Venue Description

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Dove Cottage, the Grasmere home of poet William Wordsworth. Wander through the Garden-Orchard Wordsworth called ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. Uncover Wordsworth’s radical and creative life story in the Museum and enjoy breathtaking views of Grasmere Vale from the new Viewing Station.

Accessibility

We have two main buildings onsite: our wonderful Museum, and Dove Cottage, the home of William Wordsworth. Our museum is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors, including the viewing station, and wide push-to-open doors. All stairs have banisters. All films and audio recordings are fitted with a hearing loop, and every film has subtitles. The museum also features large print guides. Both the museum and Dove Cottage have low lighting, to protect the manuscripts, and play unobtrusive sound effects. Staff members are happy to adjust this lighting and sound to suit you. The café is also fully wheelchair accessible. We have portable seating which you're able to take anywhere on site, as well as seating throughout the site. Most wheelchairs will find the ground floor of Dove Cottage accessible. The entry to Dove Cottage is 73cm wide, and the narrowest door once inside is 70cm. As the Cottage is a historical Grade I listed building, the stairs to the first floor mean that we are unable to provide wheelchair access to the upstairs rooms. Our staff are always available to provide additional insights and content, such as high-quality photographs and historical objects, to visitors whose access is restricted to the ground floor. The Garden-Orchard is very steep and can be slippery. Our Sensory Garden has a moderate incline. We have two designated parking bays for people with disabilities. There are accessible toilets located in both the Café and Museum. Access to the Museum and Ticket Desk is via a lift in the Café. We provide complimentary tickets for personal assistants. Assistance dogs (hearing impaired, visually impaired and ASD) are welcome in all areas of our site. If there is anything that we can do to help you in your visit, or if you would like more information, please contact us by email on enquiries@wordsworth.org.uk or call 015394 35544. For additional access support for children visiting either with families or school groups, please contact education@wordsworth.org.uk.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://wordsworth.org.uk/your-visit/access/

Toilets

All buildings onsite have an accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users, with the exception of Dove Cottage. These are located on a step-free route at ground level. All have grab rails.

Staff

Some staff are Dementia Friends trained. Many staff attended an Autism workshop late in 2019.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

As we are in the Lake District National Park there are no areas close by where dogs can be off-lead.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water bowls are provided. Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of the museum.