After Hours at Dove Cottage: Gothic Hauntings

‘The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached. When it came, Scrooge bent down upon his knee; for in the very air through which the spirit moved it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery.’
― A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A spellbinding evening of Gothic tales in candlelit Dove Cottage.

Discover the origins of modern horror and fantasy fiction in this bewitching storytelling event. This time the theme is GHOSTS: the uncanny hauntings and unforgettable spectres to be found in Gothic fiction, from the genre’s beginnings in the 1760s all the way through to the mid-1800s.

The evening begins with a themed tour of Ghost Story! Into the Gothic Imagination. Find out how 18^th century ghost stories influenced the most famous works of Gothic fiction, and learn about some of the iconic ghosts found in the novels of Horace Walpole, Emily Brontë and Charles Dickens. After exploring the exhibition, gather around the hearth in Dove Cottage for performed readings from some of these uncanny tales, including A Christmas Carol, The Castle of Otranto, Wuthering Heights and traditional Cumbrian ghost stories.

Your ticket includes seasonal cake and a glass of non-alcoholic hot spiced cordial (Vegan/GF options available). We encourage you to get into the Gothic spirit and dress for the occasion! This special event is designed for adults, with a total group size of no more than 12 people.

Please note that the fire in Dove Cottage may be lit during this event.

If these events sell out we may add an additional date – if you would like to express interest please send us an email at enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk or join the waiting list on TryBooking.

Photo credit: Caroline Robinson