A guide to shopping in Cockermouth

Cockermouth is a pretty town on the outer edge of the Northern Lake District, full of colourful buildings, cobbled back streets and riverside walks. It’s quite unique nowadays thanks to its healthy array of independent shops (as well as some well-known chains). 

You'll also find plenty of places to eat in Cockermouth after working up an appetite browsing the shops. Whether you’re a bit of a retail therapy addict or just want to pick up some basics, our Cockermouth shopping guide is here to give you a run-down of the best shops in this gem of a town. 

Cockermouth is an ideal base for exploring the western part of the Lake District with Whinlatter Forest and Bassenthwaite Lake close by. Click the button below to browse our collection of holiday cottages in Cockermouth.

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• Clothes and shoe shops
• Outdoor shops
• Homeware and gift shops
• Food and drink shops
• Arts and hobbies
• Antique shops
• Charity shops
• Markets
• More shopping in Cockermouth

Clothes and shoe shops in Cockermouth

We love a bit of retail therapy, and treating yourself to a beautiful new outfit seems like a great way to spend your time! Cockermouth is particularly well supplied with independent shoe shops like Goody 2 Shoes for the little ones and SR Shoes with footwear from designers such as Gabor and Lunar.

Outdoor shops in Cockermouth

Thanks to its position right on the edge of the Lake District, the market town is perfectly placed for exploring the great outdoors. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully prepared for your activities, so make sure you browse Cockermouth’s outdoor shops before you set off. You’ll find outdoor clothing and footwear, as well as bike shops and sports accessories.

Homeware and gift shops in Cockermouth

Image credit: Raymond Peterson Designs

If you love a pretty pot or are searching for that perfect present, then Cockermouth’s gift shops will leave you spoiled for choice. With all sorts of trinkets available - from the budget to the luxury - you may well leave with more than you planned! But what does that matter when they’re so beautiful? 

Cockermouth also has plenty of shops selling home decor like cushions and wall hangings, as well as more practical items like crockery and small appliances. The Lakes Homecentre on the edge of town is a great place to start with a large selection of items, or you can potter around the smaller shops on the high street.

Food and drink shops in Cockermouth

There are plenty of restaurants in Cockermouth where you can enjoy someone cooking an exquisite meal for you. However, sometimes you want to take a treat home or whip up a storm for yourself. So take a look at some of Cockermouth’s food and drink shops, offering everything from local delicacies to cuisine from far-flung places around the world. There are also some of your more standard grocery stores for your everyday needs, including Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi and Premier. Or, if you want to go for something extra eco-friendly, look out for the refill shop, Goodness and Grain.

Arts and crafts shops in Cockermouth

Not only is Cockermouth home to lots of independent shops, but as a town it’s a big supporter of the arts, so you’ll find plenty of art galleries, music shops and hobby shops here. You might want to pick up a card game to keep you occupied in your family-friendly holiday cottage during the evening or an artistic souvenir of a romantic getaway to the Lake District.

Antique shops in Cockermouth

No Cockermouth shopping experience is complete without exploring one of its numerous antique shops, so if you love the thrill of finding something really special, old, and unique, then you’ll adore a wander down the high street. Perhaps you’ll find a long-lost treasure or a rare antiquity. Or perhaps all you want is something quirky to display back home.

Charity shops in Cockermouth

If you love a bargain, then enjoy your time pottering around the various charity shops in Cockermouth. And you’ll be doing a good turn while you pick up something for yourself! You’ll find a good range of charity shops in the town, from higher-end stores like The Children’s Society, which feels like a shop of brand new clothes, to more bargain-friendly options like Oak Tree Animals’ Charity. Other charity shops in Cockermouth include Vint-age by Age UK, Save the Children and Hospice at Home.

Markets in Cockermouth

Time your visit right, and you may be lucky enough to experience one of Cokermouth’s buzzing markets! There’s a weekly market each Friday where you can see all the stalls you would usually expect: local food, clothes, homeware and gifts. Then, on Sunday, head just out of town to Mitchell’s covered car boot sale.  

For something extra special, look out for events from Taste Cumbria. This popular food festival takes place in Cockermouth every September, with an additional Christmas event in December. All the best local produce becomes available in one big market, and there’s also live music, performances, bars, talks and other entertainment throughout the weekend.

More shops in Cockermouth

We’re sure you’ll be kept busy during your shopping trip to Cockermouth with all these wonderful independent shops to explore. But if you’re looking for even more to quench your craving for retail therapy, then here are even more stores to browse.

Cottages in Cockermouth

You might struggle to see all of these shops in one day, so why not base yourself in this pretty town at one of our Cockermouth holiday cottages? You’ll be a stone’s throw from all these shops and everything else Cockermouth has to offer.