The former home of William Wordsworth and an iconic literary landmark, there’s a lot to learn on a visit to Dove Cottage.
Discover the inspiration behind some of his famous poems or lose yourself in the enchanting nature of the Garden-Orchard.
With so much to offer, continue reading to learn more on everything you need to know about Dove Cottage…
What is Dove Cottage?
Dove Cottage is a charming, white-washed house settled in the town of Grasmere. Built in the 17th Century using locally sourced stone, the cottage was an inn named the ‘Dove & Olive.’
The property was later ocupied by world-renowned poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy in 1799. After marrying in 1802, Dove Cottage became the family home of his wife Mary and their three oldest children.
It is thought that the cottage provided an inspirational environment for his famous poems, Ode: Intimations of Immortality, Ode to Duty and My Heart Leaps Up.
Wordsworth moved from the property in 1808, where it was acquired by the Wordsworth Trust in 1890.
A Grade I listed building, the cottage opened in 1891 as a museum, telling the fascinating tales of the world-renowned poet. Much of the property remains untouched from the days of its earlier occupants.
Where is Dove Cottage?
Dove Cottage is idyllically positioned in the heart of the Lake District National Park, on the outskirts of Grasmere.
Sitting on a main road leading into the town, Dove Cottage makes the perfect spot on an afternoon stroll. Why not browse the fascinating displays before heading into Grasmere for a bite to eat?
The full address for this Wordsworth Trust property is as follows:
Dove Cottage
Grasmere
Cumbria
LA22 9SH
Can You Visit Dove Cottage?
Dove Cottage opened its doors to visitors in 1891. Today, the Lake Districts Dove Cottage welcomes over 70,000 visitors a year.
Current opening times are between 10am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Final admission to Dove Cottage is 3pm, and 3:30pm for the Museum.
Guide/Assistance dogs are permitted throughout, with four-legged friends welcome at the on-site cafe.
What Can You See at Dove Cottage?
Years following his tenancy, Dove Cottage has been lovingly recreated and restored to it’s former glory. Take a step back in time as you immerse yourself into the world of Wordsworth.
The interior is decorated with period furniture, and many personal artefacts from the family are on display. See where Wordsworth spent hours on end writing his poems by following a guided tour through the property.
Outside, uncover the secrets of the Garden-Orchard, once described by Wordsworth himself as “the loveliest spot man hath ever found”. Over the years, The Wordsworth Trust has worked on the garden, restoring it to its former “wild” appearance.
Adjacent to Grasmere’s Dove Cottage is a museum dedicated to telling the poets’ fascinating stories. Explore personal artefacts, published poetry, handwritten manuscripts and letters.
It is recommend to set aside an hour and a half to enjoy your trip. Guided tours operate throughout the cottage but you are welcome to explore the museum at your own pace.
Is There Parking at Dove Cottage?
There is a pay and display car park available nearby, situated on the grounds of the Wordsworth Museum on the A591. Spaces are limited and there is one designated Blue Badge parking space.
Signposts lead from the gravel car park to Dove Cottage, a short walk away. Although parking is not available directly outside Dove Cottage, it is possible to unload passengers before parking in the nearby car park.
Other facilities include public toilets, an on-site cafe and pop-up museum coffee shop. Open in the Winter months, the coffee shop serves food & drink available to eat in or takeaway.
In the warmer months, unwind with a coffee and an indulgent slice of cake at the cafe, or fuel an afternoon exursion along the Coffin Route walk.
Who Lives at Dove Cottage?
Built in the early 17th century, Dove Cottage has had an interesting history of tenants.
It is believed that the cottage was originally purpose-built as a public house, where it aquired the name the “Dove and Olive”. Trading ceased in 1793, and in 1799, William and his Sister moved in.
It was later in 1802 that the property was occupied by Wordsworth and his wife Mary. Three children soon joined, each born inside the cottage. John was born in 1803, Dora in 1804 and Thomas in 1806.
With the family outgrowing the home, they soon moved to nearby Allan Bank. Wordsworths friend Thomas De Quincey moved into Dove Cottage in 1808. A series of tenants occupied the home until 1890, when it was purchased by The Wordsworth Trust.
Today, no one lives at Dove Cottage. The doors are open exclusively for visitors.
Is Dove Cottage National Trust?
Dove Cottage is not a National Trust property. This historic building is maintained under The Wordsworth Trust, formerly The Dove Cottage Trust. This independent charity was formed to celebrate the facinating life of the famed English poet.
Unlike Dove Cottage, Wordsworth House and Garden in Cockermouth sits under the ownership of The National Trust.
The birthplace of Wordsworth himself, this listed Georgian townhouse is presented as it would have been during Wordsworths occupancy in 1770.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Dove Cottage?
The Dove Cottage entrance fee offers visitors access to the Cottage, Museum, Garden-Orchard, and Woodland. Admission tickets are valid for 12 months. Pay once and enjoy unlimited free visits to these attractions!
Dove Cottage Ticket Prices:
Adult: £14.00
Adult 65+: £13.00
Concession*: £10.50
Child 6–16 years (5s and under free):£6.00
Admission is free of charge for patrons and friends of the Wordsworth Trust and National Art Pass Holders. Entrance fee is also waived for Grasmere residents and carers visiting with a disabled person.
Pre booking is available and recommended for those wanting to visit during a specific time slot.
Is Dove Cottage accessible?
The Wordsworth Trust have worked to improve accessibility, however due to the age of the building, this hasn’t been possible throughout.
Wheelchair users are able to access the ground floor of Dove Cottage however please be mindful that the flooring may be uneven. Due to narrow doorways, visitors with motorised wheelchairs may find access to the property challenging.
The Wordsworth Museum is wheelchair accessible throughout, with one dedicated Blue Badge holder parking space and wheelchair-friendly bathroom. Should visitors wish to view the first floor of Dove Cottage, virtual tours are available at the Museum.
A guide book with large print and a hearing induction loop system are available on request.
Are you intrigued to uncover the stories of William Wordsworth with a visit to the Lake Districts Dove Cottage in Grasmere? Browse our wonderful collection of holiday lodges in Cumbria and find the perfect base to begin your Lakeland adventure!
And for more to do sheltered from the elements, give our guide on things to do in the Lake District when it rains a read!
Or perhaps you’d prefer to discover history with a tour of these Lake District National Trust properties that you must visit?
Images courtesy of: Brian Clift – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jo and Steve Turner – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Jennifer Petrie – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
