Future of William Wordsworth's Rydal Mount Home Secured

Campaigners working to ensure that the Lake District home of William Wordsworth remains open to the public have announced a successful conclusion to their work.

Rydal Mount dates back to the 16th century and was Worsworth's final home where he lived from 1813 until his death in 1850. He lived and worked here, writing many of his most famous poems such as I wandered lonely as a cloud.  
He himself rented the house, but it was bought in the late 1960s by his descendants and has since been opened it to the public, hosting poetry readings, theatrical productions, and writers' workshops. 

The Wordsworth family found it increasingly problematic to manage Rydal Mount from a distance, and in 2025 decided to put it on the market.

"We are delighted to announce that the future of Rydal Mount has been secured thanks to a landmark acquisition by the Wordsworth Trust, working in partnership with The Julia Rausing Trust and the Charlotte Aitken Trust," said Michael McGregor, Wordsworth Trust Director.

"We are now working with our funders and potential partners to explore sustainable models for Rydal Mount’s future operation. The Wordsworth Trust has a long history of protecting and sharing the Wordsworths’ heritage in the Lake District, and Rydal Mount presents us with an incredible opportunity to further inspire and benefit the public for generations to come. Much like Dove Cottage, Rydal Mount is a place that nurtured the Wordsworths’ imaginations, creativity and enduring connection with the natural world."