Things to do at Wordsworth House and Garden

Two women smile as they take a selfie while dressed in period clothing in Wordsworth House — All smiles while getting into the Georgian spirit. | © National Trust Images / Paul Harris

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

Join Amanda our Head Gardener on Wednesday 3, 10, 17 and 24 September at 11am and 1.30pm for a closer look at our Georgian garden packed with 18th-century varieties of vegetables, fruit, herbs and flowers. Learn about how we make sure birds and pollinating insects are made welcome using organic principles throughout and how specially selected local wildflowers and herbs are used to entice bees and butterflies to feast.

More info

Looking up at a bright blue ski from underneath white and pink cosmos with the back of the house in the distance. — Looking through the cosmos in the garden, inspiration from this year's exhibition | © Melinda Gilhen-Baker

'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.

More info

Two guests listen to a volunteer talking about the history of Wordsworth House and Garden in the dining room while standing over a table with traditional Georgian dishes — Visitors listening to a volunteer talking about traditional Georgian dishes in the dining room | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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.

Visitors sat on the steps talking in the garden at Wordsworth House, Cumbria

Discover more at Wordsworth House

Find out when Wordsworth House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

Two people stood in room looking at large lightboxes on wall with black and white landscape photography on

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.