Here is a selection of places to visit and things to do, but if you have any special interests, please let us know and we will let you have more information.
Cockermouth is a 'gem' town and has been given 'Cittaslow' status. You will find interesting independent shops selling local products including excellent food and drink, and services like banks, post offices, vets and pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, in a traditional market town (5 minute drive or 40 minute walk along the river bank). Shopping in Cockermouth is a pleasure not often found nowadays.
Driving times (approximate) from Southwaite Green to places are in brackets.
Walking, Cycling and Nature
Buttermere, Loweswater and Crummock lakes - great walking (20 mins max)
C2C and Coast to Coast both run near Southwaite Green
Whinlatter Forest centre and osprey viewing - Forestry Commission site (10 mins)
Cumbrian Life
Agricultural shows and auctions - a real insight into local life (5 mins nearest)
Carnivals - most local towns and villages have their own carnival on a summer Saturday, with 'Queens' floats, novelty floats, foot characters and local brass bands. Once common throughout the UK, they have died out almost everywhere else (5 mins nearest)
Hound trailing - local sport
Fine art and household goods auctions - an interesting day out that costs nothing, unless you get carried away by the bidding (5 mins)
Jennings Brewery tours - sample the local brew (5 mins)
History, arts and performance
Wordsworth House - living National Trust house, showing how the Wordsworth family would have lived (5 mins)
Castlegate House and Percy House art galleries - special exhibitions and local artists (5 mins)
Theatre by the Lake - excellent repertory company (20 mins)
Festivals - all kinds throughout the year, from Keswick's Words by the Water, with top names in journalism and literature, (20 mins), to Maryport's Blues Festival, with world renowned performers, (20 mins).
