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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.
The Peace Oak in Broadgate Meadow (next to the river), was planted by Canon Rawnsley (co-founder of the National Trust) on 19 July 1919 to mark a day of peace on the anniversary of the start of World War One.
The Rydal Coffin route was originally the main route between Ambleside and Grasmere (the modern road only dates from 1770). It was also used to carry the deceased from Rydal and Ambleside for burial in Grasmere Church until St Mary’s church in Ambleside was consecrated in 1854.
An ancient sweet chestnut in the grounds of Rydal Hall is estimated to be over 500 years old, and probably planted before the current hall was built in 1600. Its massive girth measures around 11 m (36 ft), although huge burrs make precise measurement difficult.
According to legend, a battle took place here in AD 945 between King Dunmail of Cumberland and a combined force of Anglo-Saxons and Scots. After Dunmail was killed in battle, a large pile of stones was placed over his body as a memorial to the dead king. The heap of stones can still be seen near the summit of Dunmail Raise between the two carriageways.
Dora’s Field was bought by William Wordsworth as a plot of land to build a house on when he was threatened with eviction from Rydal Mount. In the event, he continued living at Rydal Mount and gave the land to his daughter instead, thereafter calling it Dora’s field. When Dora died in 1847 aged 40, William and Mary Wordsworth planted hundreds of daffodils on the bank as a memorial to their daughter.
The cave, situated above Rydal Water, is a man made cavern that served as a slate quarry supplying excellent quality slate to the local villages, more than two hundred years ago. These days visitors can walk into the gaping mouth of the cave and explore the awesome mini ampitheatre complete with jagged rocks and a flooded pool inhabited by small fish and insects.
This is a three day training event starting from Butarlyp Youth Hostel Grasmere, and partly on the…
On this course, students will learn how to create gossamer weight felt to make beautiful wraps and…
Our luxury accommodation has been hand built for our bespoke design for couples wanting a romantic…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
Discover two striking new collections of original artworks that celebrate the creative potential of…
Church cottage originally built in 1630 as the village school. Established in 1854 as Sarah…
Grasmere lake lies to the south of Grasmere village, around which there are some gentle walks for…
Rydal Cave is a large cavern on the north side of Loughrigg Fell, above Rydal Water. This famous…
The Cottages at Broadrayne Farm are all just full of character having been converted from former…
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea at The Daffodil in the heart of the Lake District and prepare to indulge,…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Print, sculpture and sound-based installation exploring bird song. Artist Heather Mullender-Ross…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Day 1: Arrival & Grounding 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM Arrival & Check-in Welcome packets, room assignments,…
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…
A 48-Hour Retreat for Discovery & Replenishment of Mind, Body, and Spirit, for men and women. Fiona…
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes and is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth…
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of Regency England with an exclusive,…
This interactive exhibition celebrates the treasures of the Wordsworth Grasmere trove. Discover…
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent…
Participants will learn about: *The fascinating history of the process *Talk about design…
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep…
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have…
This is a high quality workshop where participants will be taught how to create a small stone…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Grasmere
Curated and hosted by poet Kim Moore, our online contemporary poetry reading series continues throughout 2025.
We will be listening to what poets have to say about our turbulent times, and how poetry can cross borders to challenge, delight and…
Ambleside
This interactive workshop invites participants to delve into the rich craft of poetry through a blend of close reading, creative writing, and collaborative discussion. Across the session, we will explore key poetic elements—such as meter, rhyme,…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
A restorative floating sound bath in the heart of the Lake District.
Renew your mind, body and soul with our evening ritual at Langdale. This intimate one-hour ritual invites you to slow down, reconnect, and restore. Float effortlessly in the indoor…
Grasmere
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some Regency Christmas crafts, including making pomanders and wreaths. Read Dorothy Wordsworth's gingerbread recipe and decorate some gingerbread stars.…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
Blending sleek contemporary interiors with breathtaking natural surroundings.
Grasmere
Enjoy your perfect Lake District day out at Wordsworth Grasmere. Discover the home of William Wordsworth, one of England’s most famous poets. Step back 200 years and experience the sights, sounds and smells of family life at Dove Cottage.
Grasmere
Hang out amid the beauty of the grounds at the Rothay Garden Restaurant & Bar, winner of two coveted AA Rosettes. Think comforting Sunday lunches, afternoon tea, breakfast, dinner and late night drinks, amid the majestic fells and valleys of…
Grasmere
Mentioned in William Wordsworth’s 1806 composition The Waggoner, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has given this renowned property renewed purpose as a cosy, welcoming pub with 46 bedrooms.
Grasmere
Experience the festive sprit at Allan Bank as voices fill the air with music.
Join us for a joyful afternoon of traditional Christmas carols in the decorated hall at Allan Bank, led by the wonderful local choir, Grasmere Glee. Everyone is welcome…
Elterwater
We have two lovely cottages win the village of Elterwater in the Langdale Valley, which we have owned since the early eighties.
Grasmere
Join guest curator and artist Stacey Joy Rossouw in her interactive studio laboratory where your memories become part of an ever-changing artwork. Get hands on and share your stories through drawing, sound recording, workshops and conversation…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Design your own bespoke wreath. A wonderfully sociable event, perfect for connecting with others and celebrating the season together! Join Ashley from The Floralistas in Stove Restaurant & Bar and step into a world of festive artistry!
More from…
Ambleside
With stunning views onto the fells, our Stargazer Rooms with their huge windows are ideal for enjoying the night skies. The elegant rooms have handpicked furnishings and with the well fitted bathrooms and luxurious toiletries, they provide a…
Ambleside
Participants will learn about:
*The fascinating history of the process
*Talk about design elements (and possibly collect objects/plants from around the grounds) to act as a "resist". Responding to the local environment and discussing ideas for a…
Ambleside
The focus of the retreat is the contemplation of creation. We will practice bringing loving-attention to all our daily activities – while sitting, while walking or eating, while looking at a beautiful tree or simply enjoying a glass of water. We…
Grasmere
An after-hours experience in Wordsworth's study with storyteller Jessie McMeekin.
Experience the eerie thrill of an evening of ghost stories with a special after-hours event at Allan Bank. Gather around the fire in Wordsworth's study for a dramatic…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
A restorative wellness experience in the heart of the Lake District.
Slow flow yoga, seasonal canapés, thermal spa journey, floating sound bath and an optional three-course dinner to complete.
Step into a sanctuary of stillness and sensory renewal…
Ambleside
Day 1: Arrival & Grounding
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Arrival & Check-in
Welcome packets, room assignments, refreshments.
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Opening Session: "Welcome to the Next Chapter"
• Vision for the retreat
• Introduction to key themes: faith,…
Keswick Road, Grasmere
The Spa at Daffodil Hotel & Spa offers you the chance to relax and escape in true style and luxury. Our team of highly qualified therapists love nothing more than advising you which of our fabulous treatments to indulge in first and will be on hand…
Ambleside, Grasmere
Inspired by William Wordsworth's explorations of memory in his great poem The Prelude, 'The Time Lab: Exploring a Living Prelude' brings together your stories and Wordsworth's verses and transforms them into a continually changing, interactive…
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