Poets & Writers

Grasmere, Ambleside & Windermere

10.00am - Begin your tour at Dove Cottage in Grasmere.
Step back into the past with a guided tour of William Wordsworth’s famous Grasmere home. Next door, the award-winning museum presents a permanent Wordsworth exhibition with a programme of special exhibitions, events and poetry readings. From Dove Cottage head south along the A591 to the village of Rydal, taking a left turn by the sign to Rydal Mount. (Journey time 10 minutes).

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 35544  Website: www.wordsworth.org.uk

11.30am - Arrive at Rydal Mount. Beloved home of William Wordsworth, Rydal Mount is a lovely house set in extensive gardens landscaped by the poet himself with terraces, rare shrubs and magnificent views. The house, Wordsworth’s home from 1813 until his death in 1850, contains family portraits and personal possessions. Groups can enjoy evening poetry readings by appointment.

From Rydal continue south on the A591 following signs to Ambleside (Journey time 10 minutes).

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 33002  Website: www.rydalmount.co.uk

12.40pm - Arrive at the small town of Ambleside where you can see the much photographed, tiny 17th century Bridge House. Choose from the many good quality places to eat in the town and have a browse around the excellent selection of shops.

Visit Ambleside Tourist Information Centre at Market Cross for ideas of what to do and see in the area.

Take a 15-minute walk or hop on a 555 or 599 bus to Waterhead, or if you prefer there is parking at Waterhead, if you wish to take your car.  

2.10pm - Arrive at Waterhead Pier. Board a steamer at Waterhead Pier and relax while you sit back and enjoy a cruise on Windermere to Bowness. This is one of the best ways to see the magnificent scenery of the southern Lake District.

Telephone: +44 (0)15395 31188  Website: www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk

2.40pm - Arrive at the piers in Bowness-on-Windermere.

From here it’s only a short walk to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Discover Peter Rabbit and all his friends in a magical recreation of Beatrix Potter’s books, complete with sights, sounds and even smells of the countryside. Learn more about this remarkable lady and her characters at this award winning attraction.

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 88444  Website: www.hop-skip-jump.com

5.40pm - Take a boat back to Waterhead (please check with Windermere Lake Cruises for time of the last boat) or alternatively take an open-top bus (599) back to Ambleside to pick up your transport. (There’s a regular every 20 minutes service in the season).

Visitors are advised to check opening times and admission prices, as not all attractions are open daily, all year round. The times shown at each attraction are only a rough guide. Wheelchair users and people with special needs are advised to check facilities with individual attractions prior to their next visit.