Wordsworth Grasmere

About

"The loveliest spot that man hath ever found"

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Dove Cottage, the Grasmere home of poet William Wordsworth. Wander through the Garden-Orchard Wordsworth called ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. Uncover Wordsworth’s radical and creative life story in the Museum and enjoy breathtaking views of Grasmere Vale from the new Viewing Station.

Parts of our site are opening throughout 2020 because of our redevelopment project. Check our website before you visit to see what will be open.

Gift Shop

Well-stocked gift and bookshop.

Tea Room

Large cafe and tearoom selling cakes, snacks, lunches, ice-cream, refreshments and meals throughout the day. Locally sourced, wholesome food.

There is ample parking.

Dove Cottage Garden

Today, the garden is as it was in Wordsworth's day; restored to how it is described in Dorothy Wordsworth's diaries. In 1799, a few days after moving into Dove Cottage, Wordsworth wrote: "D is much pleased with the house and appurtenances the orchard especially; in imagination she has already built a seat with a summer shed on the highest platform in this our little domestic slip of mountain."

Stroll around and see the same plants they loved and the views they enjoyed, inspiring Wordsworth's poem, 'A Farewell' in which he calls it,

"Sweet garden-orchard, eminently fair,
The loveliest spot that man hath ever found".