Lake District Dove Cottage is a historic house and museum located in Grasmere, Cumbria, England. It is best known as the home of the famous poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy Wordsworth from 1799 to 1808. During this period, William wrote many of his most famous poems, including “Ode: Intimations of Immortality,” “Ode to Duty,” “My Heart Leaps Up,” and “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” as well as parts of his autobiographical epic, “The Prelude”.
The History of Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage was built in the early 17th century as a public house called the “Dove and Olive.” It remained an inn until it closed in 1793. In 1799, William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy moved in, and it became their home for over eight years. During this time, William married Mary Hutchinson, and they had three children. The family eventually outgrew the cottage and moved to Allan Bank in Grasmere in 1808.
Architectural Features of Dove Cottage
- Construction: The cottage is constructed from local stone with limewashed walls and a slate roof.
- Layout: It has four rooms downstairs and another four upstairs. The ground floor rooms retain oak panels and slate floors, typical of well-built Lakeland houses of the period.
The Enchanting Garden of Dove Cottage
- Fell-side Garden: The garden behind the cottage, which William referred to as a “little domestic slip of mountain,” has been restored to its original “wild” appearance. It features local plants and materials and was a place of peace and inspiration for William.
- Arbour: At the top of the garden, there is a beautiful little arbour that offers a stunning view, which was likely inspirational for William’s poetry.
The Wordsworth Museum
- Museum Exhibits: The adjacent Wordsworth Museum exhibits manuscripts, landscapes, and portraits. It was founded in 1935 and moved to a coach house in 1981.
- Jerwood Centre: The Jerwood Centre, an award-winning new building, was opened in 2005 to house the collections of the Wordsworth Trust.
Visiting Dove Cottage
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10am–5pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 4.20pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm)
- 29 June to 31 October: Monday to Sunday: 10am–5pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 4.20pm & to the Museum is 4.30pm)
- 1st November – 31st March 2023: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 4pm (last entry to Dove Cottage is 3pm & to the Museum is 3.30pm)
Admission Prices
| Ticket Type | Dove Cottage, Museum, Garden-Orchard & The Woodland | Museum, Garden-Orchard & The Woodland |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £14.00 | £11.00 |
| Adult 65+ | £13.00 | £10.00 |
| Concession* | £10.50 | £9.00 |
| Child 6–16 years (5s and under free) | £6.00 | £5.00 |
| 1 Adult Family (1 adult and up to 5 children)** | £20.00 | £16.00 |
| 2 Adult Family (2 adults and up to 5 children)** | £34.00 | £27.00 |
Getting There
Dove Cottage is located on the A591, the main Kendal to Keswick road through the Lake District, just south of the Grasmere mini roundabout. It can be reached by car, bus, or on foot via the lakeside path or the Coffin Trail Bridleway.
Significance of Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage is significant because it was the home of William Wordsworth during a crucial period in his life when he wrote many of his most famous poems. The cottage and its garden have been preserved to reflect the “plain living and high thinking” lifestyle of the Wordsworths, providing a unique insight into their lives and creative processes.