About

We are celebrating our new exhibition in style – with a Gothic summer garden party!

Step into a Gothic tale as you explore our immersive exhibition, where moonlit woodlands, haunted villas and eerie seascapes surround rare treasures, including a first edition of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and Lord Byron’s snuffbox.

Visit candlelit Dove Cottage after hours and enjoy live Gothic poetry performances in the Garden-Orchard. Drinks and summer refreshments will be available from our Café, where you will be able to try your hand at writing your own spooky tale.

Gothic dress and costumes encouraged! We will also have Regency costumes and accessories for you to try on so that you can take the perfect Gothic selfie.

About the exhibition

Opening 7 July 2026: At a moment when Gothic stories continue to captivate audiences across film, television and literature, Wordsworth Grasmere presents a major new exhibition exploring the origins of the Gothic imagination. Bringing together rare books, manuscripts and treasures from the 18^th and 19^th centuries, including a first edition of Frankenstein, Ghost Story! Into the Gothic Imagination explores the origins of the stories and ideas that laid the foundations for modern horror and fantasy fiction.  

Access

• Wristbands will be issued on arrival, ensuring that you can come and go from different areas of Wordsworth Grasmere at your leisure.
• Five free tickets are available for those experiencing financial hardship who would otherwise not be able to attend. This is on a first come first served basis with no questions asked about your situation.
• Accompanying carers/personal assistants are admitted free of charge; please select the ‘1 Adult plus Free Carer/Personal Assistant’ option when making a booking.
• Access information for Wordsworth Grasmere can be found here.

Date

Location

Get directions

Wordsworth Grasmere
Town End, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9SH

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