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January 30, 2010
:: Romantic Breaks in the Romantics Heartland :
Catapult PR is urging couples wishing to grasp the essence of romance this Valentines Day to head to the South Lakes – home to one of the fathers of Romanticism, William Wordsworth.

Romanticism was an artistic and literary movement of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries, based on the use of the emotions and the exploration of the relationship between man and nature, fuelled by the imagination.

The South Lakes’ stunning landscape of lakes and fells inspired the finest Romantic poetry and, to this day, provide a unique feeling of awe that stirs the emotions and makes the pulse race.

In the heart of Wordsworth country, couples can visit two of the homes in which William Wordsworth lived whilst composing and re-writing his greatest poetry, appreciating the fabulous scenery within and around each location.

At Dove Cottage, Grasmere, where the poet lived from December 1799 to May 1808, they can discover more about the Wordsworth family’s life and trace their footsteps.

This was where Wordsworth wrote his poetic masterpiece, The Prelude, and where he wrote the famous poem Daffodils and the immortal lines “I wandered lonely as a cloud”. He described it as “Made for itself, and happy in itself. Perfect contentment. Unity entire.”

Catapult PR’s Jane Hunt says: “Those truly wishing to walk the same path, whilst enjoying a romantic stroll, can follow Dorothy Wordsworth’s Grasmere Journal, available for purchase at Dove Cottage and detailing views and stunning experiences and that can still be appreciated today.

“The cottage itself speaks volumes about the earlier life of the poet, whilst the Museum contains artefacts and works that put all into context. The guided tour includes stories about Wordsworth’s love life, his love of a French woman during the French Revolution and how he came home from France to marry a childhood friend.”

A series of special exhibitions are staged at the Wordsworth Museum throughout the year and in Spring 2010 one of these will trace the Daffodils poem’s origins.

Stepping outside Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum enables couples to take walks in which they can feel the breezy air and see the budding twigs spreading out their fan, as described in Wordsworth’s poetry.

Entrance to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum and Art Gallery a (open from January 30) costs £7.50 for an adult, £4.50 for a child (under 6s free) and £17.20 for two adults and two children, or one adult and three children. In winter, Dove Cottage opens at 9.30 and last admission is 4pm, half an hour before closing. More information is available at www.wordsworth.org.uk

A few miles away, at Rydal near Ambleside, couples can explore Wordsworth’s favourite home – Rydal Mount – where he lived for 37 years.

Thomas Arnold commented of Rydal Mount: “Nowhere on earth have I seen a spot of more perfect and enjoyable beauty” and an exploration of the gardens soon makes it apparent how apt this comment is.

The gardens were designed and landscaped by William Wordsworth, who ensured they followed the ideal set by the Romantics of being informal and harmonising with the countryside, with lawn and trees carefully planted so as not to obscure the view.

And what a view there is. This is the only property within the Lake District from which to see both the biggest and smallest lakes. Visitors can also explore the terraces on which Wordsworth recited his poetry and the Summer House in which he composed it.

The beautiful and rare trees and shrubs can also be enjoyed from within the lovely house, where visitors can explore bedrooms, the breathtaking Drawing Room and the Dining Room in which the Wordsworths entertained the great names of the day, and welcomed members of the public making a pilgrimage to the house.

A little down the hill lies Rydal Church, where the Wordsworth family pew can be seen, whilst those visiting in Spring will find a carpet of glorious daffodils in Dora’s Field, behind the Church. The Wordsworths planted these yellow beauties following the death of their daughter Dora.

The truly loved up will be delighted to know that weddings can now be held at beautiful Rydal Mount, for groups of up to 50 guests in the exquisite Drawing Room, looking out on to Wordsworth’s garden, and for up to 20 in Wordsworth’s intimate Dining Room. Exclusive use of the property can be arranged. Call 015394 33002 for more details.

Admission to Rydal Mount and Gardens costs £6 for an adult, £5 for concessions and £2.50 for children aged 5-15. A Gardens only ticket costs £4 for an adult. In February, Rydal Mount is open from 11am to 4pm and then from March 1 to October 31 from 9.30-5pm. More information is available at www.rydalmount.co.uk

There is a wide variety of accommodation available, from the eco-friendly Cote How Guest House in Rydal, to the luxurious Rothay Garden Hotel in Grasmere.

Cote How is set in 11 acres of peaceful and tranquil grounds and is one of only three Soil Association accredited Guest Houses in the UK. It has three individually furnished and tasteful rooms and is the ideal choice for those seeking a sustainable stay. A Valentine’s Break here costs from £120-£160 for a two-night stay. More information is available at www.cotehow.co.uk

The four star, boutique Rothay Garden Hotel is an oasis of luxury and is ideally located for walking in the Wordsworths’ footsteps. Rooms at the Rothay Garden Hotel over this weekend cost from £62.60 to £102.50 per person, per night for bed and breakfast, or from £92.50 to £132.50 per person, per night for dinner, bed and breakfast. More details are available at www.rothaygarden.com

Other accommodation options in the South Lakes can be found by visiting www.southlakeland.gov.uk/tourism
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