Step inside the humble 19th-century cottage where one of England’s greatest rural poets, John Clare, was born, raised, and inspired. Located in the picturesque village of Helpston, just outside Peterborough, the thatched cottage offers a deeply personal glimpse into Clare’s world — from his handwritten verses to the very landscapes that shaped his writing.
Lovingly restored with original features and a sensory heritage garden, the site includes an interactive exhibition, a gift shop, and a tranquil café serving tea and homemade cakes. Whether you’re a literature lover or just seeking a peaceful rural escape, John Clare Cottage invites you to slow down, reflect, and connect with England’s pastoral past.
Facilities:
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Restored 19th-century cottage and gardens
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Interactive exhibitions on Clare’s life and works
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Gift shop with books, crafts, and poetry
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Café with local produce and homemade cakes
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Peaceful herb and wildflower gardens
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Toilets (including accessible facilities)
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Free nearby parking and village walking trails
Did You Know?
John Clare, often called “The Peasant Poet,” wrote with rare intimacy about rural life, nature, and mental health. The cottage is now a centre for poetry, creativity, and wellbeing — regularly hosting workshops, readings, and educational visits.
Insider Tip:
Don’t miss the garden’s “Poetry Stones” – a quiet trail of carved verses that bring Clare’s work to life among the plants he once knew by name.
Nearby Attractions:
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Torpel Manor Field (10 min walk)
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Nene Park and Ferry Meadows (15 min drive)
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Sacrewell Heritage Farm (10 min drive)
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Peterborough Cathedral (20 min drive)
Exotic Pet Refuge
Meet meerkats, monkeys, reptiles, and more at this dedicated animal rescue centre, open on select days to support its vital conservation work.
Barnack Hills & Holes NNR
Wander among wildflowers and rolling grassy humps in this former medieval quarry, now one of Britain’s richest wildlife habitats.
St Botolph’s Church, Helpston
St Botolph’s Church, Helpston, is a beautiful medieval parish church entwined with the life and poetry of John Clare. It remains a place of peace, reflection, and literary pilgrimage within Peterborough’s tranquil Clare Country landscape.
Burghley House
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