Wordsworth

The Lakes have always received a lot of tourist mileage from their literary connections, the most famous being William Wordsworth.

One his pens used to write all those beautiful poems.

Hawkeshead Grammar School which he attended for 8 years.

 Dove Cottage, where he lived for over 8 years, first with his sister, then with his wife and first 3 children. We did a guided tour. It is tiny by today's standards.

The family moved to Allan Bank for a couple of years, much bigger house, stunning views and later the retirement home of one of the founders of the National Trust.

The  National Trust  now allows you visit the house and gardens, not just to look at it, but to make yourself a cuppa, relax and read in any of the rooms, sit in the bay window to watch the birds at the feeder outside, or use the pencils and paints to create your own artwork. It rea.ly is a lovely atmosphere. There is also a wonderful garden to explore.

Rydal Mount - Wordsworth's final home. He lived here from 1813 until his death in 1850. It still belongs to his direct descendants.

His writing desk in the top floor study with views of the garden and mountains.

He created a beautiful rambling romantic garden.

I like his gardening philosophy.

He is buried here at St Oswalds Church in Grasmere, along with most of his family.