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You are here: Home > Things to Do > Wordsworth Grasmere

Wordsworth Grasmere

Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Dorothy Wordsworth's Diary at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Dove Cottage Garden at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • View From Dove Cottage Garden at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria
  • Inside Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria - Photograph: Gareth Gardner
  • Inside Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria - Photograph: Gareth Gardner
  • Museum at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria - Photograph: Gareth Gardner
  • Museum at Wordsworth Grasmere in the Lake District, Cumbria - Photograph: Gareth Gardner

Type:Historic House

Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH
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Tel015394 35544

About

In 1799, William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, largely unknown and writing innovative poetry that came as a shocking contrast to the fashionable verses of the time. Whilst living at Dove Cottage with his family, Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating Grasmere journal. Wordsworth Grasmere tells the story of this remarkable period of ‘plain living and high thinking’. 

Step into another century as you experience the sights, sounds and smells of Dove Cottage. Moments taken from the Wordsworths’ poems, journals and letters have been recreated, telling the story of their life here. 

Stroll through the Garden-Orchard, which has been restored to resemble the ‘domestic slip of mountain’ that the Wordsworths 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. Play and explore in The Woodland, a wild and relaxed space.  

Wordsworth’s poetry centred around the ideals of love of Nature, the power of the imagination and the importance of empathy for others. His writing still has the power to speak to us today. Our Museum tells the story of Wordsworth’s radical and creative life through a 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 and quill and ink writing. Finishing your visit atop the Viewing Station, take a moment to reflect and appreciate Grasmere vale, which Wordsworth described as ‘paradise’. 

From gallery tours to nature journaling, there are guided activities running every day of the week. Our Café serves wholesome, locally sourced food and drink.


Daily Activities:

Gallery Tours (Daily at 3pm): Join Wordsworth Grasmere's guides as they show you the highlights of the beautiful Museum. They will take you on a stroll through the life of radical poet William Wordsworth, and reveal the stories behind some of the special objects on display. Staff dependent – phone ahead to see if the tour is running on the day of your visit.

Loose Leaf Poetry (Tuesdays and Saturdays during opening hours): Settle into a cosy corner of the Museum at Wordsworth Grasmere and enjoy new poems or old favourites, from the 19th century to the present day. Feeling creative? Have a go at penning something of your own with the help of some thoughtful prompts.

Sketching (Wednesdays during opening hours): Sketch and doodle your way around the Museum and green spaces with the help of thoughtful prompts. Take time to pause and notice little details and hidden stories, from ink blots on letters to the patterns of lichen blooming on a drystone wall. Materials will be available, but you're welcome to bring your favourite sketchbook and pencils!

Behind the Scenes (Thursdays at 11am): What's it like to work in a state-of-the-art library and archive where the walls are lined with 200-year-old books? Step into the world of Wordsworth Grasmere's curators and find out about the 68,000 treasures they care for, and the fascinating work they do. Staff dependent – phone ahead to see if the tour is running on the day of your visit.

Noticing Nature (Fridays at 2pm): William and Dorothy Wordsworth spent most of their time outdoors, walking, writing, and connecting with the natural world. Wander through Wordsworth Grasmere's Garden-Orchard and Woodland, hear the Wordsworths' words aloud, and learn to see the wonders of the everyday. This guided activity is weather dependent.

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Book Tickets

Opening Times

Season (18 May 2025 - 28 June 2025)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday - Saturday10:00 - 17:00
SundayClosed
Season (29 June 2025 - 31 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday10:00 - 17:00
Winter Hours (1 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026)
DayTimes
MondayClosed
Tuesday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00
SundayClosed

* 18 May to 28 June
Tuesday to Saturday
10am–5pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 4.20pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm)

29 June to 31 October
Monday to Sunday
10am–5pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 4.20pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm)

1st November - 31st March 2023
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 3pm & to the Museum is 3.30pm)

Guide Prices

Dove Cottage, Museum, Garden-Orchard & The Woodland

Adult: £14.00
Adult 65+: £13.00
Concession*: £10.50
Child 6–16 years (5s and under free): £6.00
1 Adult Family (1 adult and up to 5 children)**: £20.00
2 Adult Family (2 adults and up to 5 children)**: £34.00

Museum, Garden-Orchard & The Woodland

Adult: £11.00
Adult 65+: £10.00
Concession*: £9.00
Child 6–16 years (5s and under free): £5.00
1 Adult Family (1 adult and up to 5 children)**: £16.00
2 Adult Family (2 adults and up to 5 children)**: £27.00

Admission tickets are valid for 12 months.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access - As Dove Cottage is an historic building, we have been unable to make provision for disabled access. However most wheelchairs will find the ground floor accessible
  • Disabled toilets

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee) - Advance booking available on www.wordsworth.org.uk

Children

  • Children welcome

Groups

  • Education/study area
  • Facilities for educational visits
  • Facilities for groups

Meeting, Conference & Wedding Facilities

  • Facilities for conferencing

Parking

  • Parking with charge

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Gift shop
  • Smoking not allowed

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups
  • Coach parties accepted

Access Information

Attractions Self Assessment

Accessibility NotesFull access information is available on our website. If there’s anything we can do to help you in your visit or if you'd like more information, please contact us by email on enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk or call 015394 35544.

This information is self-assessed; therefore we accept no liability for its accuracy. Please contact the venue for further information.

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
978 reviews
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      Awards

      • Cumbria AwardsMember of Cumbria Tourism Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
      facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WordsworthTrust/

      Related

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      Map & Directions

      Map Link

      Click here to view map

      Road Directions

      On Foot: There is an easy and safe two-minute walking route from Grasmere to Wordsworth Grasmere along Stock Lane. There is also a lakeside path or the Coffin Trail Bridleway which links Grasmere to Rydal near Ambleside. Both are fairly easy-going routes with great views. By Car: Leave the M6 at jct 36, follow signs for Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside. Wordsworth Grasmere is located on the A591, the main Kendal to Keswick road through the Lake District, just South of the Grasmere mini roundabout.

      Public Transport Directions

      By Bus: Hop on the regular 599 open top service from Bowness, Windermere and Ambleside. Sit back, relax and admire the stunning views across the Lakes. The 555 also runs regularly between Keswick, Grasmere, Windermere and Kendal. The bus stops just across the Road from Wordsworth Grasmere. By bike: There are cycle parking stands near the attraction's restaurant.

      Accessible by Public Transport: Windermere station is 8 miles away.

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