Lake District, England: Wordsworth Country

For poets, William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage is the top sight of the Lake District. Wordsworth — whose appreciation of nature and a back-to-basics lifestyle put this area on the map — spent his most productive years in this well-preserved stone house. The adjacent museum displays original writings, sketches, and personal items that give another peek into the life and world of the poet. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.