughtful and inspiring range of artists' work on show.
Catherine Gowthorpe — Google review
Great place for a quite walk around
chris frankland — Google review
Super gallery space and some very famous names. Regular changeovers make it worth visiting regularly.
Anna Smith — Google review
Intimate, relaxed experience. Local artist, Sheila Fell exhibition was a real treat
Helen Connolly — Google review
Astounding gem of a gallery, full of wonderful art. The building itself is a work of art. Don't miss it.
Banks J B & Son is a vintage hardware store that offers an extensive selection of brand-new and used tools, including spare parts for garden equipment. Unlike major retail stores, Banks J B & Son has everything one could need without having to buy online or pay exorbitant shipping fees. The shop also boasts a fascinating museum showcasing antique tools, artworks, and maps that make it well worth visiting if you're in the locality.
I could not believe this shop. J.Banks ironmongers has a museum with many unique items in an unfussy setting. The staff are fantastic and couldn't be friendly. I only went in for a wingnut.
Martin Moore — Google review
This shop is a must visit. Gem of a place, even if you don't need to buy anything please go in you'll not be disappointed 😁
Wayne Taylor — Google review
An amazing ironmongery with charm and history, the museum is a precious step back in time, the staff were very helpful and it was a pleasure to be looked after, well worth the visit 😊
julie oliver — Google review
World famous Banks', what would Cockermouth be without it? Has a great little, really useful museum. This is the place you go for the 'rough' garden tools you can't get elsewhere, for the beehive accessories . . . the place you take your children for a real world experience. Great folk, great service, should be preserved for posterity.
Jim Mitchell — Google review
A fascinating museum inside a wonderful working hardware shop. Such friendly staff, thank you.
Jerry Weeks — Google review
This is an old hardware store selling a very large range of new and secondhand tools.
Out the back of the shop the owners run a heritage museum showing off a very large collection of antique tools, maps and painting. Which is definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Brandon Haley (brandwhy) — Google review
An incredible small ironmongery with a great time capsule museum in the back. Definitely worth a visit for that tool you never knew you needed (I came out with 3)
Darryn James — Google review
I had been on the search for some bits to repair some garden tools. None of the big stores had any. It was possible to get them on line but only if I wanted to pay even more in postage and to help some billionaire get to space. Then I walked into Banks and not only was it a wonderful shop, like stepping back in time to an age of real personal service, they also had EVERYTHING I needed with spares.
A wonderful shop in itself but with a fascinating museum attached to it as well. So glad I discovered it.
Ian Bett — Google review
What an amazing place. If they don't sell it, you don't need it. Fabulous museum at the back and upstairs, free to enter too. Lovely lady and gentleman were working there.
Carol Davies — Google review
Great service. Realised on my way from Barnsley to Cockermouth that I needed a set of Stilsons (wrench). Gave them a ring and the kind lady advised they had some. Got there and found they had a set that were the right size.. not new but restored and working perfectly. Only £12.50 so a bargain too. Job completed thanks to this great purchase. Didn't have much time to look around the store but the shop is amazing!
The Jennings Brewery Shop and Tour is an exceptional experience that should not be missed. The staff are dedicated to their craft and community, offering a wealth of knowledge about their beer products. The tour is informative, entertaining, and led by a friendly guide who has a great sense of humor. At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious beers along with chutneys, crackers, and port. This brewery tour stands out among others for its high quality beers and excellent customer service.
Great tour, we've been in a few other tours before and this one is the best we liked!! The guide is funny and knowledge . All the Ales are amazing, highly recommended to everyone !!!
DonMontecristo4 — Google review
Fabulous brewery tour, passionate members of staff who care about their beer products and local community. Tour included free drinks and chutneys/mustard with crackers at the end. Lovely Jennings port too. Well worth it
Gregor Morrison — Google review
Great brewery tour, Phil is a fantastic, friendly, funny and knowledgeable tour guide. Great choice of beers at the end, followed by chutneys, crackers and port. What's not to like? 😆
Simon Lakin — Google review
A tour of the historic Jennings Brewery which was established nearly 200 years ago. The tour took you round the brewery with the guide explaining the various stages of the process and explains some of the different ingredients which went into the different beers. At the end of the tour there was an opportunity to taste some if the beers. Interesting tour if you want to understand who beer is brewed.
Derek — Google review
The brewery tour is ideal for wet and windy Cumbrian afternoons. I found the tour both educational and entertaining, thanks to Linda our bubbly and knowledgeable guide.
The shop has a decent range of merchandise and bottled beer, not a bad shout for Christmas gifts. It is now, sadly, the only place that sells bottled Snecklifter.
Martin Benn — Google review
Alan and Linda are fantastic hosts. Great yet again. We've had a Marstons pub for 11 years and always love bringing our customers to the Jennings brewery, it's great publicity for the Jennings beers.xx
Sarah-Jane Cook — Google review
Lovely tour to go around. Our guide was excellent, knowledgeable but passionate too. First brewery tour I have done. Learned a lot!
