New sensory soundscapes and an interactive walking app await at Wordsworth Grasmere, offering visitors a journey through the sights, sounds and stories that shaped William and Dorothy Wordsworth’s work.
New experiences have been introduced to help transport visitors to the worlds of William and Dorothy Wordsworth. The traditional cottage is home to literary history and was the place where William Wordsworth produced the most famous of his poems and his sister Dorothy wrote her Grasmere journal.
Wordsworth Grasmere is home to the siblings’ original manuscripts in the very place where they were written and a standard group visit includes entry to Dove Cottage, the museum, garden-orchard and woodland. The cottage features sights, sounds and smells to help visitors picture life over 200 years ago.
Visitors heading to the attraction can enjoy a new audio experience throughout the site. In Dove Cottage, carefully crafted soundscapes recreate authentic domestic sounds the Wordsworth’s would have heard—crackling fires, quill pens scratching across paper, rainfall on the slate roof, and the nostalgic rhythm of horse-drawn carriages passing by.
The museum also features themed soundscapes that complement each exhibition space, surrounding visitors with gentle Lake District ambient sounds and dramatic readings. The most notable being the listening wall in the hamlet of Townend, where visitors can place their ear against specific points to hear whispered poetry, snippets of conversation, or natural sounds that connect Wordsworth’s words to the landscape that inspired them.
Another addition is a new free-to-use app. Dorothy Wordsworth Walks allows users to follow in the footsteps of the Wordsworths. The location-based app is designed to be used as a walking companion on routes, notifying users when they reach a location mentioned in Dorothy’s journals, bringing her observations to life through video and audio content.
In the museum visitors can view images of the Lake District with accompanying audio of Wordsworth’s poetry performed by contemporary voices including Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, Sir Ian McKellan and Cumbrian locals. Later this year, Kenneth Branagh’s voice will be added.
Other additions this year include a newly-created film which reveals links between centuries-old poems and modern life, showcasing why William’s poetry is still relevant today, which visitors will be able to watch before entering Dove Cottage. A never before seen portrait of William Wordsworth, dating back to 1842, will also be unveiled, showing the poet in his 70s.
Groups can book standard group visits at a discounted rate or take part in a bespoke experience, which offers a deeper dive into specific areas of Wordsworth Grasmere and its history.
Bespoke experiences also include hidden treasures tours, stories of the Wordsworths, up close with the collection and premier half-day experiences.
To book, or for more information about group bookings, contact 015394 35544 or email bookings@wordsworth.org.uk.
Find out more about Wordsworth Grasmere at www.wordsworth.org.uk.
