Wordsworth Grasmere

Step into another century as you experience William Wordsworth’s life at Dove Cottage. Wordsworth and his family lived in this humble Lake District cottage from 1799-1808. Today, Dove Cottage has been brought back to life and the sights, sounds and smells evoke memories of over 200 years ago. Little moments taken from the Wordsworths’ poems, journals and letters have been recreated, telling the story of their life here. In this time of ‘plain living and high thinking’ the everyday mixed with the extraordinary. It was whilst living here, amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life, that Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal. Child-friendly handling baskets are available to keep the little ones engaged. Also, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the cheeky mice, Ditty and Dotty, hidden somewhere in the cottage.

The Garden-Orchard behind Dove Cottage has been restored to resemble the ‘domestic slip of mountain’ that William and Dorothy lovingly created. Wordsworth described this humble fell-side garden as ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found’ and the feelings of joy, solace and inspiration it provided can still be felt in this special place. Whether you encounter bluebells in spring or snowdrops in winter, the Garden-Orchard is stunning in all seasons.

The Woodland is a wild space where you can play, explore and notice the little details in Nature that we might usually miss. Explore further with one of our free family trails.

Check out the enormous bug house and mini pond in the Sensory Garden or simply relax in the Moss Hut whilst the little ones play and explore our green spaces. You can find Sensory Story Sacks here, which are fun for all children, including those with SEND.

When William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, he was largely unknown and was writing innovative poetry that came as a shocking contrast to the fashionable verses of the time. His poetry centred around the ideals of love of Nature, the power of the imagination and the importance of empathy for others. This was poetry for a new age, and his writing still has the power to speak to us today. Our interactive Museum tells the story of Wordsworth’s radical and creative life through a world-class collection of handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poetry and personal items. It features contemporary voices from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to people living and working in Cumbria today. There are hands on things to do for all ages, including a working printing press, quill and ink writing and the Art Cart with origami boat making, journaling and charades. For younger children we have bug books, Georgian toys and the opportunity to dress up like William and Dorothy. For the gamers, we even have our own Wordsworth Minecraft, a digital game based around Wordsworth’s childhood adventures.

Finishing your visit atop the Viewing Station, take a moment to reflect and appreciate Grasmere vale, which Wordsworth described as ‘paradise’.

Often dreaming up recipes inspired by the 1800s or making the most of the produce available in the Garden-Orchard and woodland next-door, our Café serves wholesome, locally sourced food and drinks. Browse our shop and discover a new favourite poetry book or pick up a notebook and pen and write something of your own.
Add a little something extra to your visit by trying one of our guided activities. From gallery tours to nature journaling, there is something different on offer each day of the week. Activities are included in the cost of admission and can be booked on arrival.

Private Tours

An exclusive experience in the place that William Wordsworth called ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. Discover the stories of the Wordsworths with an expert curator as your guide and take a private tour of Dove Cottage, hold internationally important manuscripts in your hands, and sample the food and drink that the Wordsworths would have enjoyed here two hundred years ago.

Your visit begins with a personal guided tour of the atmospheric Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s Grasmere home from 1799-1808. There you will have time to explore this beautiful cottage whilst learning about the lives and writing of the Wordsworths, as well as the process of curation and interpretation that brings this unique historic house to life.

You will then have unparalleled access to our state-of-the-art library and archive, which is home to over 90% of William Wordsworth’s original verse manuscripts, Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere journal, and many more letters and journals written by the family. With a curator at your side, you will have the opportunity to view and even handle some of these incredible books and manuscripts.

Your visit will conclude in the place that it began – in charming Dove Cottage, where you will sample the food and drink that the Wordsworths would have enjoyed here whilst listening to poetry read by candlelight. Toast bread on the fire and pair it with traditional preserves, try historically-inspired cakes, and savour bespoke tea and coffee blends designed exclusively for Wordsworth Grasmere.

The itinerary and menu can be adjusted according to time-of-day and dietary requirements.

To find out more about private experiences and to book your visit call us on 015394 35544 or email
bookings@wordsworth.org.uk