Family-friendly things to do at Wordsworth House and Garden

Children running through the garden on a sunny day dressed up in Georgian clothing — Playing in the garden after exploring the rooms of Wordsworth House | © National Trust Images/ Jonathan McMeekin

Come rain or shine, there is plenty for families to enjoy at Wordsworth House and Garden. Step into the past with Georgian-inspired fun and games, explore interactive rooms, and let imaginations run wild in the riverside garden. Find out what is on offer and the details you need to plan your family visit.

Planning your 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 at Wordsworth House and Garden

Have lots of fun during the summer holidays at Wordsworth House and Garden. Drop in daily, 10.30am-3.30pm every Saturday to Wednesday from 26 July to 31 August to celebrate gardens as a special place for wildlife with themed activities for Summer of Play.

Get crafty and creative in the Discovery Room with inspiration from our exhibition or go bug hunting through the flower beds and share your findings on our daily discovery board. How about a Teddy bears picnic under the apple trees? Bring along your favourite toy and a few snacks to enjoy and we’ll provide the blanket, basket, tea set and all you need for a picnic in the garden. Don't forget to stop by and say hello to Fletch our perchcrow!

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

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After exploring the house and getting into the spirit of the season, get creative in the Discovery Room by making a spooky autumnal craft. Drop in daily, from 10.30am-3.30pm, Saturday to Wednesday from 25 October to 2 November.

Join Jessie McMeekin, for Spooky Cumbrian stories by the fire on Wednesday 29 October. Listen as she tells tales to horrify and delight you. Suitable for children aged 4–11 and adults of all ages.

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How many items have you ticked off your '50 things' list so far? The garden at Wordsworth House offers the perfect chance for more. Try a few of our suggestions to ge you started:

No. 1 Get to know a tree: Whether they're in full bloom or starting to bear tiny apples or pears, get to know one of our many fruit trees

No. 18 Create some wild art: Using fallen petals, leaves, stones and sticks

No. 25 Join nature's band: Sing along with the birds, bees and rustling leaves

No. 33 Go cloud watching: When it’s time for a rest, relax and look up at the clouds to see if they truly are, in Wordsworth's words, 'as lonely as a cloud'.

A child plays with traditional Georgian toys in the children's bedroom at Wordsworth House, Cockermouth — Having fun with traditional Georgian toys and games at Wordsworth House | © National Trust Images/David Levenson

A family day out at Wordsworth House and Garden

When you first arrive, get into character and become a poet. Create your own story with the interactive story quilt or learn to write with a feather quill. There’s always something happening in the cosy working kitchen as well. Smell the exotic spices in the many jars and pots or have a go at grinding oatmeal in the giant pestle and mortar.

Up the stairs you’ll find the children’s bedroom, where you can dress up in Georgian costume and play with traditional toys.
If the sun is out, head into William’s inspiring childhood garden for more fun and games. Once you've stretched your legs and run off some steam, stop and see what is growing.

Count how many kinds of apple trees there are and what fruits and vegetables would have made their way to the kitchen table. Butterflies and honeybees also love to feast here and help make sure there is plenty of fruit for all.

Children dressed in Georgian dress up clothes playing with a wooden bowling set in the garden at Wordsworth House and Garden — Playing Georgian games in the garden | © National Trust Images / Jonathan Mckmeekin

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

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