Wordsworth Grasmere

In 1799 William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, relatively unknown, and writing innovative poetry in a brand new style.

It was while living at Dove Cottage with his family that Wordsworth penned many of his greatest works and his sister Dorothy kept her Grasmere journal.

The whitewashed Lake District abode, which he described as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, was acquired by the Wordsworth Trust in 1890 and opened to the public in 1891.

Following the multi-million pound Reimagining Wordsworth project, originally created in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the birth of William in April 2020, the Wordsworth Grasmere attraction has now been completely transformed, bringing the story into the 21st century.

Dove Cottage has been brought back to life and the sights, sounds and smells evoke memories of more than 200 years ago. Little moments taken from the Wordsworths’ poems, journals and letters have also been recreated, telling the story of their life here.

There is a new, immersive museum, the garden-orchard has been restored, plus a new cafe, shop and activities.

The attraction has also recently been included in The British Library’s Booklover’s Bucket List, which highlights literary hotspots across the country.

Next Saturday, it will open an in-depth exhibition to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his sister Dorothy Wordsworth’s birth. The pair remained close all their adult lives.

The only surviving portrait of Dorothy as a young woman is a silhouette. However this exhibition will put her centre-stage, highlighting her affinity with nature and love of walking, her close friendships and empathy for others, her own writing, her collaborative partnership with William, and her struggles with physical and mental health.

wordsworth.org.uk