Rydal Mount and Gardens

About

Covid-19 Restrictions

We advise that you visit the website of this business before travelling for up to date information on what restrictions are in operation at this venue. Please note that most venues need to be pre-booked and some will have timed-ticketing. Please observe social distancing and stay safe at all times.

Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's best loved home for 37 years. Here he wrote many of his poems and revised and improved much of his earlier works including the Prelude and the famous 'Daffodils' poem. He became England's finest poet and went on to be poet Laureate to Queen Victoria.

This historic home offers, large beautiful terraced gardens landscaped by the poet, magnificent views of lake Windermere and Rydal Water, peaceful relaxed atmosphere, freedom to wander unrestricted and situated in the picturesque village of Rydal between Ambleside and Grasmere on A591.


Garden

All the Wordsworth family were keen gardeners and William had strong views about how a garden should look. In particular he believed that a garden should be informal and that it should harmonise with the countryside consisting of ‘lawn, and trees carefully planted so as not to obscure the view’.

Wordsworth designed and built a number of terraces above the main lawn. At the end of the Sloping Terrace is the Summer House where the poet would sit and compose his poetry, leading on from the Summer house is the Far Terrace which he would pace up and down quoting his work outloud. The garden contains a wide variety of rare shrubs and trees and has spectacular views towards both Lake Windermere and Rydal Water. It is maintained to a high standard and with the tireless work of the gardener and curator has won a range of awards.
 

The Saddlery Tearoom

Open to the public, if you are visiting this beautiful historical house or just passing by on the Coffin Route, pop into the Poetry Tea Room at Rydal Mount. A delicious selection of home made cakes, including Christmas mince pies and hot beverages will be served throughout the day.