Writers and poets inspired by the Lake District

"And then my heart with pleasure fills, and dances with the daffodils." If you've ever read this joyful ode to blooming daffodils in I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by 17th-century poet William Wordsworth, you have the Lake District to thank for it. After growing up in Cockermouth and later in life living in the idyllic Dove Cottage in Grasmere, Wordsworth was instrumental in introducing many of England's most influential late 18th- and early 19th-century writers to the wonders of the Lake District. In addition to being a founding figure of the English Romanticism movement and one of the most notable Romantic poets, Wordsworth was also one of the founders of the Lake Poets, a group of writers and poets who lived in the area and often drew inspiration from these landscapes for their work.

Similar to Beatrix Potter, the English writer John Ruskin first visited the Lake District as a child and, inspired by it from an early age, returned to live there as an adult. Writing in a variety of forms, from essays to travel guides, his work explored then new and unexplored themes like conservation and sustainability.

Haystacks

Undertaking the gently winding, moderately graded eight-mile loop to the summit of this mountain peak offers an insight on why it was the favorite fell-top of celebrated Lake District guidebook author and illustrator, Alfred Wainwright. He loved it so much that he requested his ashes be scattered there. From the top, the view encompasses the lake and grassy slopes of Buttermere Valley and the nearby peaks of Dale Head and High Stile.
 

Wordsworth Museum

Housed in his former home at Dove Cottage, Wordsworth Grasmere preserves the belongings of both William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, displayed in rooms throughout this humble Lake District residence, complemented by educational exhibits and original works in the museum next door.
 

Beatrix Potter Gallery

View lovely original watercolors, letters, and other work by the much-loved English writer and illustrator in the Beatrix Potter Gallery, housed in a 17th-century home in the village of Hawkshead.