'Green and Overflowing with Life': The Wordsworths and a love of gardens
Be inspired at our new exhibition for 2025 all about the Wordsworth love of gardening.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Inspired by Dorothy Wordsworth's quote and the love she and her brother shared for nature and gardening, this year's exhibition is a celebration of the gardens the Wordsworths designed and the role these green spaces still play as wildlife havens.
From childhood, gardens featured in William’s fondest memories and are immortalised in his poetry. At his home in Cockermouth, he and his sister were lucky enough to experience a wild childhood, having a free rein to explore the garden, the terrace and the River Derwent on their doorstep.
Today, in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, gardens have become vital oasis for nature. The Wildlife Trusts tell us that ‘the UK's gardens are larger than all of our National Nature Reserves (NNR) combined’ which really demonstrates how together, our small pieces of wilderness can make a real difference to the overall green space for our wildlife.
Including insights into how gardener Amanda Thackeray has recreated and tended to the Wordsworths’ childhood garden for 20 years, you will also find tips on creating your own pollinator haven. Loans from the Wordsworth Trust in Grasmere and Tullie in Carlisle help tell the story of the Wordsworth's relationship to gardens, and the challenges Cumbrian plants and insects face due to climate change.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Suitable for the whole family
- Meeting point
Wordsworth House
- Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet in rear courtyard. Lift for access to ground floor of house. First floor of house accessible only by stairs.
Upcoming events
Teddy bears picnic
Borrow a picnic set, bring along your favourite toy and snacks, and find the perfect picnic spot in our hidden walled garden.
Garden arts and crafts
Get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room with inspiration from our exhibition on the nature in our gardens.
Beetle, bugs and butterflies
Help us spot all your favourite bugs in the garden and record your findings on our daily discovery board.
Garden tours with head gardener Amanda
Join Amanda Thackeray for a closer look at our Georgian garden packed with 18th-century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers.