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One of the Lake District’s prettiest villages is Grasmere, nestled in a vale just north of Grasmere lake and crowned by magnificent fells and mountains on all sides. This is romantic England at its purest: immediately south of town is the rugged peak of Helm Crag (aka ‘the Lion and the Lamb’), while to the north is the ancient cairn known as Dunmail Raise. All around it are the scattered hamlets and farmsteads, while dense woodlands and lush meadows fringe the lakes of Grasmere and Rydal Water and Loughrigg Tarn.
Hardly surprising that painters, poets, writers and craftsmen were drawn to the area. Wordsworth described the vale of Grasmere and Rydal as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, before moving here permanently. Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and Sir Walter Scott also stayed here, whilst the writer Thomas de Quincey moved into Dove Cottage on Wordsworth’s departure.
From the 18th century onwards, many artists journeyed here in search of ‘the picturesque and the sublime’, including William Green, John Constable and Turner. In more recent times, the Heaton Cooper family succeeded in capturing the changing moods of the Lake District in watercolours.
Anyone who visits Grasmere and nearby Rydal, just has to experience a post-walk cream tea. Tearooms, some of which are hidden away in beautiful surroundings, will guarantee you a warm welcome, with a variety of teas and coffees on offer and scones and homemade cakes to die for. Well worth plotting into your walking plans!
For a small place, Grasmere does well with its fine dining experiences, whilst still maintaining an unstuffy and relaxing atmosphere. It even boasts a Michellin Star restaurant, where fine dining is taken up to another level. Fine dining is available in many restaurants here, offering exquisite explosions of flavours, where the food is absolutely faultless.
Grasmere also has some amazing quirky cafes with twinkling lights and scatter cushions creating a lovely ambiance in which to enjoy a very high standard of food. As with many of these charming little cafes-come-restaurants, they’re very popular, so it’s wise to book ahead if you’re going in the evening.
After a long day on the Grasmere fells, stepping into a welcoming pub is like a little piece of heaven. They’re all dog-friendly with reliable WiFi and offer a superb choice of local ales and award-winning food. There’s everything from a 16C coaching inn, full of old world charm and roaring log fires and panoramic views - to characterful walkers’ bars, offering tasty classic pub food. For the beer buffs among you, there’s a wide selection of ales approved by CAMRA. But before you leave Grasmere there’s one more must-try foods – the delicious sweet treat, Grasmere Gingerbread.
Grasmere’s early history was all about farming, the manufacture of wool as well as some mineral and rock extraction. In the middle of the 16th century, Grasmere was home to 15 ‘fulling’ mills, where newly woven fabrics were pounded in soapy water with heavy hammers (or ‘stocks;’ hence Stock Lane in town) to shrink the fibres and therefore create denser, fuller fabric.
Local woods were coppiced to supply charcoal for iron ore smelting and bark for tanneries, and with greater prosperity in the 18th century came a building spurt, with the stone drawn from local quarries – White Stone quarry on the A591 was one of these (it’s now a car park).
Several packhorse trails once radiated out from the village; the ponies carrying cloths, fleeces, and other goods to markets in Keswick, Penrith and Kendal (via Ambleside). The old packhorse trail between Ambleside and Grasmere used to be the main route between the two towns before the new turnpike road (now the A591) was opened in 1770.
For most contemporary visitors, though, it’s the arrival of the Romantics from the middle of the 18th century that really put Grasmere and the surrounding area on the map. Painters, writers and poets in search of the picturesque and romantic notions of beauty came to explore the Lake District. William Wordsworth (1770–1850) came to live here in 1799 and spent much time walking in the area, composing lines of poetry based on what he experienced. His most inspirational years were spent at Dove Cottage (1799–1808). He and his family then moved to the more spacious Allan Bank (1808–1811), followed by a short stint at the Rectory (1811–1814) and lastly to Rydal Mount (1814–1850). Fellow poets and writers, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Robert Southey and Sir Walter Scott, were frequent guests of the Wordsworths.
Once the new turnpike roads were completed in the late 18th century and the railway had arrived in Windermere in 1847, Victorian tourists came in their droves to experience the landscapes that had inspired the Lake Poets.
Rydal - The hamlet of Rydal is associated with two influential families: the Le Flemings and the Wordsworths. Rydal Hall was the home of the Le Fleming family who moved here from Coniston Hall and Rydal Mount was Wordsworth’s home for the last 37 years of his life.
Thirlmere - Thirlmere is a pretty, clear lake with a wooded shoreline and is best enjoyed from the west shore which winds its way through the trees.Thirlmere was once two smaller lakes called Leatheswater and Brackmere. The two lakes were joined by a footbridge until damning in 1879 created a rise in the water levels and Thirlmere was formed as the two lakes overflowed. It now serves as a water supply for Manchester.
Did you know?
William Wordsworth knew a thing or two about the value of ancient trees. His poem 'Yew-Trees'…
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent…
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Grasmere Brewery & Distillery was founded in 2018. Small & experimental, we love making what we…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
Our 2 luxurious Micro Lodge Pods have been hand built for couples wanting a romantic retreat or a…
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep…
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
With stunning views onto the fells, our Stargazer Rooms with their huge windows are ideal for…
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
Voted Best Small Hotel at the 2018 Cumbria Tourism awards, Rothay Garden is a delightful Lakeland…
This delightful traditional 2-bedroom Lakeland cottage is idyllically situated in a quiet, elevated…
Stay in a luxury Shepherd's Hut at the stunning Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere. Perfect for a…
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep…
Set in the heart of the Lake District national park, come visit us at our exclusive location set in…
Linocut is a traditional relief printing technique where a print is taken from the surface of a…
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
We're Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire and we provide bus services in Barrow, Carlisle,…
A visit to Dove Cottage today transports you back to this remarkable period of ‘plain living and…
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Grasmere
This delightful traditional 2-bedroom Lakeland cottage is idyllically situated in a quiet, elevated and secluded rural position above Grasmere next to Little White Moss Tarn a short walk from Dove Cottage.
Grasmere
Curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore, our contemporary poetry reading series continues throughout 2024. We will be listening to what poets have to say about our turbulent times, and how poetry can cross borders to challenge, delight and inspire us.…
Grasmere
Warm and welcoming Bed & Breakfast accommodation in the heart of Grasmere Village.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
499 reviewsCumbria
Buses to and through Grasmere:
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle.
599 Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Lakeside (summer). Open top service during good weather.
599 Kendal - Windermere -…
Grasmere
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only partially restored and decorated, this isn’t a typical National Trust experience.
Grasmere
This is a three day training event starting from Butarlyp Youth Hostel Grasmere, and partly on the fells including a high-level overnight camp. Participants will be guided and supported by a qualified and expert mountain leader.
Grasmere
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent selection of wines. Set in 3 acres of mature grounds. Newly refurbished throughout.
Grasmere lake lies to the south of Grasmere village, around which there are some gentle walks for those that prefer the lower ground.
Grasmere
Linocut is a traditional relief printing technique where a print is taken from the surface of a lino block. On this workshop you will learn how to use the tools, equipment and materials to get started or develop your skills in linocut.
Ambleside
Set in over thirty acres of garden, woodland and natural beauty in he Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rydal Hall is the ideal venue for retreats, events, activity weekends or just a family holiday.
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes and is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up to 'Wordsworth's Seat'.
Grasmere
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
AMBLESIDE
Rydal Cave is a large cavern on the north side of Loughrigg Fell, above Rydal Water. This famous lakeland beauty spot is actually man-made, as a result of slate quarrying.
Ambleside
A 112 mile charity sportive around the English Lake District.
Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
Ambleside
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the heart of the Langdale Valley in the English Lake District.
Ambleside
Two storey stone cottage situated behind the main Hall with private outside patio overlooking Rydal Beck with views of the valley. Sleeps 10 people in total.
Grasmere
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some Georgian Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths.
Ambleside
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic Cumbrian classics, nostalgic British favourites and exciting modern dishes - all made from the outstanding local ingredients.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
632 reviewsGrasmere
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks we like to drink ourselves: refreshing beers & delicious gin. Try everything we make in The Good Sport, our Grasmere tap-room.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
518 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL