Latest news with #Wordsworth
BBC News
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Hope William Wordsworth's Ambleside home will go to 'best bidder'
A descendant of William Wordsworth says he hopes the final home of the Romantic poet, which is on the market, goes to the best "not highest" bidder. Wordsworth rented Rydal Mount, in Ambleside in the Lake District, from 1813 until his death in 1850 and it has been open to the public for this month his great-great-great-great grandson Christopher Wordsworth, who lives in London, put it on the market for £2.5m saying it was too difficult to manage the property remotely. However, Mr Wordsworth said the house was an "amazing haven of literary inspiration" and wanted it to be sold to someone who would keep it open for visitors. Mr Wordsworth said the Grade I listed house, which has a library and five acres (two hectares) of grounds would remain open for the 2025 wedding and event season while it was on the market. The poet never owned Rydal Mount, but designed the Wordsworth said his grandmother bought the house in 1969 and he had known the house his "entire life". He also said it had been a difficult decision to sell up, but he and his brother lived too far away to keep running it."We have a lot of great staff and we need a lot of staff, but it's just getting harder to logistically run it," he said."My grandmother was actually the first Wordsworth to own the house, it's amazing and I've known it all my life. "If I had a magic wand and if I'm honest, I would love it to remain open in some form."It's got the most incredible garden which I adore and the house is a haven of calmness and literary inspiration." It was the third Lake District house Wordsworth lived in and he remained there for 37 years. For the last five decades the family has kept Rydal Mount open to the public for 10 months a year. Mr Wordsworth added: "My brother and I are of the opinion that we want to sell it to whoever will be the best guardian of the house for the future, because it has been very important in our lives."We want it to continue being important in other people's lives so it's going to the best bidder, not the highest." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Guardian
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘This treasure belongs to the nation': Miriam Margolyes and Brian Cox join calls to save Wordsworth's home
Actors Brian Cox, Miriam Margolyes and Tom Conti as well as the children's laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce are among those calling for the home of William Wordsworth to be saved as a site of literary heritage. The Romantic poet lived at Rydal Mount in the Lake District from 1813 to his death in 1850. The property has five acres of gardens which were designed by Wordsworth. He had rented the house, but in the late 1960s it was bought by his descendants, and has since been open to the public for most of the year. However, after the Covid pandemic, visitor numbers dropped sharply and the house was put on the market for offers over £2.5m. Wordsworth's great great great great granddaughter, Charlotte Wontner, is now leading a campaign to encourage financial backers to step in and help preserve the house and gardens so that they can be kept open for the public. 'It's too often we are losing our incredible links with the past and this is one major link to the past that we cannot lose', said Succession actor Cox. Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion 'This forthcoming sale of Rydal Mount is a mistake', said Margolyes. 'It can be stopped. This treasure belongs to the nation – as much as it does William Wordsworth.' Wontner, whose grandmother bought Rydal Mount in 1969, described it as a 'living museum'. The gardens 'are where Wordsworth wrote many of his poems and when people get there, there is this wonderful sense of being closer to the poetry.' She said that Wordsworth's poetry is becoming increasingly important because of his appreciation for nature and the environment. Her cousin, Christopher, who is selling the house, is supportive of the campaign, she said. 'We all have the same goal which is to find a way of keeping the house open to people. There may be other relatives who feel the same way and I hope they will get in touch.' The house has 'always been referred to, I think, as a place of solace, and that is an important thing nowadays. A place to just have a break from the everyday craziness.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Stars back bid to 'save' Wordsworth's home
