Wordsworth Grasmere

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.

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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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