Things to do in Grasmere…

Grasmere is a quaint little village in the heart of the Lake District named after its adjacent lake and made popular by the famous Lakes Poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the village between 1799 and 1808. Today, Grasmere is a bustling tourist destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy… 

  • Dove Cottage

William Wordsworth loved Grasmere, so much so that he moved to Town End in 1799 residing in the pretty white Dove Cottage. The cottage dates back to the 17th century and served an Inn named the ‘Dove and Olive’ for over 170 years. Wordsworth makes reference to the public house in his poem ‘The Waggoner.’ The poet lived here for eight years during which he married his childhood sweetheart Mary Hutchinson and had three children together. The poet designed the gardens around the cottage himself and they are still well maintained to reflect the wild appearance he favoured today. The Grade I listed cottage was purchased by the Wordsworth Trust in 1890 and opened up as a tourist attraction, remaining a popular spot today, welcoming over 70,000 visitors. Take a step into Wordsworth’s world and have a wonder around his rooms, which have been beautifully preserved and display exhibits telling a different story about the poet’s life and describing the inspirations behind his famous works.

  • The Wordsworth Museum

A recent addition to the little hamlet of Town End, the Wordsworth Museum opened in 2020 and is suitably placed beside Dove Cottage. The new museum tells the story of Wordsworth’s creative life through a collection of handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poetry and personal items. There are interactive activities for all the family including a working printing press, quill and ink writing and a Viewing Station looking over Grasmere Vale, which Wordsworth described as ‘paradise.’ 

  • Lake Grasmere

Grasmere is a small, picturesque lake around 1 mile long and houses a little island in the middle of the water. Unfortunately, the island is privately owned by the National Trust and is not open to the public. However, the lake is open for wild swimming, kayaking and boating activities, which can be hired from Faeryland on the lakeshore. There is also a footpath surrounding the lake although part of it involves walking on the A591 road along the east side.

  • Allan Bank

Allan Bank in Grasmere is a large house, which was once home to William Wordsworth. Once the poet and his wife Mary had their three children, the couple moved to Allan Bank from Dove Cottage in 1808 seeking a larger space for the growing family. Wordsworth initially thought the building was an eyesore when it was being built, favouring the pretty Dove Cottage. The house itself is perched on a rocky hillside above Grasmere village and is a Grade II listed building now owned by the National Trust. The houses exterior is quite plain, painted in white and resembles the Italianate style of architecture. However, the buildings surroundings are anything but plain, boasting stunning woodland and gardens, which are renowned for their rare red squirrel population. The house and grounds are open for the public to explore, providing plenty of stunning walks and picnic spots! 

  • Rydal Mount and Gardens 

Another one of William Wordsworth stunning homes in the nearby Rydal Village, Rydal Mount is a character filled building dating back to 1574 with some parts of the house, such as the dining room, surviving from when it was an old Tudor cottage. The poet lived here from 1813 to 1850 and the house it still owned by the Wordsworth family now. The beautiful four-acre garden remains much how Wordsworth designed it, consisting of rare shrubs, fell-side terraces and rock pools. Views of both Grasmere and Windermere can be seen from the hillside grounds where Wordsworth built his ‘Writing Hut.’ Despite being still owned by the poet’s descendants, the house and gardens are open for the public to explore. 

  • Rydal Cave

A short distance away from Grasmere, Rydal Cave is a disused quarry carved within the slopes of Loughrigg Fell above Rydal Water. The cave is free to explore and accessible via a short, steep walk from White Moss car park. There are a number of handy stepping-stones leading into the caves to avoid getting your feet wet! If you wish to extend your exploration after visiting the cave, continue on to the summit of Loughrigg Fell above the quarry. 

  • Rydal Hall

Around 10 minutes away from Grasmere on the outskirts of Rydal Village stands the 16th century Rydal Hall. The Grade II listed building is a large house, which was once home to the le Fleming family. Over the years the house has been added to and now reflects a 19th century façade with a Victorian south range. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens set against natural woodland. Exploring the gardens leads to a little hidden gem; a waterfall leading down to the oldest ‘viewing house’ in the country known as the Grott, dating back to 1669. 

  • Mountain Walking 

Grasmere is popular amongst hikers due to its location surrounded by stunning fells. The village is a starting point for popular Wainwrights including Helm Crag, Bowfell, Fairfield and the Helvellyn range.