Anita Bullen — Google review
Jennings brewery is the taste of cumbria and is 1 of 3 favorite brewers in England ... especially when it come to the classic dark Sneck lifter and the Cumberland ale! Every visit to lakeland for me involves a good long walk, some nice pub grub and a pint of Jennings beer.. the perfect holiday!
The Cockermouth History Wall, a local history museum, provides visitors with an interesting and informative overview of the town's past. The exhibits contain valuable information about the area's historic events and significant figures. It serves as a great educational resource for those who wish to learn more about the region. Overall, it is an excellent place for anyone interested in delving into Cockermouth's rich history.
Enjoyed this wall, reading the interesting history of Cockermouth
Jonathan Lobb — Google review
The history wall is on Old Kings Arms Lane. At the time of our visit the area needed a good clean up. Could be a lot better.
David Hough — Google review
It was nice to see this in passing while looking around! Interesting history for a visitor to learn
Kirkgate Arts is a charming and independent performing arts theater with friendly staff. It offers monthly jazz sessions featuring brilliant artists and sells well-priced drinks. The theater has potential to attract larger crowds, but the seating allocation system can be confusing without proper guidance. Additionally, some customers suggest using larger print types for better visibility when checking off names on the list. Nevertheless, performers like Bees in Blankets have found Kirkgate Arts to be an excellent venue with hospitable management.
A great local venue for films, music and parties.
Peter Rees — Google review
We were there for the ale festival and that was fantastic but the building with all it's movie memorabilia on the walls was a lovely surprise in itself
Sean — Google review
Just saw The Dean Masser Quartet at the monthly Jazz at The Kirkgate. It was absolutely brilliant. The selection of artists playing these sessions has been really great. Well worth attending!
Simon Dumbill — Google review
Good old fashioned theatre clean quirky nice venue
William Mcgarry — Google review
Very enjoyable Sunday afternoon, with fab music and lovely atmosphere.
Tim Singleton — Google review
Lovely theatre, never that busy, sadly.
Could do with larger print type to check off customers names so staff can find you more easily on their list.
Victoria Greenhalgh — Google review
Great little venue which is run by volunteers, which is exceptional
Ian Brannan — Google review
Attended for screening of fabelmans, auditorium a bit cool, possibly due to low numbers of patrons. Good showing, screen easy to see and sound good, seating not great in terms of comfort.
Victoria “Seakingaviator” Greenhalgh — Google review
Charming little venue with friendly and helpful staff. Little confusing when we were told to sit on allocated seats but then no one to actually point us to the seats we were supposed to be in but it ended up not mattering so very minor. Great to see a independent venue like this selling out for a gig, need more support! Drinks all seemed very well priced too.
Mark Nicholson — Google review
Amazing venue supported by brilliant staff allowing them to bring a cultural centre to Cockermouth. The building is beautiful but needs the suggested improvements
Michael Edmondson — Google review
Sadly, a building far from perfect, yet it does its best to provide culture an communal facilities
Alan Saunders — Google review
Played a gig here (Bees in Blankets) and Katy couldn't have been more hospitable if she'd tried!
The Harris Park Bowling Club is a local venue that offers opportunities for lawn bowling enthusiasts to play. It is conveniently located with easy access and ample parking, making it hassle-free to visit. The club provides a lovely dog walking area which is mostly enclosed, ensuring that dogs are kept within their owner's sight. There are also lots of bins available for proper disposal of dog poop, allowing the grassy area to remain clean and usable for everyone.
Excellent for dog walks. Lots of bins for dog poop, large grassy area for them to run about on and hard paths to keep your feet clean when the weather is bad.
You can extend your walk down to the river and beyond if you have the time and energy.
Roy Brammeld — Google review
Parking is ok. The green runs quite nicely, with the usual oddities, and the club members are welcoming. Tournaments are well run and catered. The park itself is very popular with families and dog walkers.
Sheila Simpson — Google review
Great park. Lovely play area for kids, open spaces, hills, trees, river, bridge, tennis courts, red squirrels and plethora of birds.... what more do you want?!!!
Michael Edmondson — Google review
Lovely dog walking area. Mostly enclosed incase they fancy ignoring you. Definitely a good place to socialise a young puppy. Lots of bins for when the little fur ball does his business. The lower river areas are fantastic in summer for a quick dip, swim or controlled BBQ. A local bowling green is present for the players among you. Easy access and ample parking allow for hassle free visits. Can be very slippery on the slopes due to fallen leaves.
Calum Leckey — Google review
Lovely park nice walk really steep hill so if you struggle with hills might be a bit of struggle nice place to take a picnic though and spend the day there or good for a dog walk
Carly Earwicker — Google review
Great place for a walk to get some fresh air on a sunny day. A choice of walking down by the river or in the park itself. Some good views overlooking the town.
Michael Graham — Google review
Lovely park well looked after and great play area for the kids
Keith Lambert — Google review
A lovely parkland to take the family. It's situated close by the river Cocker