John Clare Cottage, Museum, Café and Gardens
About This Museum
Tucked away in the quiet Northamptonshire village of Helpston, the small, thatched John Clare Cottage feels a world away from the nearby city of Peterborough. This is where the 19th-century 'peasant poet' was born and found his profound inspiration in the surrounding landscapes. Today, you can wander through the cottage's low-ceilinged rooms, explore the beautiful cottage garden he adored, and lose yourself in his verses. It’s a wonderfully intimate glimpse into the life of a man who wrote with fierce passion about nature and rural life.
Collection Highlights
Look for Clare's original manuscripts, written in his distinctive hand, and his humble writing desk. The museum doesn't just tell you about his poetry; it lets you hear it, with recordings of his work set against images of the Helpston countryside that shaped it all.
Visitor Information
Before you leave, pop into the cosy café for a slice of cake—it's a local favourite. The cottage garden is also a treat in itself, perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
Architecture & Building
A classic, whitewashed English labourer's cottage from the late 18th century, complete with a charming and slightly sagging thatched roof.
Contact & Location
Address: Woodgate, Helpston, City of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, England, PE6 7ED, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1733 253330
Website: Visit Website
