The Wordsworth Trust
Our charitable activities fall into two categories.(1) Custodianship: of Dove Cottage; of our collection of manuscripts, books & fine art; and of the historic environment of Town End, Grasmere(2) Access and learning: visitor operations; exhibitions and publications; education; and contemporary literature.
Activities & Mission
Our charitable activities fall into two categories.(1) Custodianship: of Dove Cottage; of our collection of manuscripts, books & fine art; and of the historic environment of Town End, Grasmere(2) Access and learning: visitor operations; exhibitions and publications; education; and contemporary literature.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £2,204,000 | £1,917,000 | £1,623,000 | £21,451,000 | £667,000 | 29 / 32 |
| 2024 | £1,488,000 | £1,925,000 | £1,430,000 | £21,199,000 | £442,000 | 36 / 43 |
| 2023 | £1,362,000 | £1,934,000 | £1,467,000 | £21,229,000 | £91,000 | 39 / 14 |
| 2022 | £2,924,660 | £2,108,251 | £1,676,065 | £22,349,625 | £411,954 | 39 / 19 |
| 2021 | £2,912,588 | £1,367,922 | £1,076,087 | £19,691,586 | £177,521 | 38 / 17 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Wordsworth Trust
What does The Wordsworth Trust do?
Our charitable activities fall into two categories.(1) Custodianship: of Dove Cottage; of our collection of manuscripts, books & fine art; and of the historic environment of Town End, Grasmere(2) Access and learning: visitor operations; exhibitions and publications; education; and contemporary literature.
How much income did The Wordsworth Trust report in 2025?
The Wordsworth Trust reported total income of £2.20m and reported expenditure of £1.92m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
When was The Wordsworth Trust registered as a charity?
The Wordsworth Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 24 November 1997 as charity number 1066184. It has been registered for 29 years.
Who runs The Wordsworth Trust?
The Wordsworth Trust is governed by a board of 12 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Wordsworth Trust operate?
The Wordsworth Trust operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is The Wordsworth Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Wordsworth Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1066184.
Details
DOVE COTTAGE
GRASMERE
AMBLESIDE
LA22 9SH
Registry Information
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Also governs 1 other charity
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Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated