Rydal Mount & Gardens
Rydal Mount & Gardens
4.5
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Rydal Mount, the last family home of William Wordsworth from 1813 until his death in 1850, now belongs to the direct descendants of the Poet and remains a lived-in family home. The dining room, part of the old Tudor cottage, with its original flagged floor and oak beams, contrasts pleasingly with the larger proportions of the drawing room and library, added in 1750. The house contains works of art, furniture, manuscripts and many of the Poet's books and personal possessions, reflecting his life here. Wordsworth was a keen landscape gardener and the four acre garden remains very much as he designed it, consisting of fell-side terraces, lawns, rock pools and a 9th century Norse mound. There are rare shrubs and, in season, the daffodils, bluebells and rhododendrons produce a spectacular display.
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  • Laura T
    Middlesbrough, United Kingdom7,687 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surprised by how much we enjoyed our visit here
    Recommended as a hidden gem, this was the family home of Wordsworth and contains a selection of the family’s prized possessions and portraits. The small gardens are lovely with many hidden areas to explore. There are terraces, rock pools, a greenhouse and an ancient mound. I had read that there are lovely views of Rydal lake and the fells however the large trees mostly obscured the view when we visited. We spent around half an hour exploring the grounds and then another half hour looking around the house. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the house, as usually I get bored quite quickly. I was amazed at the fantastic poem written in 2023 by a student, which deservedly won an award. We had read that there is a waterfall a short walk away, along the coffin route, which we intended to walk to see. However the carparking seemed to be quite strict, as there are very limited places in the very small carpark, and was signposted as only for those visiting house and gardens, so we didn't dare to venture any further, as unsure how far away the waterfall actually is? There are toilets, a tea room and free carparking, although the carpark is very very small and lots of people were parking on the road as you drive up the hill towards the entrance. Expect to spend around 1 hour here. Open Sunday to Thursday, from 10.30am to 4pm. Tickets to House & Gardens are £9.50 each or Gardens alone are £5, when buying on the door. We were able to use our 2-4-1 Gardening World voucher too, so a bargain but still great value we think at £9.50 each.
    Thank you for a lovely report. We're very pleased you enjoyed your visit. The children's poetry competition is something we started a dozen years ago and it's become a really important feature for Cumbrian schoolchildren. We always display the winning poem for a year.
    Written October 23, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 20, 2023
  • Andrea B
    Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tranquil, friendly and gorgeous!
    Fabulous! Both the house and gardens were delightful. The staff were really friendly as was the owner or joint owner - one of the Wordsworth family. I just hope I didn't insult her in any way before I knew she was one of the family. I visited on Thursday 7th March and was so fortunate with the weather and there being so few visitors as they had just opened and it being early in the season. I could feel the sunlight and the tranquility. I hope to go back.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 8, 2024
  • Annmarie M
    14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gardens + Cumbrian tea bread = splendid morning
    We walked here from Ambleside, it was sunny so it was pleasant. We were early, but the lovely tea room manager was happy to let us get a cuppa & a slice of their delicious Cumbrian tea bread whilst we sat outside. It was so quiet & peaceful. We paid ÂŁ5 each to go around Gardens, no house as we had dog with us, and it was well worth it. The daffodils were in full bloom, it was sunny and the views of Grasmere were lovely. Seldom have I spent a better ÂŁ5. Go first thing & fortify with tea bread, before wandering around enjoying the beautiful space.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled on business
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Bill B
    Wolverhampton, United Kingdom9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rydal Mount a great experience full of history and nostalgia
    We were really impressed with the amount of authentic memorabilia, the information from the poets own hand. Also the notes of his sister Dorothy which inspired plenty of William's work. The house was spacious and light, and in every nook and cranny more information to add to the experience. We used public transport from Keswick to get there, and there was a good footpath above Rydal to walk back to Grasmere.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 27, 2024
  • Donna A
    Newburyport, Massachusetts23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    đź‘Ť Whether or not you are a Wordsworth fan!
