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
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
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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- James PCambridge, United Kingdom2,789 contributionsThe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 29, 2024
- Donna ANewburyport, Massachusetts23 contributionsExcept 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 19, 2024
- Louise B44 contributionsIt'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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2024
- Nigel RAshby de la Zouch, United Kingdom1 contributionIt 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. RecommendedVisited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 17, 2024
- Bill BWolverhampton, United Kingdom9 contributionsWe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 27, 2024
- Annmarie M14 contributionsWe 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 2024Traveled on businessWritten March 25, 2024
- Murray R4 contributionsHad 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
412 reviews
Excellent
263
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104
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24
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10
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11
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,677 contributions
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.
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.
Andrea B
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
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.
Written March 9, 2024
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.
Dayspring329
Choppington, UK21 contributions
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.
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.
Gillian P
11 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We couldn't gain access to the gardens on Sunday 14th May even though we had valid tickets. There are contradicting opening times depending on which website you look at which created the problem. Some say 9.30 am opening, some say 10.30 and some 11 am. We turned up at 10.10 to a 'closed' sign across the driveway. No answer on the designated phone number when we tried to ring whilst there. Customer services were less than helpful when we contacted them about it later to explain. Paid ÂŁ10 for absolutely zilch. Disappointed doesn't cover it.
Written May 18, 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.
Oliver S
Leeds, UK9 contributions
Apr 2023
What a gem of a place to visit. We had a fantastic day at Rydal Mount. Recommend doing the tour. Leo led our tour and was fantastic, very knowledgable and provided another level of interest in Wordsworth and the history of the lake district. Our 20's year old sons really enjoyed it too.
We have lived in and visited the lakes for 50 years and all our group thought the tour, house and gardens were a special treat we had not been to before.
Recommend highly for all ages.,
We have lived in and visited the lakes for 50 years and all our group thought the tour, house and gardens were a special treat we had not been to before.
Recommend highly for all ages.,
Written April 9, 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.
Oh thank you! We're so pleased you all enjoyed your time here!
Written April 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracy B
6 contributions
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.
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.
Karen
Oxford, UK15 contributions
Mar 2022
Best time of year as the daffodils were in full bloom. Visit early in the day to have space wot wander around without hordes of other visitors. Great view of the lake. Beautifully maintained with sympathetic plantings that reflect the orginal design.
Written March 27, 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! We think the daffodils are lovelier than ever this year, although the garden looks gorgeous all year round. Hope you'll come again!
Written April 3, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N S
1 contribution
Aug 2020
The visit had to be pre-booked and online I could only buy 2 tickets when my family size is 3. I emailed them and they got back to me quickly saying we could all come as we were within the same family bubble. At the site, they were aware of my situation and had informed all the team so communication was very good. And the team were very friendly and helpful.The house itself is an amazing historical gem and probably needs no further recommendation to lovers of poetry and Wordworth. But in these times of covid, they had taken great effort to ensure social distancing by only allowing 2 families in at one time and even then ensuring the families were distanced. The windows were left open and face coverings were worn by all team members inside the house. There were sanitizers at all the entrances and exits. This was very reassuring.
The gardens were really beautiful at this time of the year and the little cafe was serving food outside.
The gardens were really beautiful at this time of the year and the little cafe was serving food outside.
Written August 28, 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.
mcc409
Edinburgh, United Kingdom35 contributions
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.
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.
Cheekycockney190757
Basildon, UK12,523 contributions
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.
I am wanted to do a walk buckstone jump and rydal waterfalls. Found some instructions but they are from
Rydal mount and gardens. Im thinking of parking at
Parking pelter bridge as i hear parking is limited here and want to go early morning. Google says the place doesnt open until 10.30. Is it still assessable on foot to do that walk before then and do you have to pay to do the walk?
Thanks
Written May 18, 2024
You do have to pay at the tea house to enter the house and garden. It's ÂŁ7.50 (or ÂŁ6.50 with concession). You can pay a few quid less to simply visit the garden, but the house is well worth visiting if you are interested in Wordsworth. The garden, recently restored is very much worth visiting. Right across the lane is Rydal Manor whose gardens you can visit for free (or with a small donation.
Written March 15, 2020
Hi. Is the nearby woodland with art pieces part of Rydal Hall, across the road?
Written June 21, 2019
Rydal Mount
Rydal, United Kingdom
Yes that is Rydal Hall. Rydal Mount & Gardens is across the road.
Written June 24, 2019
Hi - Liked your review online, got a family of 10 to take and would love to know where you got your 2 for 1 ticket please would save me a fortune - thanks and nice review
Written July 8, 2018
Sorry, not heard of a 2for 1 ticket.
Written July 9, 2018
ÂŁ7:50 adults, ÂŁ6:50 seniors, ÂŁ4 children, I think. See website
Written March 26, 2018
Is it suitable for a disabled visitor?
Written August 10, 2016
Hi Pamela, in detail, firstly the parking is very limited which is close to the venue. If you get parked there, it is about an 1 in 12 slope up to the pay desk. Then a reasonably accessible level short path to the front door. The ground floor rooms are pretty and interesting and all on the level. The stairs to the next floor are even, a bit narrow but with a banister rail as far as I can remember....two flights of about 8 to 10 steps with a turn in the middle. Once on the next level, all is even. There is no lift as far as wheelchair access goes and the upstairs corridors are pretty narrow anyway. The entrance lobby downstairs if I remember rightly is also to narrow for a standard wheelchair. The gardens - you can get a pleasant view from beside the house and potential wheelchair access around that top part, but the remainder is a narrow path set in lawn, and bumps up and down over tree roots, and is sloped up and down. The tea room there would not be ideal for you, but Rydal Hall Tea Room Im sure would allow you to drive all the way to the tea room door if you are disabled, there are three solid steps up to their door but space between tables and chairs inside is limited. I hope that helps. It would be SUCH a shame for you to miss Rydal altogether. It is a lovely place. x
Written August 11, 2016
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