Brian Cox, Miriam Margolyes and Paul McGann are among actors, artists and writers calling for the final home of Romantic poet William Wordsworth to be saved as a site of literary heritage. Ambleside's Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth lived from 1813 until his death in 1850, was recently put up for sale with descendant Christopher Wordsworth saying it was "harder and harder" to manage the Lake District property from his home in London. Grade I listed, it is open to the public for 10 months each year and also hosts events. The well-known names say they hope to enlist institutes, academies and financial backers to protect the house and gardens for future generations. Wordsworth rented the property and designed the gardens and it was bought by his descendants in 1969. Speaking on the 175th anniversary of the poet's death, Succession star Cox said: "We have to save it. "It's too often we are losing our incredible links with the past and this is one major link to the past that we cannot lose." Fellow actor Tom Conti described the property as "inherently important to the Lake District" and warned: "If it's taken over by someone who doesn't care and who won't open the door to the public then it's gone forever." Margoyles, meanwhile, said it was as "treasure" that "belongs to the nation". McGann added: "Wordsworth described Rydal Mount as 'the loveliest spot man hath ever found'. I felt the same when visiting last year. "It would be a tragedy if the public were no longer able to experience this beautiful and inspiring place." A campaign has been organised by the poet's great great great great granddaughter Charlotte Wontner, who is also Christopher Wordsworth's first cousin. She said there was "so much love for Rydal Mount and the gardens within the literary and arts community" as well as from conservation and environmental groups. "The doors were always open to visitors in the poet's day and I think it is more important than ever that this continues in these challenging times," she said. Speaking earlier this month, Christopher Wordsworth said it had been "a very difficult decision" to put the property up for sale. "The Lake District is unfortunately five-and-a-half hours away on a good drive and it's just getting harder and harder to run it remotely." He also said he hoped prospective buyers would want to keep the home open to the public so visitors could "enjoy it the way Wordsworth lived in it". "We've kept it open 10 months a year for the last 50 years, so it would be lovely if the same thing happened." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Home of poet William Wordsworth up for sale Poet hailed as Lake District's first 'influencer' Rydal Mount
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
William Wordsworth's Cumbrian home campaign backed by stars
Brian Cox, Miriam Margolyes and Paul McGann are among actors, artists and writers calling for the final home of Romantic poet William Wordsworth to be saved as a site of literary Rydal Mount, where Wordsworth lived from 1813 until his death in 1850, was recently put up for sale with descendant Christopher Wordsworth saying it was "harder and harder" to manage the Lake District property from his home in I listed, it is open to the public for 10 months each year and also hosts well-known names say they hope to enlist institutes, academies and financial backers to protect the house and gardens for future generations. Wordsworth rented the property and designed the gardens and it was bought by his descendants in on the 175th anniversary of the poet's death, Succession star Cox said: "We have to save it."It's too often we are losing our incredible links with the past and this is one major link to the past that we cannot lose." 'Belongs to the nation' Fellow actor Tom Conti described the property as "inherently important to the Lake District" and warned: "If it's taken over by someone who doesn't care and who won't open the door to the public then it's gone forever."Margoyles, meanwhile, said it was as "treasure" that "belongs to the nation".McGann added: "Wordsworth described Rydal Mount as 'the loveliest spot man hath ever found'. I felt the same when visiting last year."It would be a tragedy if the public were no longer able to experience this beautiful and inspiring place." A campaign has been organised by the poet's great great great great granddaughter Charlotte Wontner, who is also Christopher Wordsworth's first said there was "so much love for Rydal Mount and the gardens within the literary and arts community" as well as from conservation and environmental groups."The doors were always open to visitors in the poet's day and I think it is more important than ever that this continues in these challenging times," she earlier this month, Christopher Wordsworth said it had been "a very difficult decision" to put the property up for sale."The Lake District is unfortunately five-and-a-half hours away on a good drive and it's just getting harder and harder to run it remotely."He also said he hoped prospective buyers would want to keep the home open to the public so visitors could "enjoy it the way Wordsworth lived in it"."We've kept it open 10 months a year for the last 50 years, so it would be lovely if the same thing happened." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Independent
22-04-2025
- The Independent
The best family-friendly UK holiday destinations for kids and adults of all ages
