shop local allerdale

Welcome Back Fund - funded by ERDF

Allerdale is the ideal place to shop local

Our towns and villages are home to a wealth of independent producers, retailers, hospitality businesses and more.

We have some of the best food and drink, beautiful arts and crafts, gorgeous homewares, clothes and shoes, as well as the practical things you need for your house, garden and cars – and they are all available on your doorstep.

There are things that are too special to buy on the internet – things that are unique, or quirky, or hand-made by someone who really knows their business.

But shopping local is about more than just what you can buy – it’s about the whole experience. It’s about getting to know that local butcher, or baker, or even candlestick maker! It’s about the service with a smile, the cheery wave through the shop window, and the aftercare if something goes wrong.

And it’s definitely about the hands-on experience that you can’t get in an anonymous online store – the haircut or manicure, the coffee and cake with friends, the sociable pint after work, or the discussion with the shopkeeper so you know you’re getting exactly what you need.

There are so many reasons to shop local in Allerdale. You’ll find something different in each of our towns – Aspatria, Cockermouth, Keswick, Maryport, Silloth, Wigton and Workington.

Keep coming back to this website to find out more. We have many fabulous stories to tell.

Our Shop Local stories

Cumbria Life Castings - Silloth

‘Making memories’ is a phrase everyone is familiar with, and Cumbria Life Casting in Silloth is taking this to a whole new level with its range of handmade jewellery.

“There’s a little piece of Silloth all over the world,” says Victoria Rudkin, the creative behind the creations of Cumbria Life Casting. She’s seen her jewellery commissioned by customers as far away as South Africa and the USA, though most of her clients are much closer to home. Read more …

Gift & Stitch - Aspatria

Dawn Richardson’s Gift & Stitch Aspatria business began as a small home-working embroidery enterprise to fit around her family – but her West Cumbrian customers had other ideas…

When Dawn Richardson’s home was filled with helium balloons, her husband James delivered a heartfelt plea: “Please get a shop!”

She had been running her small gift business from their house in the village of Plumbland but it had expanded so much due to customer demand, every room was overrun with products. Read more …

Redmayne 1860 - Wigton

Behind an unassuming shop front on Wigton’s High Street lies a business with international reach. It counts some of the most influential people in the world among its customers, and it is keeping the traditions and craftsmanship of its trade alive.

Redmayne 1860 is rooted firmly in this town, even while the skills of its team are known across the world. The company has been the home of Savile Row tailoring for more than 160 years, creating beautiful clothing for men and women, and selling them the accessories to go with it. Read more …

Tidal Reach Gallery - Maryport

What artist could fail to be inspired by the shoreline of Allerdale? From its dramatic skies and tides, to the calmness of its sunsets, this is a beautiful place to be.

And what better place to capture it on canvas than Maryport, the historic harbour town at the heart of this coastline? It’s where artist Barrie J Baker returned after living and working in London, and it’s now where he has the Tidal Reach Gallery and his studio. Read more …

JB Banks & Son - Cockermouth

Walk through the doors of this shop and museum in Cockermouth’s Market Place and the sight of this historic and traditional shop stops you in your tracks. It’s crammed with thousands of items, some of which you’ll recognise, some of which you won’t and some which you may never see again.

You may have never seen a shop quite like JB Banks – but once you’ve been in, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. Read more …

Podgy Paws - Keswick

In a town that’s been voted the most dog-friendly in Britain, Podgy Paws is a perfectly placed pet shop.

You don’t have to peer behind the counter of Podgy Paws to see the shop’s four-legged resident – Buddy, the Great Dane-Mastiff cross, stands head and shoulders above many of the store’s doggy visitors.

Those lucky enough to live in around the town come for their staples – the food and the treats or toys for furry or feathered friends  Read more …

The Garden Bar & Restaurant - Workington

The Garden aims to bring a city vibe to West Cumbria – in colourful, quirky style.

They’ve gone all out on the colourful interior design, with flower walls, rustic pergolas and fun fake foliage on the seating booths to really bring The Garden’s theme to life. And it’s more than just a restaurant – it’s an all day foodie experience. They serve breakfasts, there’s a cocktail menu and they’re hosting live bands and DJ sets at the weekend. Read more …