The Rydal Mount Gardens

Christopher Wordsworth-Andrew talks us through the beautiful gardens in the heart of the Lake District

A wisteria in bloom (2020-08)Rydal Mount & Gardens

1. Introduction
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Introducing the gardens

A glade at Rydal (2021)Rydal Mount & Gardens

2. Introduction to the gardens
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A Romantic Garden

The 5 acre gardens were landscaped by poet William Wordsworth and is the largest of his designs to remain, making it one of the most important Romantic gardens in the UK.

Steps up to the Sloping TerraceRydal Mount & Gardens

3. Terraces
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The Terraces

Christopher takes you on a walking tour of the gardens - starting with the terrace steps. All these terraces were built by Wordsworth.

Christopher Wordsworth in gardensRydal Mount & Gardens

4. Far terrace
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The Far Terrace

Beyond the summer house where Wordworth used to write is a terrace where he would walk up and down to 'pace' out his poetry and get the rhythm and meter correct.  

Bluebells at Rydal MountRydal Mount & Gardens

5. Wild garden
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The Wild Garden

With a view over Rydal Water is a wild garden that is covered with daffodils and then bluebells seasonally.

The view back to Rydal MountRydal Mount & Gardens

6. Main view
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The Main View

This is considered the most iconic view of Rydal Mount, looking uptowards the house across the main lawn.

View across Rydal WaterRydal Mount & Gardens

7. The mound
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The Mound

The Mound was a 9th Century Norse beacon used to warn the locals of raiding parties. For Wordsworth this was the perfect spot for afternoon tea, with a view down to Lake Windermere. 

The classic view of Rydal MountRydal Mount & Gardens

8. The end
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Returning to the house

We hope you will visit to explore the gardens that combine formality and wilderness in a single space. 

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