Lake District

My annual Thursday/Friday half-term break in February is the ideal opportunity for a trip to northern England. Combined with my regular weekend free time, it allows us to enjoy two full days exploring a location, bookended by additional space on the schedule. This year we booked accommodation in Cockermouth, a market town on the edge of the Lake District. Dolly Duster whisked us down the M74 to Carlisle, where we branched right and covered the remaining 40 miles to our destination.

Arriving in Cockermouth around 3pm, we spent a couple of hours walking around the town before seeking out our accommodation. The New Bookshop was well stocked and we bought a couple of volumes after a lengthy browse. Prominently displayed was the latest offering from former government minister Rory Stewart. Middleland: Dispatches from the Borders, released in October 2025, is a portrait of rural Britain based on his time as a Cumbrian MP. He has published a few books with walking themes. There was a poster advertising an appearance by Kenneth Wilson, author of Pilgrim Cello - a tale recounting a bike tour of every English cathedral with said instrument attached. Worth buying for the concept alone! Needless to say, the in-store talk would be followed by a musical performance. A short walk from the main street brought us to the Jennings Brewery tap room, where I purchased a box of four bottled ales to enjoy during my stay.