Dove Cottage, Museum, Garden-Orchard & The Woodland
Wordsworth Grasmere
Book now from £12.00
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere and discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets
In 1799 William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, largely unknown and writing innovative poetry in a new style. Whilst living at Dove Cottage with his family, Wordsworth wrote many of his greatest poems and his sister, Dorothy, kept her Grasmere journal. Visit Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere and discover the story of this remarkable time in his life.
Explore the Garden-Orchard and The Woodland, enjoy spectacular views from the Viewing Station and discover Wordsworth’s radical and creative life in the Museum.
With so much to do, you’ll lose track of time – our immersive family experience has something for everyone: interactive displays, fun hands-on activities, trails and even our own Minecraft world.
Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
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 to 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.
The Garden-Orchard & the Woodland
The Garden-Orchard behind Dove Cottage has been restored to mirror the ‘domestic slip of mountain’ that William and Dorothy lovingly cultivated.
Wordsworth called this modest fell-side garden ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found,’ and the feelings of joy, solace, and inspiration it once provided can still be experienced in this unique place. Whether you encounter bluebells in spring or snowdrops in winter, the Garden-Orchard is breathtaking year-round.
The Woodland is a wild space where you can play, explore, and notice the small details in Nature that often go unnoticed.
What to expect at the Wordsworth Museum
- The newly revamped Museum narrates the story of Wordsworth’s revolutionary and creative life through a collection of handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poetry, and personal belongings.
- It includes contemporary voices, ranging from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to individuals living and working in Cumbria today.
- There are interactive exhibits for all ages, including a functioning printing press and opportunities to write with quill and ink.
- End your visit at the Viewing Station, where you can pause to reflect and admire the Grasmere Vale, which Wordsworth once called ‘paradise.’
Book below for these amazing days out, get your tickets delivered instantly via email and SMS!
Location
How To Find Us
By Car:
Find the museum south of Grasmere village, on the A591 Kendal to Keswick road.
Car park address:
Wordsworth Grasmere car park, Ambleside, LA22 9PP.
During busy times, please allow extra time for your journey as there may be some traffic.
The Sat Nav coordinates for Wordsworth Grasmere car park are: Latitude = 54.4537; Longitude = -3.0167;
Lat = 54 degrees, 27.2 minutes North; Long = 3 degrees, 1.0 minutes West.
Look out for the slate sign that marks the entrance to the Wordsworth Grasmere car park.
Pay-and-display parking is available on-site. Overflow parking can be found at Stock Lane on the edge of Grasmere village, just a 2-minute walk away.
There are three designated disabled parking bays in the car park.
By Train:
The nearest train station is Windermere, with regular bus services to Grasmere available outside the station.
By Bus:
If you’re visiting us by bus, the 555 and 599 services operated by Stagecoach run direct to
Facilities
- Café
- Parking
- Disabled Parking
- Toilets
More Info
Is Wordsworth Grasmere wheelchair friendly?
There is a lift inside the Café, which is signposted from the Car Park, to take you up to the Museum and Ticket Desk. There is lift access to all floors of the Museum, including the Viewing Station.
Most wheelchairs will find the ground floor of Dove Cottage accessible. As the Cottage is a historical Grade I listed building, the stairs to the first floor mean that unfortunately they are unable to provide wheelchair access to the upstairs rooms.
Due to the nature of the terrain, the Garden-Orchard and Woodland have areas that are accessible only on foot (unfortunately it is too steep and uneven for wheelchairs, buggies and those with mobility issues).
Is Wordsworth Grasmere dog friendly?
Dove Cottage, Garden – Orchard, Museum and Woodland
- Assistance dogs (hearing impaired, visually impaired and ASD) are welcome in all areas of the site.
Café
- The Café is muddy boot and dog friendly.
What are Wordsworth Grasmere's opening times?
July – September: Monday – Sunday, 10am -5pm
- Last entry to Dove Cottage is 4.20pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm
October - June: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am–4pm
- Last entry to Dove Cottage is 3.20pm & to the Museum is 3.30pm