Next door is the impressive Wordsworth Museum, with treasures from the age of Romanticism…

Clockwise from above: Gingerbread, Dora’s Field and .

GRASMEREA day in Wordsworth’s footsteps A stroll from up the long drive to In Grasmere, after lunch it’s time for a Rydal Hall will take you along a sculpture guided tour of the world-famous Dove & RYDAL trail through beautiful gardens and Cottage – Wordsworth’s first Lakeland woodland. Marvel at the unique permanent home after returning in 1799. outdoor exhibition of textile sculptures in Britain, alongside those in wood, metal and Next door is the impressive Wordsworth stone. Made from natural materials that are Museum, with treasures from the age continually interacting with the elements; of Romanticism, including paintings, you’ll get a different perspective watercolours, portraits, and the greatest every time you visit. collection of the poet’s letters, journals and poems. Across the lane behind the Hall is – Wordsworth’s home for 37 years. Passing the churchyard where Wordsworth Enjoy a self-guided visit of the house and is buried, it’s hard to resist the delicious four acres of terraced garden, and stop for smell of the famous Grasmere Gingerbread a coffee here or in Rydal Hall’s that has been made to a secret recipe for Old Schoolroom. hundreds of years. It’s a popular tradition, so you may find you have to queue. Once Then set off past Dora’s Field – planted you’ve bought your warm gingerbread, with daffodils by William and Mary, in cross the road to the Northern Centre memory of their daughter Dora – and for Storytelling. If you’re lucky, you’ll find along the old “Coffin Path” to Grasmere Taffy Thomas – the first-ever Storytelling – enjoying the lovely views of Rydal Laureate – in residence and sharing tales. Water through the trees, and of walkers USEFUL POSTCODES on . There are plenty of Grasmere is a lovely village and just Rydal Hall - LA22 9LX Heaton Cooper Studio - places to stop for a breather along the right for a bit of shopping. The Heaton Rydal Mount - LA22 9LU LA22 9SX stoney track, just as the coffin bearers Cooper Studio may be calling you – enjoy - LA22 9SH taking bodies from Rydal to the church at wandering round the gallery and again Grasmere had done in centuries gone by. it’s hard to resist a purchase. Perhaps an original watercolour of a Lakeland landscape to take home with you?

GOLAKES.CO.UK/CULTURE NOVEMBER 2014