In this part of the Lake District, the River Rothay runs between the mountains and Grasmere lake reflects lonely clouds. Spend a half day touring by car with an expert guide through the landscape and gardens that inspired one of England’s most distinguished poets.
Begin your day with a visit to Rydal Mount, William Wordsworth’s final and most longstanding home. It’s a beautiful house, preserved as it would have been during Wordsworth’s time, but the gardens are the crowning glory of this visit.
Ramble through the wild woodland, the artificial rock pools that Wordsworth created, ancient mounds, and fellside terraces (‘fell’ is a regional word for steep hill or mountain.) The poet designed the gardens himself and they remain as he intended, a lively destination no matter what the season. The house is now owned by the current Wordsworth family, and occupied by curator Peter Elkington and his family.
Just outside the pretty village of Grasmere is Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth lived for eight years and produced many of his greatest works, including I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. Dorothy Wordsworth, William’s sister, also wrote her Grasmere Journals here, which documented daily life in the Wordsworth's Lake District home.
When you arrive at Dove Cottage, knock on the front door to be admitted for your guided tour. The cottage is small but immaculately preserved, and illustrates the simplicity and hardships of the household. The gardens are also beautifully kept, and the setting for many lively stories about the Wordsworth family. Both the house and gardens have been maintained according to Dorothy’s diary.
After your time at Dove Cottage you have the opportunity to explore Grasmere. A small but charming collection of stone houses, cafés and a couple of galleries, Grasmere sits alongside the River Rothay and directly north of Grasmere lake. Wordsworth, his wife Mary and sister Dorothy are buried here in the graveyard of the village church.
Beyond Grasmere, we highly recommend continuing with your driver-guide for a short wander along the scenic Loughrigg Terrace. One of Wordsworth’s best-loved viewpoints, the terrace provides aerial views across Grasmere and toward the surrounding crags and fells.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our England specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Hardknott Roman Fort, Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway and Muncaster Castle
Your driver-guide can navigate Cumbria’s steep and winding roads while you admire the looming mountains and sweeping sea views. The tour also stops at Muncaster Castle, the Roman-era Hardknott Fort and the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway, a Victorian steam train line.
Lake District farm experience
Experience life on a traditional Lake District fell farm where you'll get a chance to meet the hardy Herdwick sheep, learn about farm practices and local lifestyles and get to try your hand at dry stone walling.
North Lakes explorer
Your driver-guide will create a tour of the North Lakes area based around your interests. You can take your time exploring the unspoiled lakes, sheep-dotted mountains, and tiny towns at an unhurried pace, with pauses for walks in the countryside or taking photographs.
Tea at Beatrix Potter's cottage
Discover the land that Beatrix Potter loved and helped to preserve on this tour of her Lake District home. Cross Lake Windermere before having a tour and tea with a Potter expert at the author’s marital house, Castle Cottage.
