Hello: We are interested in the Best of England in 14 days tour but really want to see Wordsworth's Dove Cottage. The tour description indicates a stay is Keswick but doesn't mention a visit to Dove Cottage. Can someone who has been on this tour let me know if a tour of Dove Cottage is part of the trip or something that could be done in free time. Thank you.
Posted by
Downingtown, USA
2640 posts
I would suggest contact Rick Steve's office directly as sometimes the itinerary may change from tour to tour.
Posted by
Rhode Island, USA
263 posts
We did this tour in June of 2023 and on that tour we did not stop there. At that time the second day in Keswick consisted of a boat ride on the lake and in the afternoon a walk to a stone circle with the guide. Both of these activities were for those who wished to go or they were free to do what they wanted. In looking up ways to get to Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, it indicates a bus from Keswick, a half hour'ish trip or a taxi. It shouldn't be an issue, if you discuss it with the guide, to use part or all of the day to go off on your own to explore.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you for these replies and suggestions. Appreciate it!
Posted by
Lake District, England
9701 posts
I believe the free day is always on a Sunday. Even then the bus #555 leaves Keswick at 0830 then hourly, taking 32 minutes to Dove Cottage where it stops right outside.
Extras run at 1100 and 1300.
Services back are at about 28 minutes past each hour until 1828 with extras at 1158, 1458 and 1658.
The fare is £3 each way.
Posted by
861 posts
Several years ago our free day in Keswick was on a Monday. Our laundry was gathered Sunday evening after arrival.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Wonderful information. Thank you!
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2219 posts
I was on this tour and as others have said, no, you don't go to Wordsworth Dove Cottage. There really isn't time so you can go to Beatrix Potter's Hilltop Farm either and I tried to figure out how to do that even though I've been to both Dove Cottage & Hilltop Farm on other trips. I really wish Rick offered a literary tour of England, but I don't think that is his niche. I'd love to suggest an itinerary for one though. I took my mother to Dove Cottage way back in the 1980s and she absolutely loved it. There were stars in her eyes for the entire rest of the day. She loved the story the docent told about how he would walk every day and hardly ever washed his socks. Mom felt so bad for his dear sister who did his laundry!!!!!!