A Literature Lover’s Guide to the Lake District
Let’s face it, with the Lake District’s renown for unpredictable weather, you are going to have at least one soggy day during your trip. But don’t despair! There’s a lot more to the Cumbrian countryside than hiking, walking boots and tent pegs. It’s the place that inspired literary giants such as Wordsworth, Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, and for lovers of the written word, there’s plenty of places to visit to pay homage to your literary idols (and escape from the rain!)
By Emily May | Updated Mar 3 2022
Brantwood, Coniston
John Ruskin, the 19th century polymath is celebrated for his accomplishments as a writer, artist and social reformer, and it isnât hard to see where he gleaned his inspiration from upon a visit to his home of 28 years, Brantwood. Filled with pieces of handmade furniture, the house reflects his love of country life and craftsmanship, over urbanity and mechanically reproduced products which he criticised in one of his seminal writings The Stones of Venice. We particularly love the glass turret attached to Ruskinâs bedroom, which offers unsurpassed views of Coniston Water and the breathtaking surrounding scenery. Brantwood continues to be a hub of creative activity, so watch out for its upcoming artist residencies, exhibitions and events.
Image Credit: Carol Ann Lauderdale via Flickr
Brantwood is located in Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD
Dove Cottage, Grasmere
If youâre wandering lonely as a cloud around the charming village of Grasmere, you may stumble upon Dove Cottage, the one time home of the renowned Cumbrian Romantic poet William Wordsworth. After falling in love with the property in 1799 whilst on a Lake District walking tour, he moved in with his sister and proceeded to write some of his most famous poems (and his sister Dorothy wrote The Grasmere Journals.) You can take a guided tour of the cottage, and also view the small fell-side garden, which Wordsworth called a âlittle domestic slip of mountain.â Donât miss the Wordsworth Museum next door, which exhibits the largest collection of Wordsworthâs original letters, journals and poems in the world!
Image Credit: Landstrider1691 via Flickr
Dove Cottage is located in Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9SH
Theatre by the Lake, Keswick
Fancy a bit of literature come to life? The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick is the perfect spot. Just a short walk from the stunning Derwent Water, it has been named "the most beautifully located and friendly theatre in Britain" by the Independent. Quite a recent addition to the Lakes, the theatre opened in 1999 with a performance of Brandon Thomasâ Charleyâs Aunt, and continues to present a range of cultural gems, from comedy such as Jeeves and Wooster, to high-brow Alan Bennet plays, cinema screenings and live music concerts.
Image Credit: Snail Trail via Flickr
Theatre by the Lake is located at Lakeside, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 5DJ
Allan Bank, Grasmere
Not your average National Trust property, Allan Bank is rough and ready - only partially decorated after a destructive fire in 2011 - and welcomes you to explore by yourself, make yourself a cup of tea, paint, draw, or even bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn. It has previously been the home of William Wordsworth - who moved here from Dove Cottage in 1808 - and later of the National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley. For literature lovers, itâs the perfect place to curl up in an armchair and watch red squirrels as you read by a roaring fire. We recommend picking a book up at the friendly Sam Reid Bookshop on Broadgate, Grasmere.
Image Credit: reign 60 via Flickr
Allan Bank is located in Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9QZ
The Beatrix Potter Gallery, Hawkshead
Whilst not the height of intellectualism, Beatrix Potterâs Tale of Peter Rabbit is probably the first book that got a lot of literature lovers into reading. Her stories were all based upon elements of country life that she observed in her beloved Lake District, and a visit to the National Park wouldnât be complete without paying homage to one of its defining writer-artists. Set at the heart of the chocolate box village of Hawkshead, in the 17th Century house where Potterâs husband formerly practiced as a solicitor, The Beatrix Potter Gallery is currently exhibiting âThe Right Sort of Womanâ which includes original artworks, letters and possessions that give an insight into Potterâs role in the community.
Image Credit: Keith Coldron via Flickr
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is located on Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS