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.
Activities and events for 2025
'Green and Overflowing with Life': The Wordsworths and a love of gardens
Our new exhibition for 2025 will take you on a journey through William and Dorothy's passion for nature and the different gardens in their three main homes.
Starting with Head Gardener Amanda's wildlife friendly garden in the heart of Cockermouth, learn about the importance of these green spaces as wildlife havens in the face of biodiversity loss and climate change, and pick up some tips on how to create your own pollinator haven.
Delve into the William and Dorothy’s passion for gardening before taking a turn in the garden to reconnect with your own childlike love of blooms, birds and bumblebees.
Explore William and Dorothy's childhood home
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.
Take home a print from last year's exhibition
We still have an opportunity for you to own one of the wonderful images that were displayed in last year's "Wildlife Encounters" exhibition. Please get in touch if you are interested in purchasing.
Rosamund and John Macfarlane will be donating their share of proceeds to Cumbria Wildlife Trust for the Skiddaw Forest Appeal.
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.
Family-friendly things to do at Wordsworth House and Garden
Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Wordsworth House and Garden in 2025, from nature trails to Georgian-inspired fun and games, there is something for everyone no matter the weather.
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.
