Homes of the poets on show

If you’re interested in the lives of Britain’s great poets, these five places – four in #England, one in #Scotland – might make for worthwhile #daysout … 

Newstead Abbey, Nottinghamshire: ‘Pleasure’s a sin, and sometimes sin is a pleasure’, Lord Byron wrote in his narrative poem Don Juan. You can judge for yourself whether the poet's magnificent giltwood bed is a pleasure or a sin. Byron inherited Newstead Abbey from his uncle, the 5th Lord Byron, when he was ten year old. The house is now a monument to its past inhabitants, with Byron’s possessions, such as his bed and pistol, on display.

Dove Cottage, Cumbria: William Wordsworth fell in love with the cottage, pictured above,  while on a walk with Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It was here that he was inspired to write some of his most much-loved poems, such as I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud. Little has changed since the poet and his sister lived here more than 200 years ago; the stone floors, coal fires, wild garden, and family’s possessions are still present.

Shakespeare’s Family Homes, Warwickshire: This collection of five houses in and around Stratford-upon-Avon traces William Shakespeare’s life and times, from the house he was born in to the thatched farmhouse where he courted his wife Anne Hathaway. 

Keats House, Hampstead, London: John Keats came to live at Wentworth Place in 1818, and although he stayed there for only 17 months he wrote some of his most enduring poetry and fell in love with 'the girl next door'. Keats is said to have written Ode to a Nightingale under the resident pear tree. On show are his personal objects, including the engagement ring he gave to Fanny Brawne (although he died before marrying her) and a copy of his death mask.

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Ayrshire: The museum encompasses Burns Cottage where the poet was born, monumental gardens, and a modern museum dedicated to the work of Scotland's most famous literary name.

Free entry to all of these (except the Burns Museum) with a National Art Pass.
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