    Except for the rain, which prevented my husband and I from extensively viewing the gardens, our visit was most enjoyable and informative. The house interior definitely gave us a sense of Wordsworth family life. The rooms were well labeled. The dining room was definitely my favorite. Many years ago I visited Dove Cottage; I suggest visiting the Rydal Mount site if your time is limited. From what we were able to observe of the gardens, they must be a delight in good weather; the layout appeared charming, even during a soaking. Whether you are acquainted with the works of Wordsworth (we weren’t) or not, a visit is 👍.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 19, 2024
  • Louise B
    43 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definetely worth a visit
    It's been many many years since we last visited Rydal Mount. Had a guided tour of the ground floor with Keira who was very knowledgeable about Wordsworth so I recommend taking the tour. Always love it when there is a resident cat. Dora is her name and she was sleeping in Dora's room. It's lovely to leisurely walk around the rooms taking in the atmosphere. Took us around 30mins to wander around the house and a further 20mins to look around the garden. If it hadn't been for the rain I would have stayed longer. Also dont forget to visit Dora's field next to the church. It's currently filled with bluebells... just beautiful.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 29, 2024
  • Nigel R
    Ashby de la Zouch, United Kingdom1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Charming and homely place of poetic pilgrimage
    It was lovely to visit the Wordsworth home. It's a lovely house without the added dimension of its most famous resident. The gardens are delightful too. We enjoyed the tour with Keira who was knowledgeable, personable and enthusiastic without being too over powering. The cafe was nice too. I did feel that some of the written material could do with some updating in terms of its presentation but then that too added to its charm in a way. I actually thought this was my favourite of the three local Wordsworth properties - the most relaxed and human. Recommended
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 17, 2024
  • Murray R
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice afternoon at Rydal Mount
    Had a lovely afternoon at Rydal Mount. My wife is a big Wordsworth fan so this was a special visit. I had a great time walking thru the gardens. Also enjoyed Rydal Hall across the street, especially the beautiful waterfall.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 28, 2024
  • James P
    Cambridge, United Kingdom2,788 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Gardens are the star!
    The car park is small, right at the end of the lane on the left. Don't get confused with Rydal Hall entrance on the right. The house is interesting but the star of the show is the gardens. Explore the numerous paths, terraces, and hidden nooks, with great views. This was Wordsworth's home for many years and you can see why he was so inspired.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
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Dayspring329
Choppington, UK21 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
During a walk around Rydal, we saw an advert for a "tearoom" on the route so thought we nip in for some lunch. We were greeted by a young lady who we hope was on her first day of employment or just looking after the place in an emergency to give the benefit of the doubt. We seemed to interrupt a conversation and immediately felt unwelcome. Their conversation continued as we looked at the menu. On ordering the hot food on the menu was apparently unavailable so we ordered some tea a slice of cake and a scone. We were served tea in takeaway cups without milk or sugar and after asking for some we were given brown sugar. We've had better tea from a roadside van. I'm not sure if she had ever made a cup of tea in her life. The scone fell apart and the coffee cake didn't taste of coffee.
What was really annoying was the discovery of another tea room in Rydal Hall (which we thought we'd used) and an amazing pub at the bottom of the road. Lesson learn't for our next visit.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're very sorry you had a disappointing experience. Like many businesses we are struggling with staff illnesses occasionally and we are doing our very best to stay open and offer something to visitors.
