The beautiful village of Grasmere is situated in the heart of the Lake District National Park and is known as the home of William Wordsworth who once described it as…
“The loveliest spot that man hath ever found"
William Wordsworth about Grasmere.
Grasmere Village
Rowan’s guests will find tea rooms, cafes, pubs, country inns and restaurants including one with a Michelin star award. All within easy walking distance.
Family shops produce homemade cakes, scones, bread, handcrafted chocolates and other goodies.
Craft beer, cider, and ale are brewed in Grasmere.
An array of shops for walking and outdoor gear, home accessories, giftware, souvenirs, and art work.
Grasmere village is complete with a pharmacy, post office and a well stocked Coop mini supermarket.
Three historical shops are special Grasmere attractions:
- Grasmere Gingerbread, this special recipe was invented by Sarah Nelson in 1854
- Sam Read Bookseller a small independent bookshop since 1887
- Heaton Cooper Studio for original Lake District landscape paintings and prints from four generations along with an art shop offering art materials, gifts and homeware from all over the world. Special themed exhibitions curated also.
Grasmere is a conservation area village in the centre of the Lake District National Park (LDNP) England’s largest, and in 2017 was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cultural Landscape for its special identity, inspiration and conservation.
Grasmere’s unique character is due to its geographic setting and ancient history, cultural heritage and famous poets and painters who lived in the area.
The village is set in a valley surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of crags and upland fells rising to 400m+ in every direction. There are few straight roads and a network of cottages, courtyards, lanes and footpaths conceal and reveal houses and views as you discover the special charm of the village.
Buildings and boundary walls feature local stone, slate, and cobblestones. Areas of partly wild and partly planted parkland and woods are all around. Greenery, woodland, expansive meadows and dry stone walls are always in view.
Flowing beside and through the village is The River Rothay on its way to Grasmere Lake. Its Riverside Walk is a delight. Grasmere village shares it name and south boundary with the lake and as motorboats are not permitted it adds a tranquil feeling for visitors.
Cultural History of Grasmere and the Area
The spectacular landscape of the Vale of Grasmere and the Lake District hugely affected England’s best-known writers such as William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge, Thomas de Quincy, and John Ruskin. Their work kick started early tourism with Victorian visitors seeking out the beauty and inspiration of the landscape and nature, fresh mountain air, and rambles on the fells.
The Lake District also influenced and inspired children’s authors Beatrix Potter, Arthur Ransome and John Cunliffe creator of Postman Pat books and TV series.
And influential Lakes writer Alfred Wainwright produced many pictorial fell walking guides. Grasmere and its famous fell Helm Crag (also known as The Lion and Lamb) is featured in his guide from 1958 The Central Fells.
To experience and reimagine William Wordsworth, visit the inspiring Wordsworth Grasmere to see Dove Cottage and Garden just as when William and his family lived 1799-1808. Further discoveries at the adjacent Museum explore this era to reveal how the Vale of Grasmere was described by Wordsworth as “paradise”.
Nearby Walks
The village provides the perfect starting point for gentle strolls along the river Rothay and lakesides of Grasmere and Rydal Water, or rambles to Easedale or Alcock Tarns. If you’re feeling energetic, you might be tempted to take on such famous walks as Loughrigg Fell, Silver Howe and Helm Crag. Rising close to the village are the impressive ‘Fairfield Horseshoe’, Helvellyn and the Langdale mountains – keen fell walkers are spoilt for choice.
Links to Useful Information
- Grasmere Riverside walk “Miles without Stiles”
- Grasmere White Moss Common walk “Miles without Stiles”
- Walks in Grasmere
- Wordsworth Grasmere – Dove Cottage and Museum
- National Trust Allan Bank Grasmere- William Wordsworth
- Grasmere Gingerbread
- Sam Read
- Heaton Cooper Studio
- Heaton Cooper Mathilde’s Cafe
- National Trust Wordsworth’s House and Garden
- Rydal Mount – William Wordsworth’s final home
- National Trust – Townend near Windermere
- Holehird Gardens Windermere
- Coniston Museum -Arthur Ransome, Donald Campbell & Bluebird, Ruskin
- John Ruskin’s home near Coniston
- National Trust Tarn Hows and Coniston
- Follow in the Steps of Beatrix Potter
- National Trust Beatrix Potter home Hill Top
- Beatrix Potter – Hawkshead village
- Alfred Wainwright
- Getting to The Lake District
- Plan Your Visit in The Lake District National Park (LDNP)
- LDNP Tips – What to Wear and Take on Walks
- LDNP – Historical Houses and Gardens
- LDNP – Picnic Spots
- Explore the Lake District without a Car
- Explore the Lakes by Bus
National Park Information Centres
Our friendly knowledgeable Information Centre staff are happy to help you make the most of your stay and can help guide you through attractions in the Lake District. Our information Centres include Keswick, Bowness and Ullswater.
Services include:
-
- Free WiFi
- Information on national and local attractions
- Route finding advice for road, rail or bus
- Advice on walking and cycling
- Maps, books, touring and walking guides for sale
- A range of gifts and souvenirs
Book your Stay
Check our online calendar today for availability and pricing to book your stay in the beautiful Lake District. A warm welcome awaits you at our luxury holiday home in Grasmere.
