The National Trust has revealed plans for the future of Cockermouth’s Wordsworth House.
It has reaffirmed its plans made last month to open four days a week in 2026 and has shared goals to create a new visitor model that is expected to be put in place by 2027.
The trust added that it will create the new model through community consultation next year.
It is aiming to increse access, share Wordsworth’s legacy more widely and understand what additional value the property can offer.
The trust is planning to share details of how individuals, businesses and groups can get involved in helping to create a new visitor proposition for Wordsworth House and Gardens in spring 2026.
A spokesman for the trust said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who engaged with us throughout this process.
“Thanks to constructive discussions and shared ideas, we’ve arrived at a solution that help us deliver the savings we need to make while retaining access to Wordsworth House and Garden.
“Wordsworth House and Garden is a significant asset to Cockermouth and the cultural heritage of the Lake District, and we’re looking forward to building on the support we’ve received and working with local people, community groups and businesses to ensure we’re increasing access, engaging more people in the Wordsworth story and maximising the benefits Wordsworth House and Garden can bring to Cockermouth and the wider community.”
The plans come after the trust announced the future of the house was under review earlier this year and that 2026 would see more focus put on the garden, rather than the house.
Joe Murray, co-chair of Cockermouth & District chamber of trade, added: “We’re encouraged by the strength of feeling the community has demonstrated towards keeping Wordsworth House and Garden open as much as possible.
“We hope access to both the house and the garden can be increased again in the very near future as they are a vital asset for the town and for Cumbria.
“We look forward to working with the National Trust to develop a sustainable, thriving future for the house and garden that benefits visitors, the town and the surrounding communities.”
The Trust added that the future plans have been made following a period of consultation after it announced proposals to find £26 million in savings due to sustained cost pressures beyond its control.
Earlier this year, the trust said that Wordsworth House runs at a six-figure loss annually.
The trust also originally said visitor numbers at the house were low, but did not reveal how many people visited the house each year.
We asked the trust for the visitor numbers to Wordsworth House each year.
The National Trust spokesman said: “We’ve seen a 30% decline in visitors to Wordsworth House and Garden since the pandemic, whereas National Trust visitor numbers are increasing overall.”
We asked the National Trust what the actual visitor numbers were for Wordsworth House and did not get a reply.
The National Trust also declined to share with Cumbria Crack the number of staff employed at Wordsworth House.
The house – which was the home of poet William Wordsworth – will to open four days a week in 2026 to visitors between Easter and the end of October next year. It is currently open five days a week.
The site will temporarily close this winter in November as usual.
