Grasmere – the poetic heart of the Lakes, where William and Dorothy Wordsworth lived and taught. The old schoolhouse is now the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop, the perfect spot for a bit of a treat before heading out for the day.

St. Oswald’s Church sits across the street and over the bridge from Bridge House. It is the final resting place of William Wordsworth. Founded in 642 by St. Oswald, the church plays a significant role in the history of the area. 

Few local bookshops can boast the impressive selection and local knowledge of Sam Read Booksellers. The shop sits just off the main road through Grasmere, and provides well-known bestsellers as well as a fantastic range of resources for exploring the Lakes.

Wordsworth’s former home in Grasmere, Allan Bank, is now part of the National Trust. Beautiful grounds and gardens support the poet’s own statement – that here, in Grasmere, was “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

The 1769 Bar and Restaurant occupies the heart of the Inn at Grasmere, located in the heart of the village. Eat at the 1769 Bar, and join the long tradition of Lakes District visitors going back centuries.

Near Grasmere

The closest village to Grasmere is Ambleside, which boasts a number of attractions of its own. Foremost among those is Lake Windermere, the largest natural freshwater lake in England.

Between the two villages sits Dove Cottage, Wordsworth’s first home in Grasmere. Today you can visit the cottage and a dedicated visitor’s center. 

Beyond Grasmere

Grasmere rests in the South Lakes region, headlined by the beautiful Lake Windermere. Towns and villages in the district include Ambleside, Windermere, and Troutbeck, among numerous others. Cafes and shops abound, as well as activities ranging from exploring old castles to modern water sports and boating. Visitors can take in the huge range of gardens, highlighted by Beatrix Potter’s own Hilltop.

Walks and Hikes

The peaks of the hills and fells of the Lakes offer truly breathtaking views. It’s no wonder that walking the hills and fells of the Lakes District is an activity as old as human history, and one that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The walks themselves vary tremendously, some easily accessible to nearly everyone and others best suited only for experienced hikers. There are countless guides available, including some like A. Wainright’s Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells that are works of art themselves.

In and around Grasmere, one of the best walks is the beginner-friendly Grasmere to Alcock Tarn walk. The walk starts and ends from the village itself, perhaps even from the Alcock Veranda at Bridge House.