Where can I see daffodils in the Lake District?

Thanks to William Wordsworth’s poem, ‘Daffodils’, the daffodil has become synonymous with the Lake District. Wordsworth was inspired to write his famous lines after observing the daffodils growing along the shoreline of Ullswater while out on a stroll with his sister, Dorothy, back in 1802.

Since then, thousands of visitors have come every year to see the little yellow charmers lined up on the water’s edge ‘Fluttering and dancing in the breeze’.

Planted with hundreds of daffodil bulbs by Wordsworth in memory of his daughter, Dora (who sadly died from tuberculosis aged 43 in 1847), the field which he owned next to St Mary’s Church in Rydal is a glorious yellow vision in spring.

These days it’s owned and managed by the National Trust, who ensure it is still covered in a blanket of blooms every year – and there are also benches dotted around where you can sit and enjoy the flowers.

Handily situated next to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, the entrance to Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden in Grasmere can be found on Church Stile, between the River Rothay and St Oswald’s churchyard.

Created by volunteers in 2003, it is a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the blooms in the wild daffodil garden while you munch your gingerbread.

Don’t forget to visit Wordsworth’s grave in the churchyard while you’re there.

A circular spring wander through Brigsteer Woods, beginning at Sizergh Castle near Kendal (just on the edge of the Lake District), will reward your eyes with the sight of native wild daffodils (known as Lenten Lillies) blanketing the ground. Keep your nose peeled too, for the scent of wild garlic.

Visit the gardens at Sizergh Castle to see daffs carpeting the wildflower bank and dwarf blooms in the rock garden too.

We can also highly recommend a pint and something to eat at the Strickland Arms, which overlooks the entrance to Sizergh, when you’re done daff spotting.