Must See Sights and Landmarks in Cockermouth Area

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building & a Peter Rabbit experience. On the shore of the lake, it’s great for sunny days too ….more things to do here >>"

"Families can explore the activity rooms inside the castle, where there’s plenty of space for creative play. With a natural playground in the grounds and a path to spacious grassy area on the lakeshore, its a great for the whole family whatever the weather."

"The poet William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 at this handsome Georgian house at the end of Main St. Built around 1745, the house has been meticulously restored based on accounts from the Wordsworth archive: the kitchen, drawing room, study and bedrooms all look much as they would have to a young William. Costumed guides wander around the house for added period authenticity. Outside, the walled kitchen garden was mentioned in Wordsworth's autobiographical epic The Prelude."

"Cockermouth was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose childhood home was this 18th-century town house, carefully…"

"This old slate mine has been reinvented as a centre for all kinds of activities: you could venture underground into the bowels of the old 'Edge' and 'Kimberley' mines, tackle a via ferrata, or climb inside the mine along a system of fixed cables, tracing the route followed by the slate miners. A tour into the 'Cathedral' mine runs on Friday by request, but you'll need eight people and it costs £25 per person."

"Rope swings on the grounds, picnics in atmospheric old rooms, free tea and coffee, and huge blackboards you can write on: Allan Bank…"

"On the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was the cherished home of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the noted Victorian artist, writer,…"

"Metres from Windermere’s northern shore is an archaeological site for the Roman fort of Galava, founded towards the end of the 1st century. This stronghold defended the intersection of three Roman roads, heading off to Ravenglass and Carlisle on Hadrian’s Wall to the north, and Papcastle to the west. The remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century, when it appears that the fort was demolished and reconstructed."

"Sitting above Stock Beck next to Rydal Road, Bridge House may be the whole region’s most photographed landmark. Like all of Ambleside this adorable, narrow dwelling is constructed from local slate and has been owned by the National Trust for nearly a century after it was bought and donated by a group of local residents. The Bridge House dates from the 17th century, when it was used as an orchard storehouse, and has since been a mill counting house, chair-maker’s workshop, cobbler’s shop, tearoom and a family home packed with as many as eight people."

"The car park in Waterhead can be the starting point for a picturesque two-hour walk in the ancient woodland above Ambleside, cresting at Jenkin Crag, a great vantage point above Windermere. Nearly all of the path is in thick woodland, and there are steps to make the going lighter on wet days. One of the loveliest sections guides you along the Ambleside Champion Tree Trail, which has England’s tallest grand fir."

"Highly recommend if you're in Ambleside as post walk replenishment. 20/06/2021: We just had one the best breakfast in there. Ordered takeaway as it was busy already and within 5 min we had a couple of bacon muffins."

"An incredibly popular, well established family business, The Apple Pie Cafe and Bakery is known for its baked goods, which are made on site and served up to take away or enjoy in the cosy on site cafe. Scones, cakes and (of course!) apple pie are all on the menu, alongside locally roasted coffees, house blended hot chocolates, Farrer’s teas and a wide selection of cold drinks. For lunch, enjoy homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, pies and more."

"You absolutely must visit this little cafe while you’re in Ambleside. As the name suggests, apple pie is their speciality and they bake most items on site. We dived into The Apple Pie Cafe on an overcast day and enjoyed their famous vegan-friendly hot apple pie with an oat milk flat white by the fire."

"2/3 Old Post Office Millans Park, Ambleside LA22 9AD EnglandJapanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, DeliLunch, DinnerTakeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service+44 7865 616366http://auradaze.co.uk"

"This is a quirky friendly place for a homemade scone, cake, or soup. Everyone’s welcome again I’ve popped in here for a coffee after a day’s walking with muddy boots, woofs in tow, and felt right at home. Definitely worth a visit if your passing it’s a lovely atmosphere and everyone’s friendly and welcoming."