Alex Saint

Another gem of the Hope Street quarter serving food and a wide range of ales.

Farfield Mill in Sedbergh might be in a remote spot, but it is home to the leading venue for textile arts in the North West.

Beckstones Art Gallery in the village of Greystoke is a small family-owned gallery, selling a range of artists’ work, leaning towards the traditional.

Grizedale Arts continues to explore the role of art in society from its award winning eco-base near Coniston.

At Little Salkeld you’ll find one of the country’s last water-powered corn mills, still grinding specialist flours, with a fantastic bakery and cafe attached

Make a pilgrimage to this recently renovated ‘Victorian Cabinet of curiosities’ to see the musical stones of Skiddaw, one of the museum’s star objects.

Percy House Gallery in Cumbria is a contemporary art gallery which majors in painting, photography, and craft from local Cumbrian artists and makers.

The Village Bakery is there to fortify those in need – with fresh breads and good food – and you don’t have to cycle there to try it.

A luxury B&B in the Georgian heart of Cockermouth

A theatre-cum cinema in Cockermouth offering a wide programme of touring theatre, music, independent film and events to townsfolk and visitors.

Castlegate House Gallery in Cockermouth offers a changing programme of temporary exhibitions.

The Jennings Brewery offers a great tour that finishes up in the Old Cooperage bar, a tea room and shop for those wanting to carry off a firkin or two of real ale.