Tag: English villages

Top 8 Day Trips from London by Train

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links

London is bursting with energy, but sometimes, a change of scenery is just what you need to recharge. Fortunately, the UK’s rail network makes it incredibly easy to escape the capital for a day—no car or overnight stay required! Whether you’re after rolling countryside, medieval charm, or coastal breezes, these eight destinations offer the perfect antidote to city life.

Here are 8 wonderful day trips from London by train—each under 2 hours away, and absolutely worth the ride!

Click here to purchase your train tickets with Trainline!

1. Moreton-in-Marsh: Gateway to the Cotswolds

🚆 Getting there: Approx. 1 hr 28 min from London Paddington via Great Western Railway

Tucked in the northern Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh is a postcard-perfect market town that feels like stepping into an old English novel. Expect colored stone buildings, independent bookstores, and cozy cafés serving scones with clotted cream.

It’s a fantastic base for exploring the surrounding countryside or joining a guided tour of nearby villages like Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water.

Tip: Book a small-group tour with Go Cotswolds for a seamless, story-filled Cotswolds experience.

Click here to book a “Secret Cotswolds” Tour!

2. Dover: Coastal Drama & Historic Majesty

🚆 Getting there: Just 1 hour from London St Pancras International via Southeastern High-Speed (Javelin)

If you’ve ever wanted to stand on cliffs that seem to touch the sky, Dover is your place. Famous for its dazzling white cliffs and wartime tunnels, Dover also boasts the mighty Dover Castle, a medieval fortress offering panoramic views over the English Channel.

On clear days, you might even spot the French coastline across the water.

3. Oxford: The City of Dreaming Spires

🚆 Getting there: About 1 hour from London Paddington via Great Western Railway

History, academia, and breathtaking architecture combine in Oxford, one of the most iconic university towns in the world. Tour centuries-old colleges, visit the Bodleian Library, and stroll along the River Thames—or spot film locations from Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.

Be sure to pop into the Covered Market for local eats and handmade gifts.

4. Rye: A Real-Life Fairytale

🚆 Getting there: ~1 hr 5 min from London St Pancras via Southeastern High-Speed to Ashford, then transfer to Rye

Rye is the kind of place where time slows down. Wander its cobbled lanes (like the famously photogenic Mermaid Street), admire timber-framed houses, and browse antique shops straight out of a Dickens novel.

This charming East Sussex town is rich in literary and smuggling history and just the spot for a slow, scenic day.

5. Cambridge: Punting, Parks & Prestige

🚆 Getting there: A speedy 48 min from London King’s Cross via Great Northern Express

Cambridge exudes intellectual charm, with stunning college courtyards, tranquil riverside paths, and an artsy town centre. Don’t miss a chance to go punting—a flat-bottomed boat ride—on the River Cam under the famous Bridge of Sighs.

Tip: Book with Traditional Punting Company for a guided punting experience through the university’s most scenic stretches.

Click here to book a tour with Traditional Punting Company!

6. Bath: Ancient Wellness Meets Georgian Elegance

🚆 Getting there: Around 1 hr 15 min from London Paddington via Great Western Railway

Known for its Roman heritage and graceful Georgian architecture, Bath is a feast for the eyes—and the senses. Visit the Roman Baths, take a dip in a modern thermal spa, and marvel at the Royal Crescent. Jane Austen fans will especially love exploring her connections to the city.

7. Canterbury: A Cathedral City with Literary Soul

🚆 Getting there: Just 50 min from London St Pancras International via Southeastern High-Speed to Canterbury West

With cobblestone streets and timbered houses, Canterbury is steeped in history. At its heart lies Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Book lovers and pilgrims alike will enjoy walking in the footsteps of Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.”

8. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare’s Timeless Town

🚆 Getting there: About 2 hours from London Marylebone via Chiltern Railways (change at Leamington Spa)

No literary pilgrimage is complete without a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon. This riverside market town is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and his legacy lives on in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage.

