John Clare Cottage, Cafe, Shop and Beautiful Garden - Peterborough

K B.

A lovely and unique day out in a very picturesque village. I went with someone who hadn't heard of John Clare before but who equally enjoyed the visit. The audio tour was very helpful and informative

Graham J.

Really excellent place to look round and get an insight into the life and times of poet John Clare. With a nice garden and super coffee shop all staffed by friendly helpful people, the coffee is superb and we fully recommend the carrot cake. Well worth a visit.

Jon C.

Finally got around to visiting here! Took advantage of a Christmas craft fair that was being held there. Would love to go back and visit when it's empty as it's a lovely place, very tastefully renovated and with a homely and cozy atmosphere. There's a neat little cafe that looks a brilliant place to grab a coffee and cake in the summer. There's a small cottage garden out the back and a large dovecote that's been beautifully restored. Really enjoyed our visit and will return again soon.

Sandy M.

The best scones you've ever tasted and John Clare's simple life - his struggle with himself, his relationship with nature, his daily life in a thatched cottage in an English village - recreated for you to imagine him living, breathing, writing where you are standing.

Nick B.

Without getting too pretentious, this short visit has helped me to bring the external problems of life back out where they belong, and not stuck within. John Clare's sufferings continue to be a means of solace to some of us now.

The exhibiting is straightforward, and not so long as to make the visitor get fatigued by the experience. The staff provided friendly, prompt service, and the atmosphere was quite cosy too.

Ronna F.

I twice tried to visit, but the site was closed. I am unable to recall the reason. The last time, I was able to bring my guest from overseas. Helpston is home to John Clare Cottage, a museum. The English poet John Clare was born on July 13, 1793, and died on May 20, 1864. He was born into a family of agricultural labourers, and he gained recognition for his joys and laments over the destruction of the English countryside.

In 2004, the cottage underwent restoration, and the gardens were redesigned for ease of access. When you visit the cottage, you should tour the three main parts of the gardens. The first has a life-size statue of John Clare and a variety of herbs scattered across the courtyard. An enthusiastic group of volunteers looks after all the gardens; if they are on duty, any one of them will be pleased to talk with you about the gardens as you stroll about the borders.

You should definitely take guests who are curious about the history of the area here. There's a little cafe there with delicious cakes and light lunches. I took several pictures but was unable to find them. I will be visiting the site again and will post some photos to share.

Opening hours on their website: Mondays and Thursdays 10am until 2pm

Gill

Very informative and interesting collection telling about the life of this Northamptonshire poet set the cottage that was his home for the first part of his life. Well laid out with audio and printed guide to take around the cottage and the lovely peaceful garden. Delicious homemade food in the cafe and friendly helpful staff on hand. A walk around the village and a visit to the church and graveyard are an added pleasure, with accompanying map and details pertaining to John Clare's time in the village.

Charlie B.

Wonderfully historic, interesting and important museum. Fronted by welcoming cafe and gift shop. Clean toilet facilities.