natural environment...

The beautiful lakes of Grasmere and Rydal Water are fringed by woodlands and open fells.  The elevated walk along Loughrigg Terrace provides unrivalled views over both lakes, whilst Wordsworth's Seat to the north enjoys fine views over Rydal Water.  Both lakes attract a range of waterfowl including great crested grebes, coots, swans and red breasted mergansers.  Heron Island in the middle of Rydal Water is a refuge for red deer, who are known to swim across to the island from White Moss Common.

Some classic fell walks can be enjoyed from Grasmere and Rydal including Helm Crag and the Fairfield Horseshoe. Another popular walk is to Easedale Tarn to the northwest of Grasmere.

Dora's Field at Rydal is best appreciated in the spring, when it is awash with bluebells and daffodils. The land was bought by William Wordsworth 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 here in memory of their daughter.  Access is from the churchyard or gardens of Rydal Mount.