Discover more at Wordsworth House
Find out when Wordsworth House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to do at Wordsworth House and Garden
Step back in time and explore Wordsworth House and Garden in the Cumbrian town of Cockermouth. This immaculately preserved Georgian townhouse was the birthplace and childhood home of romantic poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. Start planning your visit today.
Seasonal closure
Wordsworth House and Garden is now closed for the season to allow for essential winter conservation work. We look forward to welcoming you back when we reopen on Monday 30 March 2026.
Guided House Tours
Discover the stories, spaces and spirit of the house on one of our guided tours, led by our dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer team. These tours offer a wonderful introduction to the history, people and places that shaped this special home, helping to bring its rooms and collections to life.
Tour Times
Sunday & Monday:
• 10:30
• 11:30
Tuesday & Wednesday:
• 10:30
• 11:30
• 13:30
• 14:30
How to Join a Tour
Tours operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis and can be booked on arrival at the welcome desk.
Please note that capacity is limited, and all tours are subject to availability on the day.
Suggested Donation
We ask for a £3 suggested donation, which includes an exclusive pin badge to take home. Every penny goes directly towards caring for Wordsworth House & Garden, helping us protect the house and its stories for future generations.
Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or returning to see the house through fresh eyes, our volunteer‑led tours are a lovely way to deepen your experience and connect with the heritage of this unique place.
Activities and events for 2026
Planning your family visit
- Toilets and baby-changing facilities are available in the back courtyard
- Pushchairs can be used in the garden and hip seats are available for use in the house
- Many local cafés to choose from in easy walking distance.
Family Activities and Events for 2026
Second-hand bookshop
Browse the shelves of our second-hand bookshop. Thanks to your generous donations there is something for everyone. With classic volumes, colourful children’s tales, modern fiction and vintage treasures, it's the perfect place to discover something new.
Once you’ve made your selection, why not take your pre-loved treasure out into the garden for a quiet moment reading among the flower beds?
All funds raised go towards the care of Wordsworth House and Garden, so if you’re able to donate any good quality books we’d love to hear from you. Please drop any small donations into reception during our opening hours, or if you have a larger amount, please call ahead on 01900 824805.
You might also be interested in
Wordsworth the Influencer
A new permanent exhibition at Allan Bank in Grasmere looks at how William Wordsworth helped shape the Lake District we know today. Wordsworth wrote his radical "Guide to the Lakes" while at Allan Bank and a First Edition of the travel guide will be on display.
History of Wordsworth House
Discover the history of William Wordsworth’s childhood home, which was a place of both great happiness and sorrow, and learn how it was saved from complete destruction.
Visiting the garden at Wordsworth House
Wordsworth House’s walled heritage garden, where William learned his love of nature, is filled with the colours, scents and sounds of the season.
Houses and buildings in the Lake District
Alongside its natural outdoor wonders the Lake District also has many inspiring houses and buildings to visit, from the impressive Allan Bank where Wordsworth once lived, to the former farmhouse of Beatrix Potter.
