Shopping local in Grasmere

Whether you’re staying in self-catering accommodation and need a grocery shop, or simply looking to take back a Lake District souvenir there a few little shops in and around Grasmere to suit your needs.

  • Grasmere Gingerbread

Open everyday 9:15am- 4:30pm

Grasmere Gingerbread is a world famous gingerbread shop situated in the centre of Grasmere village. The shop building dates back to 1630 and was a village school for over 200 years. In 1854, it became the home of Sarah Nelson’s word famous Grasmere Gingerbread. Sarah was a Victorian cook who invented the Grasmere Gingerbread secret recipe at her quaint cottage home, selling it to visitors and locals from her front door. The secret recipe is still baked and served from the same cottage today and is the only place in the world where Grasmere Gingerbread is made and sold. Andrew Hunter, who runs the shop today alongside his wife, is the only person in the world who knows the exact ingredients which he prepares each morning. A visit to Grasmere is never complete without trying its famous gingerbread! The shop also sells ‘Sarah’s Comfort Coffee’, homemade Cumberland Rum Butter and Ginger Curd, ‘Sarah’s Seville Orange & Whisky Marmalade’ alongside other homemade chutneys, toffees and souvenirs.

  • Herdy Grasmere

Open everyday 10am-5:30pm

Herdy is a Lake District business launched in 2007 selling brand merchandise, homeware, clothing, bags and accessories, stationary, crafts and baby gifts. Lakeland’s important Herdwick Sheep initially inspired Herdy, with the famous logo now recognised across the Lake District as the cute and lovable character from the lakes, spreading smiles happiness and fun. Shopping at Herdy’s is guilt-free with the brand using funds to support sustainable rural communities and upland fell farming projects!

  • Beck Steps Gift Shop 

Open everyday 10am-5pm

Beck Steps Gallery and Gift Shop is an independent business run by husband and wife team Matthew and Caroline, alongside their friendly staff. The gallery stocks original, high quality art and craftwork sourced from Cumbrian artists. Visitors can buy a range of items as gifts or as a treat for themselves, including ceramics, paintings, prints, sculptures, local slate products, jewellery, furniture, hand-painted textiles, silk scarves and more. Treat yourself even more with a delicious ice cream served from the shop window!

  • Lakes Crafts & Antiques Gallery 

Open everyday 10am-5pm

Established 25 years ago, Lakes Crafts & Antiques Gallery is a unique shop in Grasmere’s village centre set in a traditional, Lakeland slate building selling a wide selection of gifts and collectables. The ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of Grasmere, the shop sells everything from clothing, furniture, paintings and artwork, musical instruments, bespoke jams and relishes, cards, jewellery and old collectables such as pre-loved Lake District books and vintage items. 

  • Sam Read’s Bookshop 

Open Monday-Friday 1pm-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-1pm then 1:30pm- 5pm

The Lake District has been the home and inspiration for many famous authors and poets such as William Wordsworth, Arthur Ransome and Beatrix Potter, so it’s only natural a trip here may involve visiting a traditional bookshop! Sam Read’s Bookshop is an independent store, which has been selling books since 1887 on the Grasmere village green. A wealthy Victorian named Sam Read founded the shop, later passing it on to his daughter, Helen who ran the store until the 1950s.  Although the original family no longer owns the shop, it has kept its famous, aptly name for obvious reasons! The award-winning bookstore sells a range of fiction and non-fiction books including works from historic authors such as Beatrix Potter, to new local talent such as poems by Paul Farley. 

  • Grasmere Chocolate Cottage

Open Monday-Friday 10:30am-4:30pm, Saturdays 10am-5pm, Sundays 10:30am-4:30pm

Grasmere Chocolate Cottage is a small business first set up by locals Richard and Angela Barker, who used their stunning surroundings as inspiration for chocolate making. Their tasty treats are made from the finest Belgian chocolate, Lakeland cream and other special ingredients. The shop offers individual, handcrafted chocolates, chocolate boxes, gift hampers and vegan-friendly chocolates too!

  • Grasmere Garden Village 

Open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-6pm, Sundays 11am-5pm  (Winter may effect these hours)

Grasmere Garden Village is the ideal place to find a gift for your green-fingered friends or some beautiful blooms for yourself! The centre offers a vast range of products such as bedding plants, evergreen shrubs, bulbs and quality garden supplies alongside gifts inspired by the area including books, canvas paintings, clothing, stationary and crockery. Once you’ve explored the stunning range the garden village has to offer, enjoy a bite to eat or drink in the centre’s own Potting Shed Café.

  • Barneys Newsbox Gifts & Jigsaws 

Open Monday-Saturday 6:45am-5pm, Sundays 9am-5pm

A unique shop on Broadgate in Grasmere, Barneys Newsbox Gifts & Jigsaws is a labyrinth of jigsaw puzzles and gifts, with jam-packed shelves you could get lost in! The quirky store sells an endless range of jigsaw puzzles alongside toys and Lakeland souvenirs. Some of the jigsaws available are inspired by the local area and include artwork of famous Lake District locations.