Tip: Save money and time with the Explorer Pass from Shakespeare’s England, which grants access to multiple historic sites.

Get the Explorer Pass here! (one, two, or three day passes available)

Final Thoughts

These 8 destinations offer more than just a break from London—they’re immersive, enriching, and effortlessly accessible by train. So whether you’re in the mood for rolling hills, coastal winds, or college towns with centuries of legacy, you don’t have to go far to experience the magic.

Which place are you excited the most to explore next?

8 Bronte Places in the Village of Haworth, West Yorkshire

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

Home of the Bronte Sisters, Haworth attracts visitors and literary lovers from all around the world every year. With its historic cobbled Main Street, the iconic Bronte Parsonage and the rolling moors, Haworth is the perfect place to transport yourself to an earlier era. In this article, I show you 8 Bronte places you cannot miss when in the village of Haworth in West Yorkshire, England.

8 Bronte Places in the Village of Haworth, West Yorkshire

Click here to find your next accommodation in Haworth

Bronte Parsonage Museum

The Bronte Parsonage, the house where the Bronte family lived and where Anne, Emily and Charlotte wrote their famous novels, is located at the top of Haworth’s Main Street and is now a museum run by the Bronte Society.  In 1820 Patrick Bronte, the father, was appointed incumbent of St Michael and All Angels’ Church and arrived at the parsonage with his wife Maria and six children. This was the family’s home for the rest of their lives, and where Patrick got to outlive all of his family.

  • The dining room at the Bronte Parsonage. Charlotte, Emily and Anne did much of their writing here. A plaster medallion portrait of their only brother, Branwell, hangs above the sofa. It is believed that Emily died on the sofa in this room

You can book your tickets to visit the Parsonage here

St Michael and All Angel’s Church

St Michael and All Angel’s Church is right next to the Parsonage and it is where the Brontes are buried (except Anne). Rebuilt in 1879, the church hardly looks the same as it did during the Brontes’ time in the village, but the tower dates back to 1480 and the church itself goes back much further. Here, Patrick Bronte, father of the Bronte Sisters, served as minister of the parish between 1820 and 1861.

  • St Michael and All Angel’s Church, where Patrick Bronte served as minister and where all the Brontes are buried, with exception of Anne

The Old School Room

Built by Patrick Brontë in 1832 and taught at by all his famous children, the Old School Room is one of the most important historical buildings in the area. The school came to be as Patrick evaluated the need for a place where education for the poor, and in particular poor children, could be provided. Since 2011, the Old School Room has been managed by a small charity and is now available to hire for events.

  • The Old School Room where the Bronte Sisters taught at

Top Withens

Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse which is said to have been the inspiration for Wuthering Heights, the famous novel by Emily Brontë. The ruin lies on the Pennine Way and is a popular walking destination to take from the village of Haworth.

Bronte Waterfall

It takes approximately 45 minutes to get to the Bronte waterfall from Haworth’s Main Street, or 25 minutes from the Penistone Hill Country Park, which has free parking. The walk has some larger stones and rough terrain the closer you get to the waterfall, therefore, this walk is not suitable for people with wheelchairs or strollers.

Haworth Main Street

Haworth’s Main Street was established in 1851 and is home to an excellent selection of independent shops and pubs for you to discover and explore. The Black Bull is situated at the top of Main Street and is one of Haworth’s oldest drinking establishments. The pub was frequented by Branwell Bronte, and the original masonic seat used by him still resides on the staircase of the Black Bull. The pub was also featured in the 2006 BBC drama “To Walk Invisible” where Patrick’s relationship with his famous sisters is depicted in great part during the film.

  • View of Haworth’s Main Street

The Apothecary Guest House

During my visit to Haworth, I stayed at The Apothecary Guest House and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! The Guest House is conveniently located on Main Street and only a few steps away from the Bronte Parsonage. Pictures of the Bronte sisters and their works are placed all around the guest house, and the breakfast room has lovely garden views. A full English/Irish, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast is available each morning at the property, as well as free-parking (please note that during the daytime the guesthouse opens as a tea room, and for the time being you will have to find parking elsewhere until it closes for the day). This is a great place to stay during your visit to Haworth and experience some lovely Bronte vibes!

