Plotting your Christmas shopping? There’s no better way to infuse a little tradition and magic into the festive period than with a visit to Taste Cumbria Christmas Market on 9 and 10 December.
Welcoming the festive season with a cup of silky hot chocolate or a glass of fresh mulled wine is a guaranteed spirit raiser. But with the added help of mouthwatering food stalls, unique local gifts, creative cooking demonstrations and a beautiful Lake District backdrop – Cockermouth’s Christmas Market is sure to bring an extra sprinkling of magic this year.
Situated at the heart of a Georgian Gem Town, Taste Cumbria couldn’t have chosen a lovelier spot to set the festive scene. Coloured buildings, limestone pillars, tree-lined streets and interesting architecture all come together to make Cockermouth one of the UK’s most charming settings. As The Trout Hotel’s home, we feel extremely lucky to have such a highly celebrated Lake District Christmas Market on our doorstep. Our guests love its close proximity as well as the lovely community feels that runs through the town, especially on market day.
Launched in 2015, the Cockermouth Christmas Market is now a sprawling and hugely popular festive attraction that attract thousands of visitors each year. Sights, smells and sounds will fill the air whilst you are taken on a journey of exploration, hopping from stall to stall. The expertly curated markets will be the perfect place to grab unique festive gifts for family and friends and relish the warm Cumbrian ambience.
Food & Drink
Upon soaking up the festive atmosphere, there will be plenty of culinary delights to sample. With hot Cumberland sausage baguettes, succulent cheese topped pastries and velvety chocolate puddings all on the menu – you won’t be short of tasty choices.
During the weekend, chefs from the Trout Hotel will step out of their usual culinary surroundings and take to the stage to perform cooking demonstrations. We will also have a stall in the midst of the Main Street buzz, where competitions will be held, and special vouchers given.
You could always combine a trip to the markets with an afternoon exploring the nearby fells or lakes before heading back to the warmth of The Trout Hotel. There’s not much left to do other than fetch your woollies from the wardrobe and be prepared to stroll through rows and rows of wonderful stalls. If you’re planning on joining the crowds this year, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Where is Taste Cumbria Christmas Market located?
The markets will mainly be based on Main Street with many hot food stands around the corner on Market Place. A beer and fizz tent will also be set up in Jennings Brewery to provide you with some winter warmth, and local shops and business will be hosting their own special events.
For the youngest visitors, there will be fairground rides and art and craft stalls to explore.
There are also demonstration tents where cookery masterclasses will be presented by The Trout’s chefs as well as other locals.
What will be sold?
Starting and finishing your Christmas shopping has never been easier. Craft stalls offer a range of gifts from cards and cushions to candles – all offering the highest quality crafts.
Food producers like Rose Cottage Pantry and The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop will be returning once more with their mouthwatering culinary offerings.
When do they open/close?
The markets will open at 10am on Saturday 9th December and close at 4pm.
They will open again at the same times on Sunday 10th December.
How to get to Cockermouth?
Public transport is undoubtedly the best way to get to Taste Cumbria Christmas Market – leaving you free to enjoy a gluhwein or two.
A journey planner, route maps and timetables are available here.
Where to park?
If you’re going to be bringing the car, Lowther Went and Sainsbury’s car parks would be your best bet. Note that the one-way systems will be changed as Main Street will be closed.
If you’d like to not worry about travelling or parking, we have rooms still available at The Trout where you’ll be only a stone’s throw away from the action.
There is no lovelier place to eat, drink and explore this Christmas in the Lake District.
