William Wordsworth’s later home connects his poetry with the landscape around Rydal. The house and gardens are currently closed; check the Wordsworth Trust’s updates before planning a visit.
Checked 25 October 2026: the Wordsworth Trust lists Rydal Mount and its gardens as closed while it assesses conservation needs and plans future operations. Its update does not give a reopening date.
Use the official Rydal Mount project page for announcements. Older opening hours, admission prices and tour descriptions should not be used to plan a visit.
William, Mary and Dorothy Wordsworth moved here in 1813. William remained until his death in 1850; Mary and Dorothy continued living in the house afterwards. These were the years in which he became Poet Laureate, in 1843.
The five-acre garden was designed by Wordsworth himself. Its terraces and planting form part of the property’s literary significance, showing his interest in shaping a landscape as well as writing about it.
The Wordsworth Trust acquired the property in March 2026, with support from The Julia Rausing Trust and the Charlotte Aitken Trust. This changed the ownership from the poet’s descendants to the charity that also cares for Wordsworth Grasmere.
The acquisition announcement explains the background and the need for work before future public use. We will describe future visitor facilities once they are confirmed, rather than assuming that earlier tours, displays and tearoom arrangements will return.
These photographs show the property and displays before the current closure. They provide historical context and do not indicate that the house or gardens are open, or that previous displays will return.
Location: Rydal, near Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9LU.
Wait for an official opening announcement before travelling specifically to enter the property. When visits resume, check the arrangements for tickets, parking, accessibility and dogs directly with the operator. Historic listings and reviews may describe facilities that are no longer available.
A limited garden-opening event took place from 30 March to 1 April 2026. That past event is not evidence of regular opening now.
Read previous visitors’ impressions of Rydal Mount through the link below. Reviews may relate to the former operation; check the official closure update above before making any travel or booking decisions.
Affiliate link: we may earn a commission from qualifying Tripadvisor bookings, at no extra cost to you.
For a Wordsworth-focused visit, start with our Wordsworth Grasmere guide, covering Dove Cottage and the museum. Check its own opening calendar when choosing your date.
You can also explore our guides to Rydal and Rydal Water, or compare other cultural stops in the Lake District museums guide. Visiting the surrounding area does not include access to Rydal Mount’s closed grounds.
Ambleside can be a base for exploring the wider area, including Rydal and Grasmere. Choose accommodation for the activities available during your stay; do not book on the assumption that Rydal Mount will have reopened.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying bookings, at no extra cost to you.
