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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?
This independent, hostel is perfectly situated in the picturesque village of Elterwater, at the…
Originally build circa 1650. Modernised and extended in 2004. Situated by the side of Rydal Beck…
Tweedies Bar & Lodge with 2 restaurants and public bar serving guest ales, world beers, excellent…
Church cottage originally built in 1630 as the village school. Established in 1854 as Sarah…
At Victorian House we have a mission to make Cumbria Greener by 2037! We aim to significantly…
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints…
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to…
Like the poets of antiquity, Wordsworth turns to vocal groves as sites of commiseration and…
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm…
Set in over thirty acres of garden, woodland and natural beauty in he Lake District UNESCO World…
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William…
Our Garden Restaurant overlooks our beautiful gardens in the scenic village of Grasmere. We have…
Our licensed Yan Bistro promises a delicious seasonal menu inspired by our farm’s history - rustic…
Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes and is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth…
The Bunkhouse at Rydal Hall is ideal for groups staying for retreats or events who prefer a simpler…
Completely refurbished in 2018, in a beautiful location by Rydal Falls, Stable Cottage is a…
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
What was Christmas like when the Wordsworths lived at Dove Cottage 200 years ago? Have a go at some…
We are an independent brewery & distillery, proudly part of the Grasmere community. We make drinks…
These two traditional Lakeland cottages are beautifully situated in Great Langdale valley in the…
Trail running event staring and finishing in Grasmere - taking in the stunning mountains and views…
Set in the heart of the Lake District national park, come visit us at our exclusive location set in…
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 Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
Originally build circa 1650. Modernised and extended in 2004. Situated by the side of Rydal Beck with outdoor tables.
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
Church cottage originally built in 1630 as the village school. Established in 1854 as Sarah Nelson's Original Celebrated Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Ambleside
At Victorian House we have a mission to make Cumbria Greener by 2037! We aim to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of those travelling into Cumbria to ensure the lakes may continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. Located in the idyllic…
Ambleside
Art gallery and art shop run by the Heaton Cooper family, selling original paintings and prints from 4 generations of the family.
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.…
Ambleside
Nestled in the heart of the English Lake District Victorian House provides the perfect antidote to chain hotel fatigue! Think cosy nights in the snug with a glass of red, kicking your boots off after a day of exploring and sinking into the sofa with…
Grasmere
Like the poets of antiquity, Wordsworth turns to vocal groves as sites of commiseration and inspiration. The sounds of trees echo human experience, from the whispers of leaves to the groans of branches. Trees are associated with connection and…
Grasmere
Broadrayne is a traditional Lakeland Farm with a small cluster of former 17th to 19th century farm buildings nestling round a picturesque farmyard in the beautiful Vale of Grasmere.
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.
AMBLESIDE
This church is well known because of its associations with the great Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived in nearby Dove Cottage and is buried in the churchyard.
Grasmere
Our Garden Restaurant overlooks our beautiful gardens in the scenic village of Grasmere. We have recently been re-awarded our two coveted AA Rosettes offering high quality seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, expertly delivered by our…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1377 reviewsAmbleside
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
643 reviewsRydal Water is one of the smallest lakes and is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up to 'Wordsworth's Seat'.
Ambleside
The Bunkhouse at Rydal Hall is ideal for groups staying for retreats or events who prefer a simpler style of accommodation. The Bunkhouse is great for groups looking to cater for themselves, but catered packages are also available.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
158 reviewsAmbleside
Completely refurbished in 2018, in a beautiful location by Rydal Falls, Stable Cottage is a self-catering holiday cottage. The extensive grounds include a Victorian Ice-house, an 18th century Game Larder, an 18th century viewing station known as the…
Ambleside
This contemporary bistro with beds is a stone’s throw from the idyllic village of Grasmere.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
643 reviewsGrasmere
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.
Grasmere
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