  • A drawing depicting “Jane Eyre” is placed in the breakfast room of The Apothecary Guest House

Book the Apothecary Guest House here

The Birthplace

A few minutes away from Haworth you will find the Bronte birthplace, a house located in Thornton, Bradford, where Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë were born in front of the parlor fireplace. The house has been recently saved, and it is officially in public ownership for the first time in its 200 year history!

The building is currently under restoration work and it is expected it will open in time for Bradford City of Culture 2025, when visitors will be invited to walk in the footsteps of its most famous residents and sit in the community cafe beside the original fireplace, or even stay in the bedrooms where the young girls slept.

In the meantime, a look of the birthplace’s facade and pictures of the exterior will have to suffice!

You can also book a Bronte, Wuthering Heights & Jane Eyre Tour with GetYourGuide here! (Departs from Windermere or Oxenholme)

What did you think of this Bronte guide in Haworth? Is there an area or place you are excited to see the most? You can let me know in the comments section!

7 Lovely Walks to Take in the Village of Haworth, England

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

Home to the famous Bronte Sisters, Haworth attracts visitors from all over the world every year. Located in West Yorkshire, the village is surrounded by moorland and situated atop the Pennine moors. Known for the Bronte Parsonage, its historic cobbled Main Street and its steam railway, Haworth is surely to captivate your heart from the first moment you set foot in it.

7 Lovely Walks to Take in the Village of Haworth, England

Although the Parsonage and steam railway are a huge reason why people come to Haworth, I believe there is so much more one can take from this lovely village. With its historic cobbled streets and charming facades, the picturesque village of Haworth will make you feel as if you have stepped into another era in time. To fully soak in Haworth’s history and charm, there is nothing like a walk around the village’s paths and streets for contemplation. That is why I am sharing these 7 lovely walks you can take in the village of Haworth, England. I am confident you will enjoy these recommendations!

Book your next accommodation in Haworth with Booking.com!

Haworth Main Street

The beautiful Main Street in Haworth was established in 1851, and was recorded as the home to 130 people all involved in the textile industry. Today, the cobbled Main Street has an excellent selection of independent shops and restaurants for you to discover and explore. Some famous stores and pubs include Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop, The Cabinet of Curiosities, Hunters of Haworth, and The Black Bull.

  • Haworth Main Street

Church St

Church St is one of the lanes that connects to Main Street from the west side and is home to several landmarks in the village, including St. Michael and All Angels Churchyard, the Old School, and the Bronte Parsonage. Church St then continues its course towards open fields, where one can contemplate some lovely cottages on one side of the street, and the green and lush horizon on the other.

  • View of the cottages and green fields from Church St

Butt Lane

The name of this street will make you giggle, but I am pleased to inform it looks nothing like its name suggests :D. In fact, it is a very charming cobbled street connecting to the Main Street from the east side with views to Central Park and some more lovely stone and brick cottages. You will find the Bronte Bridge Cafe at the end of Butt Lane, and, when turning left, you will see the Haworth Train Station!

  • View of Haworth Station from the top

Central Park

This is not the name of a street but rather a park in the centre of the village. I am including this in the list because the park has some lovely paths that cut right in the middle and provide a wonderful atmosphere when taking a walk. I very much enjoyed taking in the views far in the distance from here, as well as the beautiful flower arrangements all around.

  • Walking through Central Park

Penistone Hill Country Park

Penistone Hill Country Park is located between the village of Haworth and the moor, and is a site of three dis-used quarries. To shed a little bit of light, according to the dictionary, a quarry is a “place, typically a large, deep pit, from which stone or other materials are or have been extracted.” As such, the site was previously used as a source of sandstone rock and coal, supplying materials for local houses, roads, reservoir networks, and local mills.

You can use THIS MAP of Penistone Hill Country Park to learn how to get there, the different trails you can take, and the free car parks available to you.

Top Withens

Top Withens is a ruined farmhouse which is said to have been the inspiration for Wuthering Heights, the famous novel by Emily Brontë. The ruin lies on the Pennine Way and is a popular walking destination to take from the village of Haworth. A fun fact about this landmark is that it is such a popular tourist attraction for the Japanese, some of the footpath signs in the area include directions in Japanese!

Bronte Waterfall

If you are planning to walk to the Bronte Waterfall from the village, it takes approximately 45 minutes to get here from the Main Street. Otherwise, it takes 25 minutes from the Penistone Hill Country Park, which has free parking. The walk has some larger stones and rough terrain the closer you get to the waterfall, therefore, this walk is not suitable for people with wheelchairs or strollers.

Now that I shared with you these recommendations, I would love to know what you think about these 7 lovely walks to take in the village of Haworth, England! Is there one you are excited the most to try? Let me know in the comments!

9 Prettiest Streets in the Village of Whitby, England

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

The captivating seaside town of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England, has long been recognized because of its association with Dracula and Captain Cook—but, truly, there is more to Whitby that meets the eye. After paying a visit to this fishing town, it became clear to me one of the best ways to experience Whitby’s charm is through its beautiful streets!

9 Prettiest Streets in the Village of Whitby, England

The beauty of Whitby streets is one of the first things you will notice as you arrive in the village. Here you will find from cobblestone to steep and quirky streets, and also unique shops, all providing gorgeous views to the ocean and some of Whitby’s iconic landmarks, like the wonderful Whitby Abbey. In this post, I share with you 9 of the prettiest streets in the village of Whitby, England to add to your itinerary (you can also check 16 places to see in Whitby here.)

Get ready to explore Whitby’s prettiest streets by booking your accommodation in the village with Booking.com!

Sandgate

Sandgate Street is the perfect place to find a choice of Whitby Jet Shops. Furthermore, the Market Place located at the end of the street has been a trading area since the mid 17th Century and you will find stalls are still there today.

Church St

Originally known as Kirkgate, Church Street is home to several shops and restaurants. You will also find cottages and tiny houses dating back to the 15th Century here—although it is thought the Street first had buildings in the late 14th Century. You will find Church Street below the 199 steps leading up to Whitby Abbey. If you are hungry, I recommend having dinner at Mister Chips!

  • The shops on Church St

Grape Lane

Grape Lane is a quaint pedestrianized lane where you’ll find a good choice of retailers including a jet shop, a coffee shop, a gift shop, and the ever popular Captain Cook’s Memorial Museum.

  • Grape Lane on a quiet evening

Blackburns Yard

You will find the lovely Blackburn’s Yard off Church Street. This yard has been granted several awards including “Perfect Picture Yard” and “Whitby’s Best Kept Garden” throughout the years. Here, you can visit the Wash House Pottery where they sell beautiful pottery and ceramics.

  • Blackburn’s Yard in early spring

Henrietta St

This popular street was once known as ‘Haggerlythe’ (1270) but was later renamed after the wife of Nathaniel Cholmley, Henrietta Cholmley. Nathaniel was a member of the British parliament in the late 1700s. Back in the day, Henrietta Street was considered a desirable place to live (especially by fishermen) because it provided easy access to the sea and offered some of the best views in the village. Today, things are not much different. The view of the harbor and the abbey are simply amazing from this viewpoint!

  • Partial view of Henrietta Street

Tate Hill

Tate Hill provides such a wonderful view point of Whitby’s piers and lighthouses over the cottages roof tops. This little street definitely makes for a lovely picture spot!

  • View from Tate Hill

Church Lane/Donkey Road

The steep and cobbled Donkey Road dates to 1370, but the current stone work was laid in 1774. The path parallels the famous 199 steps and leads up to the iconic Whitby Abbey.

The name of this street comes from the donkeys who have historically lived on the abbey plain and had to travel down this path each day on their way to the beach, where they would give donkey rides. Nowadays this is not so anymore, as the donkeys are carried to and from their field by small trucks.

As you make your way down Donkey Road, you are able to witness a unique and stunning view of the ocean and shops down below—and, trust me, the way down is surely much easier than the climb up!

  • Descending from the steep Donkey Road

Pier Road

Located in West Whitby, Pier Road leads to the main beach. The road is filled with amusement arcades, ice cream stalls, and fish and chip shops. There is also a fish market here!

  • View from Pier Road

Cliff Street

Cliff Street offers some lovely views of the coast and village down below. It is a beautiful street to wander around with many places to rent for the night, such as this cottage. From Cliff Street, you are literally minutes away from the town center, the pier, the beach, and all the other amenities Whitby has to offer.

  • The houses on Cliff St

I would love to know what you think of these street recommendations! Is there one you are excited to visit the most? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to add these 9 prettiest streets in the village of Whitby to your Whitby itinerary!

Click here to book a self-guided tour of Whitby and discover the town’s legends

4 Wonderful Things to Do in the Village of Lacock, England (2024)

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

The village of Lacock is a wonderful gem nestled in the English countryside. With its rich history, quaint architecture, charming streets, and local delights, Lacock knows how to captivate the heart of any traveler.

  • The cottages of Lacock Village

4 Wonderful Things to Do in the Village of Lacock, England

For Lacock tours and tickets, visit here!

From ancient abbey ruins, well-preserved medieval cottages, and being featured in several movies and tv shows, every corner of this charming village tells a story of heritage and tradition. Join me as I show you four wonderful things you can do as you explore the quaint village of Lacock!

Pay a Visit to Lacock Abbey

One of the must-see historic landmarks in Lacock Village is Lacock Abbey, a former monastery turned into a country house dating back to the 13th century. The abbey was once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative, and, for this matter, is today located next to the Henry Fox Talbot museum.

There is no need to book tickets in advance, tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit from visitor reception. You can find more information on the Abbey’s opening days and times here

Spot the Greenhouse

In the 1800s, Henry Fox Talbot (who is credited as the British inventor of photography) built the greenhouses in the botanic garden of the abbey. The greenhouse is filled with many colorful plants and flowers, creating a beautiful atmosphere for all those who visit. Come here and let your soul recharge in this little space!

  • Partial view of the greenhouse

See the Cloisters and the Harry Potter Filming Locations

Yes, you read that right! Lacock Abbey has been used in the filming of two Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (and, more recently, the cloisters and some of the rooms were featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.) See how many spots you can recognize!

The Cloisters

The Abbey’s cloisters were used as Hogwarts corridors in the first and second Harry Potter movies. Some scenes showcasing the cloisters include when Professor McGonagall takes Harry over to meet Oliver Wood because she is impressed with his broom techniques and wants him to join the Quidditch team, when Harry is meandering the hallways in his invisibility cloak and narrowly escapes being “seen” by Snape, and when Harry and Ron figure out the mystery of the Basilisk just before realizing Ginny was taken.

  • The cloisters at Lacock Abbey, also known as Hogwarts corridors

The Chapter House

The Chapter House was used twice in the Harry Potter movies. Here, Harry discovers the Mirror of Erased and is able to see his parents in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and later, students are seen in this room speculating about whether or not Harry is the heir of Slytherin in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

  • The Chapter house room

The Warming Room

The Warming Room is used as Professor Quirrel’s classroom for his Defence Against the Dark Arts Class in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The coolest feature in this room is the big cauldron, which has been a part of the Abbey for hundreds of years now!

  • The Warming Room—or, should I say, Professor Quirrel’s classroom

The Sacristy

The Sacristy was used as Professor Snape’s potions classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. For the movie, producers decided to cover the windows up to a certain point to make the room look darker, as if it was underground.

