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The village of Grasmere is one of Cumbria’s most popular villages, especially thanks to English poet William Wordsworth, who lived here in the early 1800s. Today, Grasmere attracts tourists from all over the world with its gorgeous green landscapes, good variety of gift shops, delicious places to eat, and unique stays. Although most of Grasmere’s buildings date from the 19th and early 20th Century, the farms around the village are much older, including its church.

10 Lovely Things to Do in Grasmere, Cumbria

From the moment you enter the village, you are captivated by Grasmere’s green spaces and beauty. Early spring seems to be the perfect time to wander around the village, with the weather usually being in perfect conditions and the crowds reduced to a handful of people.

Grasmere is a village full of peace and charm around every corner. Following, is a list of the most popular and lovely things to do in the village of Grasmere:

Take a Walk around the Village centre

The village centre of Grasmere is aligned with beautiful shops and restaurants, all revealing the typical stone buildings characteristic of the area. One popular shop in the village centre is the Chocolate Cottage, where hand crafted chocolates are made, and The Good Sport tearoom, where Grasmere’s beer and distilled gins are sold and food is served all day. The village centre also counts with a beautiful “wishing well,” which destines all its proceedings to national and local charities.

Stop by the Peter Rabbit and Friends Shop

The Peter Rabbit and Friends Shop is another must-see when in Grasmere, especially for those that love Beatrix Potter and the stories she wrote. Here you can find a wide range of products for children and families centered around Peter Rabbit and Friends. The merchandise is focused on families, the great outdoors, education, and fun activities!

Visit the St. Oswald’s Church

The church earned its name after St Oswald, a 7th century Christian king of Northumberland, who is said to have preached on this site. Today, the St Oswald’s church is mostly known because of its association with poet William Wordsworth, who worshipped frequently in this place and is buried in the churchyard along with his family.

Find the Wordsworth Graves at the St. Oswald’s Churchyard

Upon entering the churchyard from the main street, you will encounter a sign with the inscription “To the Wordsworth Graves.” Follow the arrow and you will be directed to the place where William Wordsworth now rests alongside his wife, children, sister, and others close to them. The graves lie in the shade of a yew tree, one of eight planted by the poet himself.

Visit the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

Nestled between  St. Oswald’s churchyard and the River Rothay, lies the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden. The garden opened in 2003 in honor of Wordsworth’s famous poem ‘The Daffodils’. Although entrance to the garden is FREE, its object is to raise funds to promote the heritage of Grasmere and its traditional customs, and visitors may sponsor a personally engraved Lakeland slate paving stone, a shrub, or a wild daffodil.

Stop by the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

This is the ONLY place in the world where delicious Grasmere Gingerbread is made and sold. Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread has been around since 1854 and its ingredients, methods of mixing, and baking are so unique and special, the original 150-year-old recipe is stored away in a bank vault! For this reason (on top of its delicious taste), trying the wonderful Grasmere Gingerbread is a must-do when in Grasmere!

Go on a Stroll bordering the River Rothay

The river Rothay is a spate river of the Lake District and, in Grasmere, it flows close to the churchyard where the poet Wordsworth is buried. The views from the paths bordering the river are simply stunning, and definitely worth capturing.

Visit Dove Cottage

In 1799, after years of wandering, the poet William Wordsworth returned to his native Lake District to make a home with his sister Dorothy. The Wordsworths chose Dove Cottage, and Wordsworth himself described his new home and the garden surrounding it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”. Here he wrote some of the most famous poetry in the English language, and well-known Romantic poets and artists would come to stay. Today, visitors can enter Dove Cottage and experience for themselves the place that inspired William to write his famous poems.

You can book your visit to Dove Cottage here

You can also book a William Wordsworth morning half-day tour with an expert guide HERE!

Walk along Grasmere Town End

Grasmere Town End is a hamlet that has changed little since Wordsworth’s time filled with architectural and historic character. Marvel at the cobbled streets, cute homes, quaint window displays, and oil lamp posts around this area. You will definitely feel as if you have been taken back in time!

Photograph the Beautiful Landscape

The views of the landscape from Grasmere are simply stunning. Soak in the view of green pastures and grazing sheep, and let the beauty of this place fill your soul. Popular walks around Grasmere include following Red Bank Road, and then the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water.

Accommodation

Find the perfect accommodation option for you and your budget in the village of Grasmere through Booking.com!

Transportation

The most convenient way to reach the village of Grasmere is by car.

There is also Bus Service 599, which runs between Bowness, Windermere, Rydal and Grasmere. In summertime, the bus runs up to every 20 minutes with an open top service.

Bus Service 555 is another option, running from Lancaster and Kendal to Keswick via Grasmere and Rydal.

If you are cycling or walking, you can go on the Grasmere Trail which links Ambleside and Grasmere via the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere.

Last but not least, you can book a tour of the Lake District and visit Grasmere with your tour guide HERE!