At this time of year — as the evenings get longer and the mornings frostier — there’s something truly special about visiting the home of William and Dorothy Wordsworth in Grasmere. The warmth of Dove Cottage, the scent of greenery, and the sparkle of candlelight all bring the past to life in magical new ways.
This winter is extra special due to a collaboration between Wordsworth Grasmere and Kendal-based floral designers The Floralistas. The artistic installation has transformed Dove Cottage — home to the Wordsworth family over 200 years ago — into a festive celebration of nature and the wonders of winter.
For the first time, visitors will see the historic cottage adorned with a full-scale display of mixed-sized Kissing Boughs : traditional, spherical decorations crafted from holly, ivy, willow, mistletoe and other seasonal greenery. Interwoven with berries, rosehips, apples and oranges, the boughs fill each room with rich colours and the comforting scents of the season. Hand-crafted using locally sourced and British grown foliage, the pieces are fresh when installed and left to dry naturally, becoming a delicate, ever-changing tribute to the Cumbrian landscape that inspired the Wordsworths.
The installation, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, feels deeply rooted in the family’s own traditions. Michael McGregor of Wordsworth Grasmere explains: “The theme of bringing the outdoors indoors during the winter months was a concept that really appealed to us.
Anyone familiar with Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Journals will know how much the family delighted in foraging and celebrating nature’s gifts. They found joy in simplicity — and that’s exactly what The Floralistas are recreating this December.”
Beyond the floral magic, Wordsworth Grasmere has expanded its Christmas programme for 2025, offering experiences for visitors of all ages. Daily Candlelit Tours invite guests to step back in time, seeing Dove Cottage as the Wordsworths might have known it: soft candlelight flickering across the stone floors and the fire glowing in the hearth.
There are Winter Crafts and family workshops , all inspired by the Wordsworths’ love of nature, as well as the twice-weekly Dorothy Wordsworth’s Christmas , a cosy fireside encounter exploring how the festive season was celebrated 200 years ago. For adults, Festive Fireside Storytelling offers an atmospheric evening in the cottage, complete with warm drinks, seasonal treats and captivating tales from Christmases past.
The on-site Café is serving mince pies, Christmas cake, hearty winter stews and indulgent Festive Afternoon Teas .
Blending heritage, creativity and the timeless beauty of the Lake District, Wordsworth Grasmere offers a winter experience filled with charm, nostalgia and natural wonder.
Plan your visit and book festive events here.
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