Cockermouth Family Treasure Trail
See your lovely town from a different angle this Summer with a Treasure Trail around the streets. If you’re local, it’s an ideal way to discover all those things you’ve never spotted before. If you’re a visitor, it’s a glimpse into Cockermouth’s past! It should take you about an hour.
The Treasure Trail starts outside Boots the Chemist, 56-58 Main Street. Please turn right into Kings Arms Lane and walk past the life saving machine on your right.
- When was the Cockermouth History wall opened and by whom?
Retrace your steps back on to Main Street. Turn right.
2. What is the time of the last bus to Penrith on a Sunday?
Carry on down the street.
- Which shop are the Japanese ladies looking after?
Moving on…
- Who donated “Lest we Forget”?
Carry on down the street until you get to the famous poet’s house.
- Who had the longest life, the Poet Laureate or his sister?
Turn back past the shop where ‘quality is our nature’, go over the zebra crossing and head up the alley to the right of number 79. Walk through Stricketts Court and up to the junction with South Street. Turn left.
There’s a number five on the gates, there’s also a word displayed on various notices that appears eight times, once in reverse. (TIP: YOU DO NOT NEED TO ENTER THE BUILDING’S GROUNDS.)
- What’s the word?
Carry on to the left, along South Street.
- What’s the post box number?
Move on, turn left and head for the building where the cockerel is checking the wind direction.
- How can you pay for parking here?
As you wander down Lowther Went…
- How much would it cost you to hire a stringed instrument?
Carry on to the Main Street and turn right. Go past three pubs, some open, some closed. Cross the road past the home of shoes.
10. Who does Beacon Fire protect?
As you carry on your way…
11. What do John Dalton and R L Stevenson have in common?
Head straight ahead towards the bridge over the River Cocker.
12. What was rebuilt in AD 1828?
Continue over the river and turn right at the lovely knicker shop. Then head left across the carpark, past the sign where you could spend a pound.
13. Which royal lady spent a night here?
14. When was she here?
Immediately behind you is Old Hall Went. Go down here on to Market Place and find the bell that opened the market.
15. Where is it?
16. When was it first rung?
17. At what time was it rung?
When you wander around Market Place, you’ll discover Cousin Charley had a festival.
18. When was it?
It’s time to leave Market Place and head for the business which was established in 1836.
(TIP: YOU DO NOT NEED TO CROSS THE ROAD TO SEE THE ANSWER.)
19. How many keys can you see on the building and in the window?
As you make your way back into town over the river, cast an eye over your shoulder.
20. What sort of Warehouse can you see?
Make your way back to the zebra crossing by the historic Fletchers Fearless Clothing sign, and cross over the road.
21. What was Koppers originally and when was it built?
While you’re here, look for something The Rotary Club restored.
22. When was it restored?
23. Which creature is in the stonework?
You’re nearly there. Keep walking towards the Mayo statue.
24. What helps the hairdressers tell the time?
Before you cross the small lane, you’ll see that The Lions Club presented a plaque.
25. What does it commemorate?
Last question…
26. If you have no change in your pocket, how else can you get a map of Cockermouth?
That’s it! We hope you have enjoyed the Treasure Trail. Please share it far and wide!
You do not need to enter any private property to find the answers so please be respectful as you walk around town, and don’t be distracted by the clues when crossing the road! Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade takes no responsibility for any injury or damage caused. All answers correct at the time of publication, July 2026. Many thanks to Andrew and Sue Marshall for devising the Trail.
