Jennings' guide to Cockermouth
The Jennings guide to Cockermouth, the Cocker, the Derwent, and the fells beyond, written by the people who live and brew here.
Jennings has been based in Cockermouth since 1874. This is our local's guide to the place we call home on the western edge of the Lake District: where to walk, where to eat and the best things to do in the Lakes.
A Georgian market town that grew between two rivers, under the shadow of a Norman castle. The kind of history and character that keeps you coming back.
England's only true mountain forest. Whinlatter is home to stunning views, fantastic walks, exhilarating mountain biking, rare wildlife and adventure play. Set within the Lake District, a World Heritage Site, Whinlatter has unrivalled views across Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwentwater and Keswick. It is also home to the longest purpose-built mountain bike trails in the Lake District.
Cockermouth Castle has stood above the brewery since the twelfth century. One of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Cumbria, its walls are visible from much of the town and its shadow falls across the brewery courtyard in the late afternoon. Castle Bitter is named for it. The Cockermouth and District Civic Trust leads pre-arranged, free guided tours of Cockermouth Castle, giving visitors a rare opportunity to explore this historic site.
Romantic poet William Wordsworth was born in Cockermouth over 250 years ago. Presented as it would have been when he lived here with his parents, siblings and the family servants, Wordsworth House and Garden is accessible by guided tour, led by friendly and knowledgeable guides. The beautiful riverside garden that gave William lifelong inspiration is packed with 18th-century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers, and the River Derwent runs behind William’s beloved terrace walk.
Just a short drive south brings you to one of the most beautiful lakes in England. Derwentwater is fed by the River Derwent catchment area in the high fells at the head of Borrowdale, and has a long historical and literary background. The lake is very much a landscape of moods, varying from the dramatic waves splashing against Friar’s Crag when driven by southerly gales, to the absolute mirror calm of early mornings. Hire a kayak, take the lake launch around the islands, or simply sit at the water's edge and do nothing very productively.
England's last working slate mine, about half an hour's drive from Cockermouth. A great day out that our team love. The via ferrata is terrifying in the best possible way.
A selection of the best Lake District walks across fells and beside lakes and rivers, each ending at a pub that pours the Jennings you've earned.
Places we actually go. No sponsorship, no affiliation. Just honest recommendations from the people who live and work here.
Lunch
A family run independent cafe and dining space with a menu focusing on whole and fresh food with the best locally sourced ingredients from the Lake District. Expect fresh, seasonal dishes, expertly crafted local coffee and outrageously good cheese toasties.
Art
Art gallery, bookshop, and occasionally live music space. One of those places that reminds you why small towns matter.
A range of options from hotels to cosy B&Bs, all within easy reach of the taproom.
Hotel
A Cockermouth institution. A great riverside setting with comfy rooms, The Trout has a history dating back to the 1600s with notable ex-guests including Bing Crosby. Crown St, Cockermouth.
0.3 miles from the brewery
Hotel
Built in 1847 as a family home, the Manor House Hotel is a Grade II listed building, originally named “The Grecian Villa” which many locals in the town still know it as to this day. Packed with period features, including an elegant wood-panelled spiral staircase topped off with a domed ceiling skylight.
0.3 miles from the brewery
Self-Catering
Numerous holiday cottages in Cockermouth and the surrounding villages. Boutique Retreats and Sykes Cottages both have strong local listings.
Various locations