Explore the Interior of the Abbey

It was back in 1232 that Ela, Countess of Salisbury and one of the most powerful women in the Middle Ages, founded Lacock Abbey. The Abbey has seen many transformations since then: from having a cloister and rooms showcasing medieval monastic architecture, to going through Tudor, Gothic, and Victorian alterations. In fact, it was in one of these rooms that the first photographic negative in existence was captured!

  • The dining room at Lacock Abbey

Take a Stroll around the Abbey Gardens

The beautiful Lacock Abbey has had its gardens for nearly 900 years now. The garden combines meandering paths through woodland and parkland and features a historic Rose Garden, an orchard, and the William Henry Fox Talbot’s Botanic Garden. After exploring the Abbey’s interior, a walk around the lovely Lacock Abbey gardens will surely fill your heart.

  • Wild garlic growing on Lacock Abbey grounds

Wander Around the Village

As you wander around the quaint streets and cottages of Lacock, you will notice a sense of nostalgia and charm filling the air. With its timber-framed cottages, shops, and its central grid of four streets, Lacock today looks much as it did 200 years ago.

As you meander through the cobblestone paths lined with picturesque cottages, each with their colorful gardens and unique architecture, it’s easy to imagine yourself stepping back in time to a simpler way of life. The cozy homes with thatched roofs and blooming flowers create a postcard-worthy scene that captures the essence of this historic village.

The winding streets lead you past charming shops selling local crafts and artisan goods, adding to the village’s old-world charm. Take your time to explore each nook and cranny, as you never know what hidden gem you may stumble upon next.

Indulge in a traditional cream tea at a cozy tearoom, or sample handcrafted chocolates made right in the village. For those seeking unique souvenirs, the local shops offer a variety of handmade gifts and locally sourced products. Keep your eyes peeled for the tucked-away art galleries and antique stores that showcase the talent and history of Lacock.

  • One of the lovely cottages in Lacock Village

Spot the Harry Potter Filming Locations in the Village

If you like the Harry Potter movies, don’t miss the chance to spot more Harry Potter filming locations as you wander around the village!

The Cottage with the Blue Door

This cottage is quickly shown in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince movie as Harry and Dumbledore walk past it after visiting Horace Slughorn. In real life, the street where this cottage is located is called Church Street.

  • The day I visited, some Harry Potter themed jewelry and keychains were for sale right outside the cottage

Sign of the Angel Pub

As Harry and Dumbledore walk though the streets of Budleigh Babberton in the dark in Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince movie, you’ll notice a pub called the Babberton Arms which is actually the Sign of the Angel pub in the village.

  • The Sign of the Angel pub, also known as Barberton Arms in the sixth Harry Potter movie

Harry Potter Parent’s House

This beautiful brick home with a blue door at the end of Church Street was used as James and Lily Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. In the movie, flashbacks to Harry’s childhood are shown as Hagrid shares with Harry the story of his parents. The cottage is then shown, only that the door has a different color.

  • James and Lily Potter’s house in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Horace Sluggorn’s Hideaway

This majestic house is found on Church Hill, and is where Horace Slughorn hides from the Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Here, he receives a visit from Harry and Dumbledore and is persuaded to come back to Hogwarts as the Professor of Potions.

  • Horace Sluggorn’s Hideaway

Visit St Cyriac’s Church & Churchyard

The St Cyriac’s Church is a 14th Century church and a stunning example of medieval architecture with its intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Walk through its doors and step back in time to a period when faith and craftsmanship were intertwined in every stone and beam. In fact, settlement in Lacock began around the church, and visitors can see this reflected in the irregular line of houses situated on Church Street. 

  • St Cyriac’s Church, a 14th Century medieval church

Where to Stay in Lacock

If you are looking forward to spending a night or two in the village, then you should check out availability at the Sign of the Angel Pub.

