It was not until the 1 770s, with the arrival of the coal trade, that Maryport began to flourish. At the same time, in neighbouring Cockermouth, young William and Dorothy were bowling their hoops past a derelict castle.

COCKERMOUTH

LAKELAND SHEEP & WOOL CENTRE, on the outskirts of the town, has four daily indoor shows that introduce many different breeds of sheep, as well as showing the skills of the farmers, shearers and sheepdogs. It is educational but fun, with plenty of opportunities to 'meet the sheep'. The centre is also home to CUMWEST - an exhibition about the Western Lake District, with a gift shop, cafe and restaurant.

The TOY AND MODEL MUSEUM is like waking, as a child, to find that Santa is using your attic as a depot. The chances are that if it isn't here you never really wanted it anyway. Kids, if your Dad says you are going to see how pencils are made kick up a fuss and come here.

Next stop, THE CASTLE. This was originally built by the Norman barons in the early 13th century. Curiously some of the masonry is considerably older - after the castle had been burnt down, by Robert the Bruce, the nearby Roman fort of Papcastle was robbed of its stone. Look out for the Roman altar built into the north wall of the gatehouse.

In the shadow of the castle is the JENNINGS CASTLE BREWERY, brewers of superb real ales since 1828. Their brewery tour is a must. By the way, ask the guide what a 'sneck lifter' is, just in case you get roped into a Quiz Night at the Brook House Inn.

On Main Street is a fine Georgian building now known as WORDSWORTH HOUSE. This was the birthplace and early home to the famous poet, and it is here that his lines reflecting on his carefree childhood really come to life.

MARYPORT

which houses the oldest collection of sculpture, altars and inscriptions in Britain. There is also a reconstruction of a watchtower, giving an overview of the adjoining fort's embankments, as well as the stunning panorama of the Solway Firth and a bird's eye view of Maryport harbour.
There is a free car park close to the harbour that puts most of the other attractions within easy walking distance.
The LAKE DISTRICT COAST AQUARIUM is a favourite with all. It is one of the best collections of native marine life in the UK, beautifully presented and with plenty of fascinating features. There are crashing waves, deep reefs and shipwrecks; rays that nuzzle your hand and sharks that hopefully don't; and there are also some fairly bizarre fish that John West neglected to mention. Mutiny and the Titanic, great Roman boars, Flying Buzzards and shark-infested waters.
Across the road THE MARITIME MUSEUM manages to pack a wealth of objects and histories into a deceptively small space. Amongst the highlights are the local stories of Fletcher Christian of Mutiny on the Bounty notoriety, and Thomas Henry Ismay co-owner of the ill-fated Titanic.
A stroll away, along the harbourside, is the STEAMSHIP MUSEUM housed in two small, restored steamships - and a quite different maritime experience.(currently closed)