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World Heritage Signature Experiences
Grasmere & Rydal
With our partners Lakes Culture, we have selected some authentic, stunning and creative ways for you to experience the important part Grasmere and Rydal have to play in our World Heritage story and also how this inspirational place could inspire you today.
You can choose from the Grasmere and Rydal selection below, and the equally unique experiences from the other Signature Experience areas. Then book somewhere to stay from our recommended selections to make your own memorable World Heritage cultural break
Hear the tales of life
in a world famous cottage
Enjoy a lively tour around this little cottage in which William Wordsworth wrote some of the greatest poetry in the English language which is still taught today in schools, colleges and universities all over the world.
Hear the stories of life within the cottage walls that he shared with his sister, wife, children and many other notable names from the Romantic Movement; together with the glowing fires, dark panelled rooms and authentic furniture these treasured memories of this significant literary home will come alive for you.
A 21st century walk in the Lake District
Inspired by our landscape that has a long literary and walking history, composers Strijbos & Van Rijswijk and poet Jacob Polley have created To Travel and To Matter – a contemporary sound installation in the shape of a walk.
Simply download the free app (app size 5.1MB) and enjoy a modern poetic love story as you walk, creating a unique 21st century outdoor experience.
Let your children write on Wordsworth’s walls!
Partially restored and undecorated following a fire in 2011, this National Trust property is where Wordsworth lived for 3 years.
Allan Bank is a place where parents can relax in front of a warm fire with a cup of tea while the children play the piano in the hall, draw or paint in the art room, play board games, and yes, they can even write comments and ideas on the walls.
The whole idea of Allan Bank is to make yourselves at home.
Afternoon Cream Tea in Wordsworth's Dining Room
Book this unique experience during your Lakes break to tell your friends and family about. Rydal Mount was Wordsworth’s family home from 1813 until his death in 1850. The beautiful home is surrounded by an award-winning four-acre garden with spectacular views towards both Lake Windermere and Rydal Water.
The afternoon cream tea experience in Wordsworth’s dining room is by prior booking only as numbers are limited to just six people. Included with your cream tea is a booklet about Rydal Mount and a copy of Wordsworth’s most famous poem, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.
Mountain Goat Tour
Short on time? Not confident driving on our country roads? Want someone else to drive so you can concentrate on the views? Whatever the reason, it’s worth booking onto this half day tour with Mountain Goat.
Starting from Windermere with select pick-up points in Bowness, Windermere and Ambleside (select at time of booking) you will experience a scenic tour that takes you over the Lake District’s highest mountain pass to enjoy the impressive views of Ullswater, stop at Castlerigg Stone Circle, which is older than Stonehenge, and wander around the beautiful historic village of Grasmere.
Herdwick sheep wool transformed into outdoor art
Rydal Hall is host to an impressive permanent collection of outdoor textile art by artist Dianne Standen. Inspired by Rydal Beck, that threads through the woodland and waterfalls of the grounds, and using organic hand-spun Herdwick wool from Grasmere sheep, she has enhanced the natural environment in a way that encourages you to appreciate the forms and shapes in the woodland.
The Sculpture Path is a creative way to enjoy nature with children. The walk is free – download the leaflet – and we encourage you to stop at The Old School Room Tea Shop for a delicious homemade scone.
While at Rydal Hall, don’t miss the formal gardens designed by international landscape designer Thomas Mawson. Guided tours with the Head Gardener are also available, contact gardens@rydalhall.org
We have a collection of great places to stay around the Grasmere and Rydal area.
Please click any of the links below to view details and book your stay.
Beck Allans Self Catering Apartments
A selection of individual holiday apartments sleeping 2 to 4 persons. Quietly situated in our own grounds and having their own charm and character, no two are the same. All are warm, well maintained and include a full inventory. Freeview TV
Raise View House
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.
The MacDonald Swan Hotel
Whatever the reason for your visit and whatever the weather outside, you can expect to sleep soundly within the walls of this 17thC coaching inn. Many of our bedrooms have views across the garden towards Helm Crag.
Little Parrock
Beautiful Victorian farmhouse in a stunning rural location but only a 15 minute stroll from Grasmere Village. Spacious luxurious accommodation for 10, beautifully furnished and with all mod cons. Children welcome, no smoking.
3 Tarn Cottages
This delightful traditional 2-bedroom Lakeland cottage is idyllically situated in a quiet, elevated and secluded rural position above Grasmere next to Little White Moss Tarn a short walk from Dove Cottage.
Oak Bank Hotel
Oak Bank Hotel is owned and personally managed by Glynis & Simon Wood. We have 13 ensuite bedrooms in three different grades, a two AA rosette awarded restaurant, two guest lounges, of which one has a real log fire and bar and a garden.
Riverside Cottage
Riverside Cottage is a beautifully fitted three bedroom home, sleeping up to six, situated in the world famous Grasmere Village, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Bramrigg House
This fine Lakeland House dating from the early 1900's, is located a ten minute walk from the picturesque village of Grasmere, in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Beck Allans Guest House
A warm, comfortable, centrally situated 4-star guest house. All rooms have en suite bath and shower. Guest House lies in own grounds in the centre of Grasmere village. Close to shops, bars and restaurants.
Thorney How
Thorney How guest accommodation with B&B, licensed, high quality accommodation and bunkhouse with an excellent food offer. The tranquil location provides a perfect place from which to explore everything Lakeland has to offer.
The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa
The Wordsworth Hotel is a charming four-star hotel with a tranquil spa and double AA-Rosette awarded restaurant.
Grasmere Independent Hostel
This small, quiet, deluxe hostel is superbly situated on a farm in the heart of the Lakes, adjacent to the Coast to Coast route. See the best of Lakeland from our doorstep
The Travellers Rest Inn
An original 16thC coaching inn on the outskirts of Grasmere village, The Travellers Rest epitomizes the traditional Lakeland inn.
Broadrayne Farm Cottages
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.
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