Written April 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cheekycockney190757
Basildon, UK11,428 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
Visited on Tuesday 18th May 2021 after a walk on the Coffin Trail from Grasmere to Rydal Mount & Gardens we had some crappy snacks and an overpriced walk around some quite frankly crappy gardens at Rydal Mount. When we arrived there was a complete lack of organisation and it felt like either volunteers or family members who literally didn't know what they were doing. The snack menu was limited but they couldn't even offer what was on the menu and the ordering was all over the place as the till didn't work, they had no change and contactless payment wasn't working. The fee for a walk around the gardens was ÂŁ5, and this was way over the top as the gardens were glorified domestic gardens which would be fine without a fee but the fee indicates there is more to them. There were 2 employee gardeners sitting in the only 2 seats they provided a view and no intention to move when people were walking around. A bit of a car crash tbh.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh dear, you did catch us on a bad day, it seems! Like many other organisations, opening up post-pandemic was tricky and we were doing our best. The gardens though...Wordsworth himself planned them, and we've been working to complete his ideas, and they seem to be very well loved. Why not come back in spring when the daffodils are out and give us another chance?
Written March 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Freddie H
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
So much more interesting than a visit to Dove Cottage - this was Wordsworth’s home for the latter part of his life and is still owned and lived in by his family. After being shown around by an expert guide you’re left to wander freely, with the house packed full of original letters, art, furniture and artefacts. I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to visit and I will definitely be back - it’s now top of my list of places to recommend to friends visiting the Lakes.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you! Obviously it’s OUR favourite part of the Lakes, too! So glad you enjoyed it here.
Written March 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jo Edwards
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
We loved the garden with 'secret' paths and hidden places to discover. The wild and untamed beauty of the surrounding countryside is reflected in the natural looking garden. wonderful old trees and many different shrubs and flowers. Splendid views with Rydal water temptingly close.
The house was full of interest and present Covid restrictions with prebooking and limited numbers mean it is uncrowded and easy to view ( though I would have liked a little longer inside).
Tea and coffee and a good choice of tempting cakes are available but served out doors with limited shelter so perhaps only possible on a fine day.
There are many other interesting places to visit within walking distance
Everyone was very helpful.
Written June 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Becky A
St. Albans, UK8 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
The house tour guide insisted we wore masks even though the uk restrictions have been lifted. We were able to do so but I felt we could have had a warmer and more flexible welcome especially as we were the only people inside! The tour guide we had was not very engaging and we much preferred having time to explore ourselves and read the information. Very expensive for a family group at almost ÂŁ50.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Those were very tricky times indeed, Becky. There will always be people who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, and of course, not everybody had been vaccinated by then so we were operating on the side of caution. Here's to happier times in the new year.
Written March 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lottie R
Leicestershire, UK139 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
Firstly, we loved it here. We booked online (nice & easy) to do the house tour & then the gardens. It was organised very well, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The house is great. A little gem. The gardens were lovely, especially in autumn. Secondly, I feel compelled the address the recent 2 negative reviews. Whilst I appreciate we all have opinions and thoughts, as well as expectations, it's important to remember that part of this house is still a home for visiting family. It's also an old building and was literally WW's home. Maybe people were expecting a massively overly touristy type house where you spend more time in the gift shop than the house?! Who knows. But please take note, the house is delightful. It's homely. It's not got a commerical feel to it like other houses one can visit. As for the gardens. Well, we loved them. The meandering pathways, copper trees, Robins and the rock pools. The garden was tidy and beautiful. Not immaculate. But anyone who knows anything about gardening and namely, rewiring, will appreciate the garden even more and the host of benefits for the wildlife. It was not a mess however. Either the last 2 reviewers came expecting a commerical stately home or they came with a lack of knowledge for WW, the Lakes, Wordsworth family and rewilding. Or maybe all!!! Please don't be put off. We felt so relaxed here and it was an extremely tranquil place. You can pop for lunch or a cream tea. Or you can add the gardens to your itinerary. Or do all 3 and include the house. Great prices. We had a blurb Scone cream tea and it was just lovely. This place really transports you into a literary world of imagination. There's no rush in the gardens and the 30 minute slot for the house viewing was more than enough. We will definitely return. đź’™
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. We're so glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written October 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Claire-Louise S
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
Well I have to say that I was so disappointed - paid £18 for a family of four to get into the gardens to only walk round for 15 mins and we were done. Even though the woman at the desk said that it’s bigger than you think and sold it to us. After going through so quickly I asked if we can just leave our car in the car park for an hour or so while we wakes down the road to the much nicer and free rydal Hall. They reluctantly let us but they were not happy. Definitely wouldn’t recommend these gardens.
