Wordsworth Grasmere
Get tickets to Wordsworth Grasmere for a day of heritage, literature & beautiful British countryside
William Wordsworth is one of Britain's most famous Romanticism writers, also known as one of the big 6 of some of the most influential writers in poetic history.
When William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere at the age of 29, he was relatively unknown, creating innovative poetry that stood in notorious contrast to the popular verses of the era.
His work focused on the ideals of a deep connection with Nature, the power of imagination, and the significance of empathy for others. This was poetry for a new generation, and his writings continue to inspire many even today.
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.’
Wordsworth's Dove Cottage
Step back in time as you experience William Wordsworth’s life at Dove Cottage. Wordsworth and his family resided in this modest Lake District cottage from 1799 to 1808.
Today, Dove Cottage has been revived, with the sights, sounds, and scents evoking memories of over two centuries ago. Moments from the two Wordsworths’ poems, journals, and letters have been brought to life, telling the story of their time here.
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.
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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 Grasmere year-round, the Dove Cottage stop is just metres from Wordsworth Grasmere.
The hourly 555 service travels through the heart of the Lakes to Grasmere, via Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside and Keswick.
The 599 open top bus service offers spectacular views from the top deck on the approach to Grasmere, via Kendal, Windermere and Ambleside.
- Café
- Parking
- Disabled Parking
- Toilets
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).
No, only assistance dogs (hearing impaired, visually impaired and ASD) are welcome in all areas of the site.
Current opening times: Monday–Sunday 10am–5pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 4pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm).