What is Grasmere famous for?

If you really want to get to know William Wordsworth (and the other Lake Poets), then a trip to Wordsworth Grasmere, the museum dedicated to his life and work is a must. There you can look at his handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters and personal items, and go up the viewing station and look out over Grasmere Vale and the landscape that inspired him.

There are regular readings, activities and exhibitions, and you can also visit Dove Cottage (included in your ticket price), where he lived for nine years and wrote many of his most famous poems.

When the family outgrew Dove Cottage, they moved into Allan Bank – now owned by the National Trust, before finally settling at Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s favourite home, staying there with his family for 46 years. It’s still owned by the Wordsworth family to this day.

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Town End
Grasmere
LA22 9PP

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Of course, Wordsworth’s most famous poem is ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud’, which he was inspired to write after seeing the daffodils along the shore of Ullswater when out for a walk with his sister, Dorothy.

In Grasmere you’ll find the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden – a lovely, peaceful spot to walk around and admire the blooms and read the names engraved into the stone path as you wend your way along.

Grasmere
LA22 9SW

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Once home to Wordsworth, Allan Bank is now owned by the National Trust and these days contains a gallery and indoor mural space.

Its main claim to fame is the surrounding woodland with its walks, secret hideaways, and stunning views of the lake and fells.

If you’re lucky, the chance to spot a scampering red squirrel or two. So, pour yourself a cuppa (it’s free and self-service once you’ve paid your entry fee), settle down on one of the benches in the garden – and wait.

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Grasmere
LA22 9QB

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Sitting peacefully by the banks of the River Rothay, medieval St Oswald’s Church is notable for being the oldest building in Grasmere and Wordsworth’s final resting place. He is buried in the churchyard, along with his wife Mary.

Inside the church you’ll see exposed beams, gorgeous 19th-centruy oak pews, colourful stained-glass windows, and memorials to the Wordsworth family.

William planted eight yew trees in the churchyard, which are still there – see if you can spot them when you visit.

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Church Stile
Grasmere
LA22 9SW

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Second only to Wordsworth in the fame stakes (maybe it’s even more famous – who can say for sure?) is the gingerbread made and sold by the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

Food-lovers travel from all around the world to get their teeth into some, and with good reason. The deliciously spicy, sweet, chewy cross between a cake and a biscuit is not like any gingerbread you will have tasted before – and Sarah Nelson’s Victorian recipe, which is still used today, is a closely guarded secret.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the queue of people outside and smell the gorgeous gingery aroma wafting down the street.

If you’re on the look out for more local delicacies, here’s our list of traditional Lake District food you may not have tried before.

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Church Cottage
Grasmere
LA22 9SW

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If you happen to find yourself in Grasmere towards the end of August, you’re in luck. Because that’s when the famous Grasmere Sports take place.

From the ancient grapple-fest that is Cumberland wrestling, to fell and running races for all levels, and hound trails and dog shows for all pooches from puppies to senior, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Held annually since 1868, this historic event attracts thousands of visitors every year, and whether you’re planning to take part or just want to go and soak up the atmosphere, a great family day out is guaranteed. With craft stalls, food stalls, music, and lots more to see and do besides, is there a better way to spend an August bank holiday in the Lake District? We don’t think so.

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Takes place in August

The Showfield
Stock Ln
Grasmere
LA22 9SL

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One of our favourite (mostly) flat walks in the Lake District, a walk round Grasmere is a must-do. You can walk close to the lake shore all the way round and treat your eyes to some lovely scenery – and it’s relatively short at only 5.1km (3.17 miles) so it won’t be too long before you’re back in the village and ready for refreshment in one of the many cafes and restaurants or a trip round the shops.

If you’re not quite ready to head back to the village yet, our tip is to venture away from the lake shore route and head up to Loughrigg Terrace, where you can grab yourself a splendid view over Grasmere and the surrounding fells.

And, if you’ve still got the energy, you can also extend the walk and visit the dramatic man-made Rydal cave on Loughrigg Fell above Rydal Water.

If your hungry for more, here’s our top easy walks you can do from Grasmere.

• Length: 5.1km (3.17 miles)
• Elevation gain: 249m
• Estimated time: 1h 45m
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