Ambleside and William Wordsworth Lake District UK

William Wordsworth. Rydal Mount and Gardens

Fans of William Wordsworth won't want to miss a visit to Rydal Mount, Wordsworth's home, which also affords exquisite panoramic views of Lake Windermere, Rydal Water and the surrounding fells. You can see why Wordsworth chose this spot. He lived here from 1813-1850.

The house remains largely as it was between 1813-1850 when William Wordsworth, Dorothy Wordsworth and family were here, with dining room, drawing room, library, attic and the bedrooms of the Wordsworth family are open for viewing. The attic study is of particular interest as this was used by Wordsworth when he was Poet Laureate.

Scattered around this idyllic house are portraits, and some of Wordsworth's personal books and possessions. Move out into the stunning four acres of landscaped gardens, a design created by Wordsworth, and crammed with rock pools, rare shrubs, daffodils of course, bluebells and the dreaded rhododendrons grrr. If you're going to be chronological you might want to visit Grasmere and Dove Cottage first!

Rydal Mount & Gardens, Ambleside, Lake District LA22 9LU Tel: 015394 33002

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Stock Ghyll Falls near Ambleside

Just ten minutes (uphill) walk out of the busy centre of Ambleside, set in a peaceful shady wood. Follow the signposted path alongside a deep mossy ravine, cross a small wooden bridge above the falls, and you can then return back down the path on the othe

The footpath is on the left 1/4 mile up Stockghyll Lane, behind Barclay's Bank in Ambleside town centre. Park in one of Ambleside's signposted car parks.

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