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'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 prices

The 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

Heritage Open Day 

Visit the house and garden free of charge.

Event summary

on
13 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00

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.

Event summary

on
17 Sep to 24 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 12:00
+ 3 other dates or times

National Poetry Day 

Celebrate National Poetry Day with a week of poetry inspired by gardens.

Event summary

on
29 Sep to 5 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 16:00
+ 4 other dates or times

Spooky crafts 

After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of the season, get creative by making a spooky autumnal craft.

Event summary

on
25 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at
10:30 to 15:30
+ 6 other dates or times