Arguably the most famous village in the Lake District, Grasmere is a place of immense natural beauty and rich literary history. Nestled in a stunning valley and surrounded by fells, it's a must-visit destination for its connections to the poet William Wordsworth and, of course, the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread.
Things to Do & Getting There
Attractions & Activities
Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum: Step back in time at Wordsworth's beautifully preserved first family home. The adjacent world-class museum offers a fascinating insight into the poet's life and work.
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: No visit is complete without queuing for this world-famous treat. Baked to a secret recipe since 1854, it's a unique spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and a cake.
St. Oswald's Church: Visit the Wordsworth family graves in the peaceful churchyard, which sits beside the River Rothay.
Walks for All: Enjoy a gentle stroll around Grasmere lake or tackle the more challenging ascent of Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb) for spectacular views over the valley.
Getting There
By Car: Grasmere is located on the main A591 road that runs through the heart of the Lake District, connecting Ambleside and Keswick. Parking in the village is limited and can be very busy.
By Public Transport: The nearest train station is Windermere. From there, the 555 and 599 bus services run regularly, providing a scenic and convenient link to Grasmere.
Where to Eat
The Good Sport: A popular and historic pub offering classic pub fare, real ales, and a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect after a long walk.
Tweedies Bar: Known for its huge selection of craft beers and a fantastic, vibrant beer garden, Tweedies also serves excellent food.
Lucia's Coffee + Bakehouse: A great spot for artisan coffee, delicious cakes, and light lunches, with a lovely sunny terrace.
Where to Stay
Holiday Cottages: Grasmere is the perfect place for a traditional Lakeland experience. Renting one of the many charming holiday cottages allows you to immerse yourself in village life.
Hotels: The village is home to some truly beautiful hotels, from grand, historic country houses with spas to more contemporary choices with stunning views.
Guesthouses: For a warm welcome and a personal touch, you'll find a fantastic selection of friendly guesthouses and B&Bs, perfect for a cosy and authentic stay.
Walks from Grasmere
Easedale Tarn
One of the most popular walks from Grasmere, this route follows the beautiful Easedale Beck up to a stunningly picturesque tarn nestled in a dramatic mountain amphitheatre. It's a perfect spot for a picnic.
Explore Easedale TarnSilver How
For breathtaking views over Grasmere village and the lake, the walk up Silver How is a fantastic choice. It's a relatively short but steep climb that delivers a panorama stretching from the Langdale Pikes to Fairfield.
Discover Silver HowAlcock Tarn
A shorter but rewarding walk from the heart of Grasmere. The climb is steep in places, but you'll be rewarded with magnificent views over Grasmere and Rydal Water from the peaceful Alcock Tarn.
Visit Alcock TarnTours from Grasmere
With its central location, Grasmere is an excellent base for exploring the wider Lake District. These guided tours allow you to discover the literary landscapes and stunning scenery that inspired Wordsworth and many others.