You can also find places to stay in or around Lacock village through Booking.com, where the options are endless!

4 Wonderful Things to Do in the Village of Lacock, England

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Lacock village and that it has inspired you to visit this wonderful quintessential village in the future! I am sure you will love it just as much as I do.

Find this post helpful? You can buy me a drink!

10 Lovely Things to Do in the Village of Grasmere, Cumbria (2024)

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links

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.

  • A beautiful Grasmere farmhouse

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.

  • Grasmere’s Village Center

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!

  • The Peter Rabbit and Friends shop

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.

  • St. Oswald’s Church

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.

  • The graves of the Wordsworth family

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.

  • View of the village from the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

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!

  • The Grasmere Gingerbread shop

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.

  • Partial view of the River Rothay

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

  • Dove Cottage

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!

  • Grasmere Town End

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.

  • View from Grasmere’s parking lot

Accommodation

Find the perfect accommodation for you and your budget in the village of Grasmere with 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!

6 Pretty Spots in the Village of Ambleside, Cumbria (2024)

Paola TamboLeave a comment

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The small town of Ambleside is located in the Lake District, and is today a major tourist destination filled with unique shops, a good variety of restaurants, places to stay, and even a cinema.

Ambleside is also a very popular town for walkers, cyclists, and climbers, as it provides easy access to the villages of Grasmere, Keswick, and Windermere, and has a direct path leading to the lake Windermere.

  • View of Ambleside upon arrival

6 Pretty Spots in the Village of Ambleside, Cumbria

Although Ambleside encompasses a variety of areas and things to do, I found these six spots to be lovely and worth capturing—especially if you are planning on spending a couple of hours in the town center.

Street sign upon entering the village

This is a wonderful spot to snap a picture, as you are able to appreciate not only the sign signaling the different directions, but all four different streets that join together in this intersection—Rothay Road, Compston Road, Church St, and Kelsick Road.

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

The Bridge House

The Bridge House is a popular landmark in the Lake District and is probably the most photographed building in the National Park. This picturesque 17th-Century building was considered a ‘curious relic’ in the Victorian period, and ‘one which every artist sketches as he passes by’. A well known fact about this quirky house is that it was built over the Stock Ghyll stream to avoid land tax!

  • The Bridge House

The Golden Rule Pub

The Golden Rule Pub is a beautiful Grade II building and one of Ambleside’s hidden gems, as it is tucked away off the main road. The plants and flowers adorning the exterior will not only entice you to come in, but to also photograph the lovely facade.

  • The exterior of the Golden Rule Pub

North Road

This beautiful, narrow street, used to be the main road going north out of Ambleside. The white buildings, along with their blue and green doors, make it a fabulous street to walk on and capture the beauty of the area.

  • Partial view of North Road

The Old Mill

Another lovely and historical spot in the small town of Ambleside is The Old Mill Tea Room at the Giggling Goose, a cafe in a listed mill with working waterwheel which used to produce the power for the mill in the 18th-Century. A simple look at it and one can’t help but traveling back to a now bygone era.

  • The old mill

Bridge Street

This street was once known as Rattle Ghyll due to the noise produced by the waterwheels. From this beautiful and quaint street, you can appreciate the previously mentioned Old Mill as well as some wonderful shops, cafes, and cottages, all showcasing their lovely white facades and gentle green-painted doors and windows. There is one hidden gem located in this street—a charming little alleyway—but, mind your head, otherwise you’ll end up bumping into the wall!

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

Conclusion

Whether you choose or not to explore Ambleside more in depth, I hope this small guide to pretty spots in the village will have inspired you to look at this historic Lake District town differently next time you’re passing through. I hope I can return to Ambleside one day and share with you more beautiful views and spots worthwhile visiting.

Have you been to Ambleside recently? What’s your favourite spot to visit here and why? Let me know by leaving a comment below!

Click here to book a say in the village of Ambleside with Booking.com!