Tag: Cumbria

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

Paola Tambo2 Comments

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.

  • A beautiful Grasmere farmhouse

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.

  • Grasmere’s Village Center

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.

  • The Peter Rabbit and Friends shop

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.

  • St. Oswald’s Church

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.

  • The graves of the Wordsworth family

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.

  • View of the village from the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

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.

  • The Grasmere Gingerbread shop

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.

  • Partial view of the River Rothay

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.

You can book your visit to Dove Cottage here

  • Dove Cottage

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

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.

  • Grasmere Town End

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.

  • View from Grasmere’s parking lot

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)

Paola Tambo3 Comments

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.

  • View of Ambleside upon arrival

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.

  • Four different streets join together in this intersection—Rothay Road, Compston Road, Church St, and Kelsick Road

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!

  • The Bridge House

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.

  • The exterior of the Golden Rule Pub

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.

  • Partial view of North Road

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.

  • The old mill

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!

  • Partial view of Bridge Street
  • A sign located at the end of the hidden alleyway, prompting guests to bend or bump their heads!

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!