Sometimes you can't beat a staycation. Thanks, in part, to the temperamental weather, the UK has a huge array of indoor activities to entertain families. Step outdoors, meanwhile, and there are pretty, pastoral scenes and rugged landscapes to explore – from the Lake District and Cornwall to Northumberland and Devon. Not forgetting our varied coastline, characterful towns and historically important cities. There's plenty to excite all members of the family, no matter if they're two or 82. The UK offers gorgeous walking and hiking, beautiful wild swimming spots and plenty of trails for activities like mountain biking and running. Head to one of the major cities like London or Manchester and you'll be spoilt for choice with child-friendly galleries and theatres, as well as restaurants that cater for all ages. Whether you want to show the children a world-class museum or simply go for a romp in the hills, read on to discover our favourite family holiday spots, then choose your own adventure. 1. Jurassic Coast, Dorset Best for: Coastal walks Best time to visit: May to September Combine traditional seaside fun with monster appreciation on the fossil-lined Jurassic Coast. Lyme Regis has become a quietly stylish spot and makes a splendid base. It is flanked by two beaches: one sandy and the other (Monmouth) made up of grey pebbles, with a section of ammonite pavement at one end. The town's Dinosaurland Fossil Museum has more than 12,000 specimens on show, including a collection of Ichthyosaurs. Explore old-fashioned seaside resorts at Swanage and Weymouth, or venture onto the South West coastal path for a blustery clifftop walk. Branscombe to Beer is a picturesque section – try a mackerel fishing trip from the shore at Beer. Prior to this, the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve also deserves exploration, with vegetation so thick and luxuriant, kids will be transported to another world. Stay The genial Alexandra Hotel, Lyme Regis, has sea views, a large lawn, a range of bedrooms and two self-contained apartments ideal for families. 2. The Lake District, Cumbria Best for: Outdoor activities Best time to visit: June to August The natural beauty of The Lakes appeals to all ages, while Windermere is ideal for families with younger children. The tourist town of Bowness has facilities for little ones as well as access to the lake for boat rides or walks along its gravelly shores. Brockhole is a country house with boat and kayak hire, treetop swings, archery and an adventure playground. Popular too are the fluffy characters that bring Mr McGregor's garden to life at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction – or introduce children to Wordsworth's daffodils at Dove Cottage in Grasmere. An easy, family walk near Ambleside is the trail around Blea Tarn; Ullswater is easily reached from Windermere too. Another family highlight is the easy walk up to the Aira Force waterfall beside Ullswater and, if you've energy left, Gowbarrow Fell, behind, offers views of the lake. Stay Linthwaite House Hotel has an elevated position above Windermere, standalone suites for families, bikes to borrow and its own tarn with a rowing boat. 3. London Best for: City breaks Best time to visit: May and October England's capital has enough to wow children for endless repeat visits. Broaden young minds by strolling past Parliament and the guards at Buckingham Palace or by marvelling at the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and the Science Museum. Stretch their legs at Kew Gardens or any of London's parks – such as Hyde Park, where there's boating on the Serpentine, or Crystal Palace, with its stylised dinosaur statues. You will never be short of stimulating activities in the city where simply riding the Tube can be an experience for little ones. A whole weekend to spare? Head north on the train for a Harry Potter Studio Tour. End your day in song, being dazzled by a world-famous show in the West End. The Resident in Kensington is close to the big museums and Earls Court station. Deluxe rooms can sleep four and have mini-kitchenettes with a fridge and microwave. 4. Cornwall Best for: Seaside stays Best time to visit: May, June and September If your children love waves and bodyboarding, head to the north coast of Cornwall, where Newquay is popular with teens and Bude attracts all ages. Otherwise, the Fowey area and the emerald headlands of the Roseland and Lizard Peninsulas appeal to families. Cornwall's most famous attraction – the Eden Project – hosts the largest rainforest in captivity in its biomes, plus sculptures, outdoor gardens and a canopy walkway. Just west of here, the Lost Gardens of Heligan became overgrown after WWI, then were rediscovered and restored to their former, captivating beauty. St Ives has eye-candy beaches and art at the Tate. Otherwise, there is fun to be had jumping waves in hidden coves or imagining life as a smuggler in villages like Polperro that seem to tumble down to the harbourside. Fowey Hall Hotel has undergone a major refurbishment. As part of the Luxury Family Hotels group, expect free childcare, outdoor games, kids' menus, babysitting and even a child-friendly spa with two pools once the second opens in late April. 