William Wordsworth and his family moved into Rydal Mount in 1813 and he stayed there until his death in 1850.
The house is an a magnificent setting and Wordsworth must have drawn much inspiration from the beautiful lakeland views.
He often played host to other notable literary figures including Matthew Arnold and Coleridge. His family included not only his wife and daughter but also his sister Dorothy.
Family life was not always happy. Dorothy's decline into mental illness caused great sorrow and Wordsworth was devastated by the death of his beloved daughter, Dora.
The house is now the family home of Wordsworth's descendants and the living rooms and bedrooms occupied by the poet's family are open to visitors.
On display is the study he built onto the house, family portraits and personal possessions along with first editions of Wordsworth's works.
The room above the stables was used as Dora's schoolroom and it has a special display and a shop selling souvenirs and books.
All the Wordsworths were keen gardeners, and William designed and created the beautiful garden where he would often formulate his verse. It includes three terraces with rare shrubs and trees and the poet's summerhouse overlooking Rydal Water.
A curving path leads to the fell above. The garden is marvellous in the spring and autumn, with colour provided by acers and shrubs. There is also a huge collection of bluebells and daffodils and good herbaceous borders. An ancient mound provides a wonderful view of Lake Windermere.
Summer: Mar-Oct Daily 09:30-17:00; Winter: Nov, Dec & Feb 10:00-16:00. Closed Tue, Xmas Day, Boxing day and Jan
Tel: 015394 33002 Rydal Mount Website
