Things to do in Grasmere on a rainy day… 

The Lake District is renowned for its wet weather, with rainy days often being the norm! Although we encourage you not to let the rain put you off, here are some ideas for things to do when heavy rain is really spoiling your outdoor plans… 

• Spa Day

We know you mainly visit the Lake District to get outdoors, but for the days where your feet need a rest, or the weather is looking a bit grim, why not treat yourself to a spa day? The Wordsworth Hotel and Spa in Grasmere is the ultimate place to enjoy a day of luxury boasting a fine dining restaurant and a holistic spa.

• Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum

For a rainy day out indoors, head to Town End to explore the first home of William Wordsworth. The poet 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 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. Afterwards, head next door to the newly established Wordsworth Museum to learn more about Grasmere’s past and connections to the Lake Poet.

• Rydal Mount

When the weather is too bleak to be outside, watch the rain fall upon the 16th century windows of Rydal Mount house; one of four Grasmere homes lived in by the famous poet William Wordsworth.  This home was one of the poets most loved, so much so he lived here from 1813 until his death in 1850 at the age of 80. The traditional, character filled house sits in the nearby Rydal Village, overlooking Rydal Water and providing views of both Grasmere and Windermere. The building itself dates back to 1574 with some parts of the house, such as the dining room, surviving from when it was originally an old Tudor cottage. The poet lived here from 1813 to 1850 and the house it still owned by the Wordsworth family now. Despite being still owned by the poet’s descendants, the house is open for the public to explore and contains a selection of the family’s prized possessions and portraits.

• Heaton Cooper Studio

Ideal for art lovers, the Heaton Cooper Studio is a famous art gallery, café and art shop, which was originally established in 1905 by landscape artist Alfred Heaton Cooper. Alfred’s artistic son William Heaton Cooper went on to build the Grasmere studio in 1938, which become a popular visitors attraction due to the artists influential paintings in his book ‘Hills of Lakeland.’  The studio is still booming today, hosting exhibitions of the family’s work alongside other local and popular artists. The indoor studio is a great way to escape the rain and stock up on art supplies in the shop, view stunning exhibits and sculptures and treat yourself to a coffee and cake in Mathilde’s café!

• Waterfall Walks

If the weather isn’t too dangerous, head up onto the fell side and see Sourmilk Ghyll in its full glory, falling from Easedale Tarn. The waterfall is most impressive after rainfall, showcasing a full, roaring series of water crashing into the rock pool below. The path up also has a series of little falls flowing along the trail.