Attractions Around Central Lakes and Grasmere

Ullswater Steamers
Four vessels sail between Glenridding at the S of the lake, Howtown in the middle and Pooley Bridge at the N with opportunities to hop on and off and take one of many recommended walks. Mid-size attraction. Example fare Glenridding to Howtown single £5.50, children £2.75; return £8.80/£4.40. The Pier House, Glenridding, Cumbria CA11 0US 017684 82229

Rydal Hall
Diocese of Carlisle's conference, retreat and holiday centre. Restored Thomas Mawson gardens open daily 10am-4pm. Free, voluntary donations can be made in collection boxes at main entrances. More than 30 acres woodland, beck, waterfalls, footpath to Ambleside and Grasmere on the Coffin Trail. Garden tours led by head gardener, leisurely stroll round main features of formal and informal gardens. Teashop open 10am-5pm. Small attraction. Off A591 road between Ambleside and Grasmere LA22 9LX. 01539 432050.

Dove Cottage
the the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery home of William Wordsworth, his sister Dorothy, and later his wife Mary and the first three of their children, between 1799 and 1808. Where much of Wordsworth's best poetry and Dorothy's journals and many letters were written. Also many illustrious guests including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Thomas de Quincy and Sir Walter Scott. Much of the house as the Wordsworths left it with many of their household items and portraits, plus the garden restored to the Wordsworth's design. Also Museum and art gallery dedicated to the Romantic movement in British poetry and art with collection and exhibitions of international importance. Family activities and special events in holidays. Ticket covers guided tour of Dove Cottage, admission to Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery, exhibitions, parking. Small to mid-size attraction. Open daily 9.30-5.30pm last admission 5pm. £7.50, children £4.50, under 6s free, families (1-2 adults, 1-3 children) £17.20 Town End, Grasmere LA22 9SQ on A591 Kendal to Keswick Road, just E of village of Grasmere. 015394 35544
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Heaton Cooper Studio Gallery
and art shop with changing exhibitions of paintings, sculptures and prints from four generations of the famous Heaton Cooper family of artists. Small attraction. Broadgate, Grasmere LA22 9SX. Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday 11am-5.30pm 015394 35280 free admission.

Rydal Mount
Family home to William Wordsworth for the last 37 years of his life. Furniture, personal effects and portraits of Wordsworth and his extended family. Gardens much as Wordsworth designed them. Small attraction. Open daily from March - October 9.30am - 5.00pm. House and garden £6, pensioners and students £5. Garden only £4, children 5-15 £2.50 family (2 adults, children 5-15) £15 Rydal, Near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9LU. 015394 33002
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