Tucked away between Stamford and Peterborough lies the village of Helpston, the home of John Clare (1793-1864). Widely regarded as one of the greatest of the English poets, John Clare lived in the village for his first forty years from 1793 until 1832.

  • Latest Cottage News

    We will now close the Mueum at 2pm until the end of March.

     

    We are Closing for our Christmas Break from Thursday 21st December until Monday 8th January 2024.

    We would like to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

    We now have some Jams and Chutneys on Sale pop in and have a look

    We now stock Wills Walks Books pop in and have a look if you enjoy a walk around the Stamford and Rutland Area.

    Also If you have a few hours free  please get in touch we need volunteers

    We are looking for Volunteer Gardeners to help keep our garden looking lovely. You only need a spare hour or two to pop in and help us to keep it looking good It is very tired and needs a bit of care and also volunteers to work in the Cafe.

    Email info@clarecottage.org for more details.

                    
     

     

  • The John Clare Trust purchased John Clare Cottage in 2005, preserving it for future generations. The Cottage has been restored, using traditional building methods, to create a centre where people can learn about John Clare, his works, how rural people lived in the early 19th century and also gain an understanding of the environment.

    The Cottage contains examples of his work together with information about his life. Some of the rooms have been returned to the style that would have been found in cottages in the early 19th century in rural England. The gardens have been redesigned and planted with varieties which would have been seen in Clare’s time.

    The Cottage shop is the perfect place to buy a memento of your visit - we specialise in John Clare books and local art and craft items. Why not relax in our lovely cafe and have coffee and cake.

     

    We are open Mondays and Thursdays 10am until 3pm

    The Museum will close at 2pm from October until the end of March due to the dark and cold.

    Unfortunately we do not allow dogs in the Cafe where food is prepared but you are welcome to sit in the courtyard with them.

                    
     

    We are now takings bookings for wakes, baby showers, wedding receptions, meetings etc.

    For details email: Events@clarecottage.org

     

    Why not try our Afternoon Tea.

    Gift Vouchers Available