5. York Best for: Teens Best time to visit: September to October Older children and teens will revel in the vivid history underpinning this city. To get a measure of it, walk a section of York's 13th-century walls, of which nearly two miles have survived. Further back in time, the Jorvik Viking Centre remembers the Jorvik Vikings, offering a multi-sensory ride in 'time capsules' that take you through 10th-century streets, along with live interpretations and galleries. Jorvik DIG, meanwhile, gives younger children the chance to get their hands dirty in four excavation pits littered with finds that resemble actual archaeological digs in York. Finally, take teenagers with a strong constitution to The York Dungeon, for live re-enactments of York's more gruesome historic periods. The National Railway Museum has easier-to-digest charms, if your children are into vintage trains. Stay No.1 by Guesthouse has stylish rooms, pantries with complimentary snacks, bedrooms with pre-erected tipis, record players and Instax cameras that kids can borrow to take their own photos. 6. Pembrokeshire, Wales Pembrokeshire contains the UK's only coastal national park and its vast stretches of undeveloped golden sand offer plenty of space for beach games. Families can walk beside impressive cliffs, visit traditional seaside towns and go on wildlife-spotting boat trips too. Barafundle's small bay is one of the most picturesque to visit, though its clear waters are a 15-minute walk from Stackpole car park. Expansive Whitesands Bay is good for bodyboarding but Broad Haven's beach – further along from Barafundle – is the best all-rounder, offering the safest swimming, paddleboards, kayaks and rockpools. There is a wide choice of holiday parks to stay and play in or Tenby is a perennial favourite for a base, with its town beaches, colourful houses and fishing boats sheltering in the harbour. The Park Hotel in Tenby has sea views, family rooms and an outdoor swimming pool. 7. Giant's Causeway, County Antrim Best for: Landscapes and learning Best time to visit: April to June Perhaps Northern Ireland's most well-known landscape, and a natural World Heritage site, the hexagonal basalt columns that form stepping stones here are great fun to hop over and photograph. They are owned by the National Trust, which offers visitors guided audio tours. Children can learn about the legend of giant Finn McCool, ancient geology and coastal erosion. There are fairy tale rock formations to spot plus the wider coastline along the Causeway Coastal Route offers other activities such as sea safaris, medieval Dunluce Castle and the hair-raising Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Teenagers can play Indiana Jones (you'll probably have to explain it to them) by crossing the bridge as it wobbles nearly 30m above the raging Atlantic. The Lodge Hotel in Coleraine on the Causeway Coast has smart family rooms with bunk beds. 8. Yorkshire Dales Best for: Biking Best time to visit: June to August The Dales is a region of velvety fells, pikes and postcard-pretty villages that will appeal to families who enjoy fresh air and gentle walking. In the south, the numerous footpaths around the romantic riverside ruins of Bolton Abbey and Fountains Abbey are good for an amble. There are waterfalls to discover too: one at Malham Cove, a large limestone crescent, and others for older children to find along the four-mile Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, past spectacular Thornton Force. White Scar Cave (England's longest show cave) is nearby, featuring underground cascades and an ice-age cavern filled with stalactites. Family mountain biking is possible in many places too. The Lister Arms is a friendly boutique inn with tasteful, homely rooms – some of them family-sized – near Malham Cove. 9. Edinburgh Best for: History Best time to visit: April to August Edinburgh impresses with its fascinating castle, looming over the city, and daily cannon firings. Children can explore the dungeons, see the crown jewels and hear exciting tales from the fortress's past. There's a lot to take in, so leave plenty of time for a visit. Down on the Royal Mile, teens might enjoy a humorous ghost tour, or check out the Real Mary King's Close, a tour that retells frightening stories in passageways below ground. At the Camera Obscura, holograms, illusions and light shows play tricks on the mind while also teaching kids a bit more about the city. Burn off any remaining energy by climbing Arthur's Seat or wandering around Edinburgh's Royal Botanic Gardens. The Scotsman Hotel has a central location in a heritage building, a pool, children's menus, fridges in rooms and babysitting. 10. Windsor Best for: Attractions Best time to visit: March to May Either as a side trip to a visit to London or as a destination in its own right, Windsor has two main attractions: its castle and Legoland. The 11th-century castle – the Queen's weekend residence – is easy to spot, just step out of the train station and the stone walls and turrets are right there. Its grandeur is best appreciated however from the three-mile-long avenue of trees that cuts a line through the Windsor Great Park. The following day can be spent at Legoland, a theme park certain to inspire creativity in kids. As well as the tiny, brick-built replicas of famous destinations, you'll find fairly tame rollercoasters, a 4D Ninjago experience and a submarine ride. Awesome, as a plastic, cylindrical-headed man might say (though you can expect queues). De Vere Beaumont Estate is a country pile with rooms that take kids beds, ample gardens and a scenic location close to the Thames.
