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The Hotel is situated in the old Market Place of Cockermouth, the town regarded by many as the true gateway to the Lake District and the birthplace of William Wordsworth (whose family home is open to the public). The Hotel is a listed building of some architectural interest. Dating back to the 17th Century, the most famous mutineer in history, Fletcher Christian, after seeing his crewmates slain by Tahitian natives was said to have escaped on a ship with one Captain Folger and returned to Cockermouth. Rumour has it that he returned to the house that is now The Allerdale Court Hotel. COCKERMOUTH is situated in the most beautiful corner of England - the Lake District in Cumbria (click here to view map and directions). It's unique position also makes it within reach of the Solway coast (7 miles) and Scotland (30 miles). The M6 motorway, together with the A66 trunk road from the motorway to the west coast makes road communication very easy. An excellent main line service is available from nearby Workington, to Carlisle, the cathedral city, 25 miles away and there are regular connecting bus services to most parts of Cumbria and the Lake District. This thriving market town with its 8,000 inhabitants is proud of the fact that in 1965, the council for British Archaeology recommended Cockermouth for preservation by the State as part of the National Heritage, thus making it a "Gem" Town. It has a castle and two rivers - the Cocker (from which the town derives its name) and the Derwent, both ideal for salmon and trout fishing.  Cockermouth can boast many famous 'sons' the most famous of all being William Wordsworth, Poet Laureate, who was born in Cockermouth on the 7th April, 1770 in a fine Georgian House which stands on the tree-lined Main Street and which is now owned by the National Trust. (Wordsworth House is open to the public from Easter to November). Apart from Wordsworth, Fletcher Christian, leader of the Mutiny on the Bounty, was born on 25th September 1764 at a farm known as Moorland Close (on the outskirts of Cockermouth) and in 1766, in the village of Eaglesfield, a few miles from the town, John Dalton, mathematician and chemical philosopher was born. He went on to achieve worldwide fame with the publication of his Atomic Theory in the early 1800's. Fearon Fellows, Astronomer Royal, who was born at Hartford Cottage, Crown Street in 1787 is yet another famous son. WITH William Wordsworth being born in Cockermouth, it would be reasonable to expect to see some daffodils and in 1985 almost half a million were planted in the town as a result of an appeal organised by English Life Country Butter for the benefit of the National Trust.  A visit to Cockermouth in the Spring is therefore a must. In 1991, Cockermouth won the 'Cumbria in Bloom' Small Towns Award and was a National Finalist in the Britain in Bloom competition. In June, Cockermouth holds its Annual Carnival and during July there is the Annual Cockermouth Festival featuring artists from far and near, and concerts, exhibitions and the like are arranged. Occasional live theatre is also available in the town for the benefit of visitors. August and September are the months for the local agricultural shows and the Autumn is a perfect time to watch the changing colours mellow the surrounding countryside, take a leisurely stroll or visit local attractions. Even During the winter, Cockermouth has something to offer. A visit to see the Christmas illuminations, which transform the town into a winter wonderland from late November to early January will make one realise why Cockermouth proudly boasts one of the best displays in the country for a town of its size. Castlegate House is a well known specialist Gallery of Contemporary Artists holding regular special exhibitions and the town also has an excellent Toy and Model Museum housing a recently extended exhibition of toys and models from the early 1900's. Jennings Brothers, Cockermouth's traditional brewers since 1928 hold guided tours and there is also a Mineral Museum and a Printing Museum close to Wordsworth House. A swimming pool, sports centre, recreational parks and children's safety playgrounds complete the picture for an all round holiday or short break experience. Since 1983 the town has been 'twinned' with the town of Marvejols in the Lozere district of France. As a result of its efforts in propagating the European ideal,  Places to visit in Cockermouth Town Centre:  WORDSWORTH HOUSE - is a fine Georgian town house, built in 1745 for the Sheriff of Cumberland. It later passed into the Ownership of Sir James Lowther (1st Earl of Lonsdale) who let it to his Estate and Law-Agent, John Wordsworth. Here all five Wordsworth children were born, including the Poet Laureate, William, on 7th April 1770, and his sister Dorothy, on Christmas Day 1771. There is a recently restored Georgian garden which features the famous Terrace walk. THE PRINTING HOUSE MUSEUM - the working museum of printing is set in a building which dates back to the 16th Century. On display is a varied and interesting range of historical presses and equipment, the