Cockermouth has seen an artistic hub develop around the Market Place area. Castlegate House Gallery specialises in twentieth century and contemporary British art. Located in an unspoilt Georgian house facing the historic medieval castle it specialise in internationally renowned artists.
Down the hill from the castle is Percy House Gallery. This gallery is in the oldest town house in Cockermouth. Its oak beams have been dated to 1390 and it was the home of the Percy baliff.
Its Tudor ceiling dated 1598, is open to the public.
Other arts and crafts venues can also be found in and around the Market Place hub.
Cockermouth is also a centre for antiques and those looking for valuables. There are several antique shops including Cockermouthantiques and Mitchells auctions hold regular fine art auctions open to the public in their towncentre saleroom.
The Kirkgate Centre alongside the Market Place also stages art shows and is a focus for artistic events.