10 Lovely Things to Do in Grasmere, Cumbria (2026 Travel Guide)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through my links, at no extra cost to you.

The village of Grasmere is one of the most beloved destinations in Cumbria and the Lake District. It is especially famous as the home of English Romantic poet William Wordsworth, who lived here in the early nineteenth century. Today, Grasmere draws visitors from all over the world thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, independent shops, cozy tearooms, and unique places to stay.

Although many of Grasmere’s village buildings date from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the surrounding farms and St Oswald’s Church are much older, giving the village a timeless, storybook feel. From the moment you arrive, you are surrounded by green fields, stone cottages, and sweeping fell views.

Early spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit, when daffodils begin to bloom, the air is crisp, and the crowds are lighter than in peak summer.

10 Lovely Things to Do in Grasmere

Grasmere is full of quiet beauty and gentle experiences. Here are some of the most popular and rewarding things to include in your Grasmere itinerary.

1. Wander Around the Village Centre

Grasmere’s village centre is lined with charming stone buildings, gift shops, cafés, and traditional inns. It is the perfect place to begin exploring. One popular stop includes the Chocolate Cottage for handmade treats. Near the centre, you will also find a lovely wishing well whose proceeds support local and national charities.

To find accommodation nearby, check these options through Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia.

2. Visit the Peter Rabbit and Friends Shop

A visit to Grasmere would not be complete without stopping at the Peter Rabbit and Friends Shop. This is a must for fans of Beatrix Potter and her timeless stories.

Inside, you will find a wide range of gifts, books, toys, and outdoor themed products inspired by Peter Rabbit and his friends. It is especially popular with families, but also lovely for collectors and literary fans.

If you are interested in a Beatrix Potter tour or a Lake District experience, check these ones out on Viator and GetYourGuide. You can also pay a visit to the village and house where Beatrix Potter lived. You can find more information about it in this article I wrote.

3. Explore St Oswald’s Church

St Oswald’s Church is one of the most historically significant sites in Grasmere. It is named after St Oswald, the seventh century Christian king of Northumbria, who is believed to have preached on this site.

The church is best known today for its strong connection to the poet William Wordsworth, who worshipped here regularly. The interior is peaceful and welcoming, and the surrounding churchyard is one of the most atmospheric spots in the village.

4. Visit the Wordsworth Family Graves

Within St Oswald’s churchyard, follow the small sign pointing “To the Wordsworth Graves.” This leads you to the resting place of William Wordsworth, his wife Mary, his sister Dorothy, and several of their children.

The graves lie beneath the shade of ancient yew trees, some of which were planted by Wordsworth himself. It is a quiet and moving place to reflect on the poet’s life and legacy.

5. Walk Through the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

Nestled between St Oswald’s churchyard and the River Rothay is the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden. It was opened in 2003 in honour of Wordsworth’s famous poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.”

Entrance is free, but the garden raises funds to support Grasmere’s heritage. Visitors can sponsor engraved Lakeland slate stones, shrubs, or wild daffodils. In spring, this is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire village.

6. Stop at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

This tiny shop is one of Grasmere’s biggest attractions and the only place in the world where authentic Grasmere Gingerbread is made.

Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread has been baked here since 1854. Its closely guarded recipe is reportedly stored in a bank vault. The gingerbread is somewhere between a biscuit and a cake, and its warm, spicy aroma alone is reason enough to visit.

Expect queues, especially in peak season, but they move quickly and are well worth the wait.

7. Stroll Along the River Rothay

The River Rothay flows gently past the churchyard and through the edge of the village. A walk along its banks offers some of the prettiest views in Grasmere.

The footpaths here are easy, peaceful, and ideal for photography. You will see stone bridges, grazing sheep, and classic Lakeland scenery that changes beautifully with the seasons.

8. Visit Dove Cottage

In 1799, William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy settled in Dove Cottage after years of travelling. Wordsworth famously described it as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

Here he wrote some of the most important poetry in the English language, and many leading Romantic writers and artists visited him.

Today, Dove Cottage is open to the public as a museum. You can explore the rooms, gardens, and exhibitions and gain a deeper insight into Wordsworth’s life and work.

9. Walk Through Grasmere Town End

Grasmere Town End is a small hamlet that has changed very little since Wordsworth’s lifetime. Cobblestone paths, stone cottages, and traditional details such as old style lamp posts make this one of the most atmospheric areas of the village.

It is a wonderful place for slow wandering, photography, and imagining what life was like here two centuries ago.

10. Photograph the Surrounding Landscape

The natural setting of Grasmere is just as special as the village itself. Green meadows, dry stone walls, grazing sheep, and dramatic fell backdrops surround the village in every direction.

Popular walks include Red Bank Road and the footpath along the western shore of Grasmere Lake toward Rydal Water. These routes offer stunning scenery and gentle walking suitable for most visitors. If you are looking for guided hikes, scenic tours, and Lake District day trips, click here.

Where to Stay in Grasmere

Grasmere offers a wide range of accommodation options, from historic inns and family run guesthouses to luxury hotels and countryside cottages.

You can find and compare hotels, B and Bs, and holiday rentals in and around Grasmere using Booking.com, Vrbo, or Expedia.

How to Get to Grasmere

By car
Grasmere is easiest to reach by car and sits just off the A591 between Windermere and Keswick. Click here for car rental options.

By bus
Bus 599 runs between Bowness, Windermere, Rydal, and Grasmere, with frequent services in spring and summer, including open top buses.
Bus 555 runs from Lancaster and Kendal to Keswick via Grasmere.

By bike or on foot
The Grasmere Trail links Ambleside and Grasmere via Rydal Water and Grasmere Lake and is a beautiful option for walkers and cyclists.

By guided tour
Many Lake District tours include Grasmere as a stop. This is ideal if you prefer not to drive. You can find a tour that suits you through Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor.

Nearby Villages to Visit from Grasmere

One of the best things about staying in Grasmere is its central location in the Lake District. Several beautiful villages and small towns are only a short drive or bus ride away, making Grasmere an excellent base for exploring the region.

Ambleside

Just ten minutes south of Grasmere, Ambleside is one of the Lake District’s most popular villages. It is known for its lively town centre, independent shops, cosy cafés, and historic landmarks such as Bridge House and Stock Ghyll Force waterfall. Ambleside is also a major hub for lake cruises and walking routes.

Rydal and Rydal Water

Only a few minutes from Grasmere, Rydal is a tiny village set beside one of the most peaceful lakes in the district. Rydal Water is perfect for gentle walks, photography, and quiet picnics. Nearby highlights include Rydal Mount, another former home of William Wordsworth, and scenic walking paths linking Grasmere and Ambleside.

Hawkshead

About twenty five minutes away, Hawkshead is a beautifully preserved medieval village with whitewashed cottages, cobbled streets, and a strong literary history. Both William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter have close connections to Hawkshead, and it is home to the Tabitha Twitchit’s Bookshop and the Old Grammar School where Wordsworth studied.

Bowness on Windermere

Around twenty minutes from Grasmere, Bowness on Windermere sits on the shores of England’s largest lake. It is the best place for lake cruises, boat hire, waterfront walks, and family attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter. It also offers one of the widest selections of hotels, restaurants, and shops in the Lake District.

Elterwater and Little Langdale

For a quieter village experience, Elterwater and the Little Langdale valley are beautiful options. These small villages are surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and offer some of the most rewarding short walks in the central Lake District, including routes to waterfalls, tarns, and historic slate workings..

Final Thoughts

Grasmere is one of those villages that invites you to slow down. Whether you are following in the footsteps of William Wordsworth, tasting the famous gingerbread, walking beside the river, or gazing across the surrounding fells, the village offers a peaceful and deeply memorable Lake District experience.

If you are planning a trip to Cumbria, Grasmere deserves a place at the very top of your itinerary!

6 Pretty Spots to Explore in Ambleside, Cumbria (2026 Travel Guide)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a booking through my links, at no extra cost to you.

Ambleside is one of the most charming towns in the Lake District and a major visitor hub in Cumbria. Set at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is known for its stone cottages, independent shops, welcoming cafés, and easy access to some of the region’s most beautiful walking routes.

It is especially popular with walkers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its location near Grasmere, Rydal, Keswick, and Windermere. A scenic walking route also links the town directly to Lake Windermere, making it easy to combine village exploring with lakeside strolls or boat trips.

If you are planning to base yourself here, Ambleside has an excellent range of hotels, guesthouses, and self catering cottages. You can find different accommodation options through Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia.

6 Pretty Spots in Ambleside You Should Not Miss

Ambleside may be small, but it is full of photogenic corners, historic buildings, and hidden details. These six spots are some of the prettiest places to explore if you are spending a few hours in the town center.

1. The Village Sign and Four Way Junction

As you enter the heart of Ambleside, you will come across a distinctive street sign at the junction of Rothay Road, Compston Road, Church Street, and Kelsick Road.

This is a wonderful first stop for photos. From here, you can capture the character of the village while seeing four different streets meeting in one lively intersection. It is also a good orientation point before beginning your walk around town.

2. The Bridge House

The Bridge House is one of the most famous landmarks in the Lake District and is often described as the most photographed building in the National Park.

This tiny seventeenth century house sits directly over the Stock Ghyll stream. It was once used as an apple store and later as a family home. A long repeated local story says it was built over the water to avoid land tax.

During the Victorian era, it was already considered a curious relic and something every artist should sketch. Today, it remains one of the most charming and unusual sights in Ambleside. This self-guided tour is a great choice to learn more about the house and the area!

3. The Golden Rule Pub

Tucked just off the main road, the Golden Rule is a Grade II listed building and one of Ambleside’s loveliest hidden gems.

The exterior is often decorated with climbing plants and seasonal flowers, making it especially appealing for photos. Inside, it retains the cozy feel of a traditional Lakeland pub and is a great place to stop for a drink after exploring the town.

4. North Road

North Road was once the main route heading out of Ambleside toward the north of the Lake District.

Today, it remains one of the prettiest streets in the village. The narrow road is lined with whitewashed buildings and colorful blue and green doors, creating a classic English village scene that feels wonderfully preserved.

It is an ideal street for a slow walk, casual photography, and soaking in the quieter side of Ambleside away from the busiest shops.

5. The Old Mill and Giggling Goose Tea Room

Another lovely historic spot is the Old Mill, now home to the Giggling Goose Tea Room. This listed building still features its original working waterwheel, which once powered the mill in the eighteenth century.

Standing beside it, listening to the water and watching the wheel turn, feels like stepping back into an earlier era of village life. It is also a great place to stop for tea, coffee, and homemade treats.

6. Bridge Street

Bridge Street was once known as Rattle Ghyll because of the sound created by waterwheels in the area.

Today, it is one of Ambleside’s prettiest streets. From here, you can admire views of the Old Mill, browse independent shops, and find small cafés and cottages with classic white façades and soft green doors and windows.

There is also a tiny hidden alleyway along this street that many visitors miss. Just remember to mind your head, as it is famously low!

Extra Things to Do Near Ambleside

• Walking from Ambleside to Waterhead Pier and taking a Lake Windermere cruise
• Visiting Stock Ghyll Force waterfall
• Day trips to Grasmere and Rydal Mount
• Scenic drives and viewpoints across the central Lake District
Guided hiking tours and photography walks

Final Thoughts

Ambleside is much more than a base for hikes. It is a village full of small, beautiful details, historic buildings, and peaceful corners that reward slow exploration.

Whether you are passing through for the day or staying longer in the Lake District, I hope this guide helps you notice some of Ambleside’s prettiest spots and inspires you to look at the village a little differently on your next visit.

If you are planning to stay overnight, you can browse hotels, inns, and cozy cottages in Ambleside through Booking.com, Vrbo, or Expedia to find the perfect base for exploring the Lakes!

Exploring Near and Far Sawrey in the Lake District, England (2026 Travel Guide)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey are two small neighboring villages in Cumbria, England, located in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Dating back at least to the fourteenth century, these peaceful villages are best known for their traditional stone cottages, rolling farmland, and strong connection to Beatrix Potter.

Tucked between Hawkshead and the western shore of Lake Windermere, Near and Far Sawrey offer visitors a slower, more authentic Lake District experience. They are perfect for travelers who enjoy literary history, countryside walks, and quiet village exploration.

Both villages sit along the B5285 road, which connects Hawkshead to the Windermere car ferry. Because the villages are small and public transport is limited, having a car is strongly recommended. This also allows you to explore nearby attractions such as Hawkshead, Esthwaite Water, and the western lakeshore.

If you are planning to stay overnight, there are charming guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages nearby. Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia are excellent places to search for accommodation in or near Near Sawrey.

Exploring Near Sawrey

Arriving in Near Sawrey feels like stepping into a classic English countryside scene. On one side of the road you will see open green fields and grazing sheep. On the other, a line of whitewashed and stone cottages, some operating as inns and bed and breakfasts, others still private homes.

There is public parking near the Sawrey House Hotel and Restaurant, which is convenient if you are visiting for the day. There is also very limited parking near Hill Top, but spaces fill quickly, especially in peak season.

Hill Top Farm

The main reason most visitors come to Near Sawrey is Hill Top, the former home of beloved author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. This seventeenth century farmhouse is a beautiful example of traditional Lakeland architecture.

Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905, and many rooms were the inspiration for scenes in her books. Before her death, she left the property to the National Trust. Today, it is a Grade II listed building and operates as a writer’s house museum, preserved much as she would have known it.

Inside, you can see original furniture, personal belongings, and rooms that appear almost exactly as they did when she lived there. Outside, the cottage garden is just as charming, filled with flowers, vegetables, and quiet corners to enjoy.

Hill Top also has a gift shop and an independent café serving baked goods, savory snacks, locally roasted coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. If you would like to visit Hill Top as part of a guided tour, you can check these options. Otherwise, you can book your tickets through the original website.

Walking Along the B5285

After visiting Hill Top, take time to walk along the B5285 road. This stretch is one of the most scenic parts of the village. Dry stone walls border the road, cottages dot the landscape, and open fields roll into the distance.

In spring and summer, the area is especially beautiful, with daffodils, wildflowers, and colorful cottage gardens lining the route. This short walk alone makes Near Sawrey worth visiting.

Stones Lane and Countryside Views

As you continue through the village, you will come across Stones Lane. Along this small road you will find a few local services, more accommodation options, and a quieter residential feel.

Walking up Stones Lane leads you away from the cottages and into open countryside. Follow the path bordered by old stone walls, and you will reach a viewpoint where the village fades behind you and farmland stretches out ahead.

This is a peaceful dirt track where you can often see sheep and cows grazing. It connects to additional footpaths that lead beyond the village and into the surrounding Lake District countryside, making it ideal for gentle walks and photography.

Tower Bank Arms

After exploring, the Tower Bank Arms is the perfect place to stop for a meal. Located right next to Hill Top, this historic inn is full of character and offers classic pub dishes alongside local drinks.

Whether you stop for lunch, dinner, or just a warm drink, it is a wonderful place to rest and soak in the atmosphere.

Exploring Far Sawrey

Far Sawrey is even quieter than Near Sawrey and feels more spread out across fields and country lanes. Most buildings date from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries and are surrounded by irregularly shaped farmland.

Public footpaths connect the village to the surrounding countryside, making it a lovely base for scenic walks toward Lake Windermere, Esthwaite Water, and the Claife Heights area.

St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church was completed in 1869 and built from local stone in the Early English style. Although the parish itself has only around 150 permanent residents, the church is surprisingly large and seats about 400 people.

Visitors are welcome to attend services or simply step inside to admire the architecture and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Claife Viewing Station

One of the highlights near Far Sawrey is Claife Viewing Station. These atmospheric ruins once formed part of a residence where each room had differently colored glass windows, designed to change the appearance of the landscape with the seasons.

From Claife, there are gentle walking paths along the western shore of Lake Windermere, offering beautiful lake and mountain views. The area is ideal for relaxed lakeside walks and photography.

There is also an independent café nearby serving baked goods, light meals, and hot drinks, making this a pleasant place to pause during your walk.

Why Visit Near and Far Sawrey

Near and Far Sawrey are perfect for travelers looking to experience the quieter, more traditional side of the Lake District. With literary history, historic churches, scenic footpaths, and timeless village charm, these villages offer a peaceful contrast to busier towns like Bowness and Ambleside.

They are ideal for Beatrix Potter fans, slow travelers, couples, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in English countryside life.

8 Best Things to Do in Bowness on Windermere, Lake District (2026 Guide)

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking or purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating detailed travel guides.

Bowness on Windermere is the most popular and lively visitor town in the Lake District National Park. Sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, this charming town has been attracting travelers since the Victorian era, when the railway arrived in 1847 and transformed the area into one of Britain’s first holiday destinations.

Today, visitors come to Bowness on Windermere for scenic boat cruises, watersports, lakeside walks, historic churches, family attractions, and easy access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Lake District.

Whether you are visiting for a few hours or staying for several days, these are some of the best things to do in Bowness on Windermere to include in your itinerary.

If you are planning to stay overnight, you will find everything from boutique hotels with lake views to cozy guesthouses and self catering apartments. Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia all offer excellent accommodation options in and around Bowness on Windermere.

1. Wander Along Main Road and the Town Center

Main Road forms the heart of Bowness on Windermere and is the perfect place to start your visit. This lively street is lined with independent shops, traditional pubs, cozy cafés, souvenir stores, and restaurants serving everything from classic fish and chips to elegant afternoon tea.

