Dorothy Wordsworth describing her time at Dove Cottage in a letter to Mrs Thomas Clarkson in 1805
"I think these years have been the very happiest of my life"
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.
"It was a sweet morning - Everything green & overflowing with life, & the streams making a perpetual song with the thrushes & all the little birds"
Dorothy Wordsworth, Tuesday 20th May 1800, extract from her Grasmere journal
The Garden-Orchard & the Woodland
The Garden-Orchard behind Dove Cottage has been restored to resemble the ‘domestic slip of mountain’ that William and Dorothy lovingly created. Wordsworth described this humble fell-side garden as ‘the loveliest spot man hath ever found’ and the feelings of joy, solace and inspiration it provided can still be felt in this special place. Whether you encounter bluebells in spring or snowdrops in winter, the Garden-Orchard is stunning in all seasons.
The Woodland is a wild space where you can play, explore and notice the little details in Nature that we might usually miss.
This plot of orchard-ground is ours; My trees they are, my Sister’s flowers; Here rest your wings when they are weary; Here lodge as in a sanctuary!
Museum
When William Wordsworth arrived in Grasmere aged 29, he was largely unknown and was writing innovative poetry that came as a shocking contrast to the fashionable verses of the time. His poetry centred on the ideals of love of Nature, the power of the imagination and the importance of empathy for others. This was poetry for a new age, and his writing still has the power to speak to us today.
Our new Museum tells the story of Wordsworth’s radical and creative life through a collection of handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poetry and personal items. It features contemporary voices from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage to people living and working in Cumbria today.
There are hands-on things to do for all ages, including a working printing press and quill & ink writing. Finishing your visit atop the Viewing Station, take a moment to reflect and appreciate Grasmere Vale, which Wordsworth described as ‘paradise’.
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