Wordsworth Grasmere — Attraction in Lakes

Our visit begins with a step back in time: the guide paints a picture of Grasmere in the early 1800s, when William Wordsworth lived here with his beloved sister, Dorothy. Dorothy’s journals, alive with observations of nature and daily life, often sparked the very verses that made her brother famous. A short film follows, drawing us deeper into Wordsworth’s world, his reverence for nature, his radical belief in the worth of every human being, and his ability to transform the simplest moments into timeless poetry.

Crossing the threshold of Dove Cottage feels like entering their lives. The rooms are intimate and welcoming, with much of the original furniture still in place, including a striking grandfather clock that seems to tick with the weight of history. Here, William and Dorothy found joy in the simplest pursuits: long walks through the fells, tending their garden, writing late into the night, and sharing conversation with friends. Later, Mary, William’s wife, joined them, and the little house echoed with the laughter and footsteps of children. The pretty cottage garden, bursting with colour and still so peaceful today, was both their sanctuary and their muse. Standing there, it is easy to imagine how its quiet beauty found its way into William’s verse.

From the cottage we move to the exhibition, where Wordsworth’s world comes alive through handwritten letters, notebooks, and first editions. Passages from his works—including The Prelude, his poetic autobiography, are woven through the displays, reminding us of his deep spiritual bond with nature and humanity. Reading about his gentleness, compassion, and commitment to kindness, I can’t help but reflect on how much we might learn today from the way the Wordsworths lived.

Our final stop is an unexpected delight: the studio of resident artist Stacey Joy. Her striking drawings, inspired by Wordsworth’s poetry, invite us to explore time and memory in new ways. Visitors are encouraged to contribute their own ideas to an evolving artwork—a living conversation between past and present. Stacey poses the question: How do we interpret memories and time? It lingers with me. I picture memory as a spiral, looping backwards and forwards through a lifetime—so different from the slow, fragmented progression of my mum, whose dementia steadily erodes her recent memory, pulling her further into the past. The idea of capturing these contrasting journeys through art feels both poignant and powerful.

Leaving Dove Cottage, I feel not only enriched by the story of an extraordinary poet, but deeply moved by the reminder of his humanity. William Wordsworth left us a legacy of literature, yes, but also an enduring example of how to live: with kindness, humility, and reverence for the beauty in people and the...

A monstrosity engorging Dove Cottage, festering helpless and alone in the stomach-acid of the museum-industrial complex. About as much of a recreation of the original environment as the Legoland Taj Mahal. Want to see what Wordsworth's house might have looked like hemmed in by a cafe, museum, "viewing station" and miscellaneous tourist bullshit and completely cut off from its surroundings? This is the place for you. Many people don't know that when William and Dorothy lived here they also had to follow a predetermined route weaving through half a dozen other, pointless buildings with the classy Wordsworth Grasmere branding. It's like being transported back to 1799. Don't worry about the poetry because there isn't any -- just as William would have wanted. An advertisement in how to not preserve a hallowed place, though doubtless the charity's Officers do well. If you want something closer to the original article there's the amazing Grasmere itself, the nearby church and graves (it's nice to touch the shadowing yew tree) and the walk to Ullswater. In sum: look from the outside and jump the front gate if you can; otherwise...

I was so impressed by this museum and the work they've done to preserve the Wordsworths' legacy. The whole staff at this museum was so informative and friendly and helpful. You can tell they are really passionate about the work they do there. We did the tour of Dove Cottage, and I was really pleased with they way they structure it. The 10-minute film they show before having you enter the cottage was very entertaining. Not a typical documentary style. You could tell it was made recently with a high production value. Dove Cottage itself was the real treat. Our guide was able to answer all of our questions, and we loved seeing all the tiny details throughout the cottage. The wooded areas were gorgeous, of course, and I could have sat there all day. The museum exhibits were all lovely, but what I really appreciate is the emphasis on community involvement. I loved the way you could tell local schools and volunteers had helped craft some small parts of the exhibit. You could tell this place is a real labor of love, and it made it all the more special. I would be thrilled to come back here....