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oh Claire, we are so sorry you didn’t fall in love with our gardens! Wordsworth himself planned the layout, and we feel he would be very happy with what we are doing here in his memory. Regarding the car park, as you noted, it really is very small so we do need the spaces for people who are visiting here. There’s a bigger carpark just at the bottom of the hill at Pelter Bridge when you come again.
Written March 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,687 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
Recommended as a hidden gem, this was the family home of Wordsworth and contains a selection of the family’s prized possessions and portraits. The small gardens are lovely with many hidden areas to explore. There are terraces, rock pools, a greenhouse and an ancient mound. I had read that there are lovely views of Rydal lake and the fells however the large trees mostly obscured the view when we visited.

We spent around half an hour exploring the grounds and then another half hour looking around the house. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the house, as usually I get bored quite quickly. I was amazed at the fantastic poem written in 2023 by a student, which deservedly won an award.

We had read that there is a waterfall a short walk away, along the coffin route, which we intended to walk to see. However the carparking seemed to be quite strict, as there are very limited places in the very small carpark, and was signposted as only for those visiting house and gardens, so we didn't dare to venture any further, as unsure how far away the waterfall actually is?

There are toilets, a tea room and free carparking, although the carpark is very very small and lots of people were parking on the road as you drive up the hill towards the entrance. Expect to spend around 1 hour here. Open Sunday to Thursday, from 10.30am to 4pm. Tickets to House & Gardens are ÂŁ9.50 each or Gardens alone are ÂŁ5, when buying on the door. We were able to use our 2-4-1 Gardening World voucher too, so a bargain but still great value we think at ÂŁ9.50 each.
Written October 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for a lovely report. We're very pleased you enjoyed your visit. The children's poetry competition is something we started a dozen years ago and it's become a really important feature for Cumbrian schoolchildren. We always display the winning poem for a year.
Written October 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tracy B
6 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
Being aware that it is February we didn’t expect much in the way of blooms etc however the gardens were underwhelming to say the least.
We had to initially walk all around the area to get in as the gate was locked despite us booking. Eventually it was opened and the owner was very kind and said to take our time.
The gardens however were quite untidy with a general look of neglect. The paths and stairs need repair work and there was a lot of debris from the previous season. You can imagine that it was very beautiful in its original state and very romantic and whimsical.
I feel if you are charging people to see the gardens then some effort should be made to maintain them all year round. Perhaps allow visitors to wander around off season free of charge or close entirely if you aren’t going to keep up with maintenance.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for leaving a review. We appreciate that February isn't the best month for flowers, but our garden was planted in the naturalistic, romantic style, started by Wordsworth himself, and nature can be harsh in the winter. It's not a neat and tidy garden at any time of the year, as that's not what the poet wanted, and we leave fallen leaves and branches in the winter as shelter for wild life. But please, do come back again in the spring or summer when it will look completely different! We would love to see you again!
Written February 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mcc409
Edinburgh, United Kingdom35 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
The guided tour of the house was expertly led by Leo whose presentation was engaging, often surprising, and most informative - not a dull moment. It was fascinating to see so much original material and furinishings which belonged to Wordsworth and his immediate family and to learn about his radical views, the family's lifestyle and the friends and literary figures they hosted in their home.

The gardens were a delight and it would be possible to spend several hours there; many parts are quite easily accessible but if you want to explore the steep slopes and stepped areas surrounding the more formal garden a walking pole or stick might be useful. Views to the lake which Wordsworth would have enjoyed are now somewhat obscured by the majestic trees which have grown since his day, but there are tantalising glimpses. It's a pleasant place to sit and contemplate.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your time here!Come again soon!
Written September 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Rydal Mount & Gardens - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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