earliest, a Cogger Press, dated 1820.The range of presses includes an Imperial press, two Colombians, two Albions, a Jones press, an Arab, Heidelberg and Thompson platens plus a Wharfedale. There is also a hot metal section with Model 48 & 78 Linotype machines. Visitors are offered the opportunity to gain 'hands on' experience by using some of the presses displayed, to produce cards or keepsakes. The Museum aims to cater for many tastes, the large varied and ever-changing displays will appeal to both the young and old alike. THE TOY & MODEL MUSEUM - Winner of 1995 National Heritage Shoestring award, exhibits mainly British toys from c1900 to the present. There are many visitor operated displays including 0 and 00 vintage tinplate trains, Scalextric, cars, Lego models and even a helicopter to fly. Famous names include: Hornby Trains, Meccano, Triang, Sutcliffe boats, Lego, JEP, Bayco, Minic, Airfix, Pedigree etc. There are prams, dolls houses, a railway in both a 'loft' and a garden shed. There is a family quiz to do and small children can find the little teddy bears or play with the wooden bricks. Whether you are eight or eighty-eight there should be something to remind you of your childhood. CASTLEGATE HOUSE - This listed Georgian house and garden, built in 1739 and situated opposite the entrance to Cockermouth Castle is the setting for stunning displays of modern paintings and sculpture, ceramics and glass. There are open fires in winter giving an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. The walled Secret Garden is open from time to time in the summer. Between March and December there is a changing programme of monthly exhibitions. The gallery which is privately owned specialises in showing the work of Northern and Scottish artists which includes Cumbrian painters Sheila Fell, Percy Kelly, Bill Peascod and Michael Bennett among many others. Advice on purchases is freely given, though you can come and browse. Interest-free credit is normally available through the Northern Arts Art Purchase Plan. THE MINING MUSEUM - Mining for minerals in Lakeland and Northern England dates back to Roman times. These minerals and rocks which include Andesite, Shap Granite, Garnet and Cumberland Green Slate come in many beautiful shapes and colours. The Creighton Mineral Museum comprises a collection of Northern England Minerals and includes the late Wm. Shaw's mineral collection. Also on display are miners lamps, tools, old photographs and a show of fluorescent minerals in the 'Aladdin's cave'. The Museum shop stocks minerals and fossils for sale, also jewellery, original paintings, photographs and crafts. THE LAKELAND SHEEP & WOOL CENTRE and CUMWEST EXHIBITION - Here is a real hands on opportunity to meet Cumbria's most famous residents. Visitors are guaranteed a wonderfully woolly experience as we bring you face-to-face with 19 different breeds of live sheep during our indoor presentation (four times daily). Experience the skills of our sheep shearer and in our 300-seat arena, we will also show you how highly trained sheep dogs can skilfully handle a flock. Entertaining, yes but also both fascinating and educational. Our theatre and full facilities have been designed and built to offer easy access to people with disabilities. The Cumwest Exhibition gives you an opportunity to discover why the Western Lakes & Coast is a very special part of Cumbria with its own distinctive character, history, landscape and culture. Through the spectacular visualshow and different exhibits, we will introduce you to life in the countryside, the towns and villages, the industry and famous people and places with which West Cumbria is associated, including many in which you play an active part. Try your hand at sheepdog trials with our computer game and our computerised information point. JENNNINGS BREWERY - Jennings Brothers have been brewing traditional beers for over 160 years and still use today, the same traditional methods that were used by their founder, as long ago as 1828 in the village of Lorton. Jennings Castle Brewery is sited in the shadow of historic Cockermouth Castle at the confluence of the Rivers Cocker and Derwent. The water in the brewing process is still drawn from the traditional well source which supplied the Castle with pure water around the time of the Norman conquest. Our 1½ hour tour takes you around the Jennings Brewery explaining such intriguing brewery expressions such as Hop Back and Mash Tun. The Jennings range of traditional, cask-conditioned beers (or real ales) offers something to suit every palate. There is the original, distinctively dark Bitter noted for its malty, nutty and mellow taste. Cumberland Ale is a light, hoppy golden bitter which is rich and smooth, while Sneck Lifter is a wonderfully warming, very dark strong bitter. There are over 100 Jennings pubs in Cumbria, North West England and Lancashire, and several are within walking distance of the Brewery. Whichever one you visit, you can be sure of a warm welcome and the traditional quality of Jennings Ales. Travel Distances to local businesses: HOW TO FIND US...click here to view map and directions. |
