visit grasmere & rydal...

Grasmere, cradled in a vale in the heart of the Lake District, is crowned with magnificent fells and mountains all around.

It is sheltered by Helm Crag, otherwise known as ‘the Lion and the Lamb' one of Wainwright's favourite hills. The pictureseque village has a lovely choice of accommodation and restaurants. It is also home to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum.

Just along the valley is the Vale of Rydal. You can take a walk along Loughrigg Terrace or the Coffin Trail, overlooking Rydal Water. Visit Rydal Mount and Hall, or learn English at the language school, Nab Cottage.

explore grasmere and rydal

History & heritage

Grasmere's early history was devoted to farming, wool manufacture and some mineral and rock extraction.

history & heritage

Arts & culture

The area's links with Wordsworth give the visitor a fantastic opportunity to see what inspired the great poet.

art & culture

Natural environment

The lakeshore of Grasmere is accessible by a permissive path around the south-western side (NY 335 064).

natural environment

Autumn/Winter events

See what's on over the next few months around Grasmere and Rydal.

local events

quirky grasmere & rydal facts....

Barney's newsbox

Barney's Newsbox holds the largest stock of jigsaws in England - over 8000 jigsaws are stacked high in all parts of the shop.

Black and yellow box

On the side of the A591 (NY 331 111) is a black and yellow Automobile Association box, one of only a few remaining in the country.

Ancient sweet chestnut

An ancient sweet chestnut in the grounds of Rydal Hall (NY 367 064) 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.

The peace oak

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.