It is also where you will find tour offices, boat cruise piers, and easy access to the lakeshore. Wandering through the town center is one of the best ways to soak up the holiday atmosphere and discover local food and drink.

This area is also ideal if you want to stay within walking distance of the lake. You can browse hotels and apartments near Main Road through Booking.com or Vrbo to find the best location for your trip.

2. Visit St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church has stood proudly in Bowness since 1848 and is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Inside, you will find lovely stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a quiet escape from the busier parts of town.

It is well worth stepping inside to admire the craftsmanship and to learn more about the town’s Victorian heritage. You can find opening days and times here.

3. Enjoy a Lakeside Picnic or Scenic Stroll

One of the simplest and most rewarding things to do in Bowness on Windermere is to spend time along the shore of Lake Windermere. You can pick up picnic supplies from local shops on Main Road and enjoy lunch with uninterrupted lake views, or simply take a leisurely walk along the waterfront.

On a clear day, the reflections of the surrounding fells on the water are truly beautiful. Lakeside strolls are especially lovely in the early morning or early evening when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner.

If you enjoy photography, this area offers endless opportunities for capturing classic Lake District scenery.

4. Admire The Belsfield Hotel

The Belsfield Hotel is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Bowness. Originally built in 1845 as the private home of industrialist Henry Schneider, it is now an award winning hotel set within six acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere.

Even if you are not staying here, it is worth walking past or stopping to admire the architecture and lake views. If you are looking for a luxury stay in the Lake District, this is also a wonderful property to check on Booking.com or Expedia.

5. Explore St Martin’s Church and the Old Village of Lowside

St Martin’s Church is the parish church of Bowness and dates back to 1483, making it one of the town’s oldest surviving buildings. Inside, you will find fascinating historic details including a thirteenth century font, a seventeenth century oak chest, ancient books, and a collection of beautiful stained glass windows.

Behind the church lies Lowside, the oldest part of Bowness on Windermere. Wandering through this small area gives you a sense of what the village was like before the arrival of the railway, when it was a quiet lakeside settlement.

This is a lovely spot for slower exploration and photography.

6. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

The World of Beatrix Potter is one of the most popular family attractions in the Lake District and a must visit for fans of her stories. The exhibition brings her books to life with beautifully recreated scenes, beloved characters, and an outdoor Peter Rabbit garden.

There is also a themed café and a well known gift shop. It is an especially good stop if you are visiting Bowness with children or are interested in literary history.

Tickets and guided experiences can often be booked in advance through Tripadvisor , which is recommended during busy seasons.

7. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Windermere

A cruise on Lake Windermere is one of the most iconic experiences in the Lake District. From Bowness pier, you can board traditional steamers or modern cruise boats that travel between Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside.

Boat trips offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, wooded shorelines, and grand lakeside houses. Many cruises allow you to hop on and off, making them a great way to explore multiple towns in one day.

You can also hire your own rowboat, motorboat, or electric boat if you prefer a more independent experience.

Boat cruises, day passes, and guided lake tours can be booked through Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor.

8. Walk to Orrest Head for Panoramic Views

Orrest Head is one of the most famous viewpoints in the Lake District and one of the easiest summit walks in the area. The trail begins near Windermere town, about a twenty minute walk from Bowness, and is suitable for most fitness levels.

At the top, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. It is a fantastic spot for photos and a wonderful way to experience classic Lake District scenery without a long hike.

Guided walking tours and nature experiences that include Orrest Head are sometimes available through Viator and GetYourGuide.

How to Get to Bowness on Windermere

By car
Windermere is located along the A591, which connects the southern Lake District with Keswick.

By train
Windermere railway station is centrally located and served by Northern Rail from Manchester, with additional connections via Oxenholme Lake District station.

By bus
Several bus routes serve Windermere and Bowness, including Stagecoach services 555, 505, 599, 755, and route 6.

If you are arriving from Manchester or another major airport, you can also arrange private transfers through Welcome Pickups or Kiwitaxi.

Nearby Places to Add to Your Itinerary

Ambleside

Ambleside is a beautiful Lake District town just north of Bowness, known for its stone bridges, walking routes, independent shops, and excellent cafés and restaurants.

Grasmere

Grasmere is famous for its literary connections to William Wordsworth and for the iconic Grasmere Gingerbread. It is a wonderful stop for village charm, lakeside walks, and historic sites.

Both towns are easily reached by boat, bus, or car and pair perfectly with a stay in Bowness on Windermere.