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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.
Food & Drink in Grasmere and Rydal
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.
Culture & Heritage
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.
Surrounding Areas
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?
Peace OakThe Peace Oak in Broadgate Meadow (next to the river), was planted by Canon Rawnsley on 19 July 1919 to mark a day of peace on the anniversary of the start of World War One.- Rydal Coffin RouteThe Rydal Coffin route was originally the main route between Ambleside and Grasmere (the modern road only dates from 1770).
- Sweet ChestnutAn 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.
- The Battle of Dunmail RaiseAccording to legend, a battle took place here in AD 945 between King Dunmail of Cumberland and a combined force of Anglo-Saxons and Scots.
- Dora's FieldDora’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.
- Rydal CaveThe 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.
Highlights
The final day involves crossing the backbone of the Helvellyn range back to the start at the Inn on…
Just a stroll from Grasmere village at the foot of Heron Pike, this much-loved holiday home stands…
Finished to the highest standard by the owners, Ospreys Nest offers a real retreat right in the…
Buses to and through Grasmere: 555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere -…
This romantic retreat has a picture window for all seasons, shown in the photograph and couples…
For many Grasmere is synonymous with the poet Wordsworth, who with his sister Dorothy made Dove…
Situated at the northern end of Grasmere, yet just 5 minutes walk into the village centre, Raise…
This is a magical cottage in the Lake District, occupying a sublime setting above picturesque…
Set in over thirty acres of garden, woodland and natural beauty in he Lake District UNESCO World…
An impressive detached property with a beautiful 2 acre garden. The property boasts stylish and…
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and…
Oak Cottage is full of character! Built in the 1850's this Lake District holiday cottage is split…
Originally a Joiners workshop, this charming terraced cottage is traditionally furnished and has…
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and…
Make yourself comfortable in the former home of National Trust Founder, Canon Rawnsley. Only…
Set in Chapel Stile - one of the most picturesque villages in the Lake District and the gateway to…
Daw Bank is a traditional Lakeland slate cottage located in an enviable position right in the…
Located in the heart of Elterwater village this gorgeous Lakeland Cottage will provide you with the…
The Langdale Hotel & Spa in the heart of the Lake District, is the perfect place for getting away…
“From our better selves we have too long been parted by the hurrying world”
This is a real little gem but far removed from the average self-catering cottage - better described…
Birch Tree Cottage is the perfect property to relax and undwind. The property boasts stunning views…
Just a stone's throw from William Wordsworth's Grasmere home, this enchanting little cottage…
Enjoy the scenery at Spedding Fold. This delightful property sleeps up to 10 and has beautiful…
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Number of results: 81
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Address
Grasmere, CumbriaCumbria
The final day involves crossing the backbone of the Helvellyn range back to the start at the Inn on the Lake. To do this the route exploits the line taken by an ancient packhorse trail that crosses the ridge at the dip between Dollywaggon Pike and…
Grasmere
Just a stroll from Grasmere village at the foot of Heron Pike, this much-loved holiday home stands secluded within a large fellside garden, surrounded by mature trees and creating a haven for wildlife.
Grasmere
Finished to the highest standard by the owners, Ospreys Nest offers a real retreat right in the heart of the popular village of Grasmere.
Cumbria
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
This romantic retreat has a picture window for all seasons, shown in the photograph and couples wanting to get away from it all, or enjoy that second honeymoon, will find Wisteria Cottage top of their list.
Address
Grasmere, CumbriaCumbria
For many Grasmere is synonymous with the poet Wordsworth, who with his sister Dorothy made Dove Cottage his home for the most productive nine years of his life. During his time here his reputation as a poet grew, and the village became as famous as…
Grasmere
Situated at the northern end of Grasmere, yet just 5 minutes walk into the village centre, Raise View House has uninterrupted views of Easedale and the surrounding fells, including the famed Lion and the Lamb.
Address
Oakbank, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9JATelephone
015394 88855Elterwater
This is a magical cottage in the Lake District, occupying a sublime setting above picturesque Elterwater, a sleepy hamlet at the heart of the magnificent Langdale valley, commanding breath-taking views.
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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.
Address
Wordsworth Grasmere, Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SHGrasmere
These themed mornings are the perfect way to introduce poetry and the natural world to your little ones.
Address
Wordsworth Grasmere, Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SHGrasmere
These themed mornings are the perfect way to introduce poetry and the natural world to your little ones.
Address
Braegarth, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9JBTelephone
015394 37417Elterwater
An impressive detached property with a beautiful 2 acre garden. The property boasts stylish and comfortable accommodation.
Address
Elterwater, Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9HPTelephone
015394 37210Ambleside
The Britannia is a traditional 500-year-old Lakeland Inn nestling in the village of Elterwater and the fells of the Langdale Valley. Real ales, traditional food and real log fires.
Address
Oak Cottage, Chapel Stile, Cumbria, LA22 9JETelephone
015394 37417Chapel Stile
Oak Cottage is full of character! Built in the 1850's this Lake District holiday cottage is split over four floors. Sleeping up to 6 people a holiday here will be memorable!
Address
Bottom Shop, Elterwater, Cumbria, LA22 9HTTelephone
015394 37417Elterwater
Originally a Joiners workshop, this charming terraced cottage is traditionally furnished and has stunning views to relax and enjoy. A great location for exploring this beautiful part of Cumbria.
Address
Langdale Hotel and Spa, Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JDTelephone
015394 38080Great Langdale, Ambleside
Stove Bar and Restaurant offers something for everyone all day and evening merging great indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern and traditional dishes featuring seasonal and the finest local produce are created by Scott and his team, you are able to get…
Address
Wordsworth Grasmere, Town End, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SHGrasmere
Revitalise your senses, stretch your muscles and bond with family members.
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.
Address
23 Thrang Brow, Chapelstile, Ambleside, LA22 9JNTelephone
015394 32321Chapelstile
Set in Chapel Stile - one of the most picturesque villages in the Lake District and the gateway to the Langdale valley, Mellbreak is superbly located, surrounded by fells such as Pike o'Blisco, Crinkle Crags, Bowfell and the craggy peaks of
Address
Chapel Stile, Langdale, Ambleside, LA22 9JETelephone
015394 32321Langdale
Daw Bank is a traditional Lakeland slate cottage located in an enviable position right in the centre of Chapel Stile with the excellent village store just a stone's throw away and Wainwrights Inn just a short stroll.
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