A Guide to Grasmere in the Lake District

It’s both. This duplicate naming often causes confusion among visitors to the Lake District. Similar to Windermere, the word ‘mere’ means ‘body of water’. This Old English word has also become synonymous with the settlements developed around the lakes.

Context is the only way to distinguish the lake from the village. Whilst a walk around Grasmere would usually refer to a circular walk around the lake, a visit to Grasmere would most likely be a reference to exploring the village.

Resplendent with fells seemingly untouched over the centuries, the landscape we see throughout the Lake District is in a fact a subtly managed space.

From grazing sheep to dry stone walls, conservation efforts, and footpath repairs, this deservedly popular national park works hard to balance visitor enjoyment with protection for the land, waters, and wildlife.

There is no finer place than Grasmere to understand why so many people feel the pull to visit this incredible part of northern England. Surrounded by fells and summits, the skyline is a true array of iconic Lake District silhouettes.

William Wordsworth

This celebrated 19th century Romantic poet encouraged others to the importance of “taking time to appreciate the wonder and beauty of the natural world.”

A sentiment that has echoed through the ages, it is as relevant today as it was two hundred years ago. Visitors to Grasmere and the Lakes can reminisce on Wordsworth’s words, poems and philosophies.

Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy lived at Dove Cottage near Grasmere from 1799 to 1808. It was here that the famous poem “Daffodils” was written, following walks to nearby Ullswater. Learn more about the lake in our guide here.

Dove Cottage

William and Dorothy’s life is beautifully recorded and available to all through a visit to Dove Cottage, which today encompasses a quaint museum and pretty gardens.

Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Grasmere are a must-visit for all Wordsworth fans, or anyone interested in the poetry and literature inspired by the romantic beauty of Grasmere and the Lake District.

Enjoy an inclusive visit to Wordsworth’s home whilst on the epic England Coast to Coast hiking trip – a chance to traverse the width of England by foot.

Rydal Mount

Just 2.5 miles from Dove Cottage is Rydal Mount, home of the Wordsworths later in the great poet’s life. Another site well worth a visit if you’re interested in Wordsworth, learn more about Rydal Mount and gardens here.

Each home offers an atmospheric sense of family life and that of their numerous visiting poet friends and writers, including another famed Romantic poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and the writer and essayist, Thomas De Quincy.

What is Romanticism?

Today we might think of poetry, art and writing as a way to tap into the emotional heart of what we want to express. It hasn’t always been that way.

In their time, William and Dorothy Wordsworth were part of a broader shift. These talented poets challenged the status quo, and instead used their poetry to look at the world through emotional connection and imagination. In addition, William had a real passion for showing others that poetry and feelings could be expressed by the everyday man (or woman), and wasn’t just something for the well-to-do or wealthy.

Curious about other writers inspired by the romantic and devastatingly beautiful landscapes of England? Read more here.

Grasmere Gingerbread

A trip to Grasmere is incomplete without a visit to try Sarah Nelson’s world-famous Grasmere Gingerbread. This lightly spiced cross between a biscuit and a cake is utterly delicious, a morish sweet treat with a soft yet satisfying crunch. Be warned, one piece is rarely enough!

Visit Grasmere Village

If time permits, a stroll around Grasmere’s churchyard and adjacent garden is a welcome snippet of calm amid the bustling village high street. Founded in 642 AD, St Oswald’s is the final resting place for William Wordsworth and many of his family, along with pioneering legend Sarah Nelson. The Daffodil Garden is particularly joyful in spring when the vibrant sunny yellows carpet the ground.

Loughrigg and Rydal Cave

Loughrigg Fell, at only 1099 ft/335 m is relatively low by Lake District standards. However, this extensive hillside, linking Grasmere to Rydal and Ambleside, makes for quite an adventurous outing. With its craggy outcrops, grassy false summits and indistinct paths, this route is best done with a map, compass and pioneering spirit.

Alternatively, head along Loughrigg’s lower northern flank, just above Rydal Water, near Jobson Close, and seek out the famous Rydal Cave. This large, cavernous space, created through slate quarrying, is popular with locals and visitors alike. Rydal Cave has even played host to various choirs.

Look for the stepping stones at the entrance, and be prepared to turn your phone into a torch! Entry is very much at each person’s own risk, and occasionally the cave may be closed off for safety reasons.

Heron Pike

Heron Pike is a popular choice for those wanting a more challenging and adventurous hiking experience. Hike it as a linear walk from nearby Rydal. If time and energy permit, a hike up to Alcock Tarn from Grasmere gives access to the open fell.

From the tarn (a small fellside lake), a traversing path reaches a wide ridge at Lord Crag. Reach the summit up and back the same way before continuing down to Rydal and picking up the easy coffin route path back to Grasmere.

This hike works well with a visit to Wordsworth’s Rydal Mount or a gentle stroll around Rydal Hall’s gardens. Both offer café refreshments and a chance to rest before the walk back to Grasmere.

Coast To Coast and Easdale

Hiking west out of Grasmere into Easedale will pick up the classic Coast to Coast route that traverses England. Combine this section of the Coast to Coast with Gibson Knott and Helm Crag to build a circular route. Venturing into higher and more complicated terrain is best suited to experienced and well-equipped hikers.

Want to explore Northern England further? Join our Coast to Coast trip to be expertly guided east up to Grisedale Hause and over to neighbouring Ullswater.

Personal car travel is a popular way of visiting the Lake District. However, visitors to Grasmere will be pleased to know that the 555 bus, linking Lancaster to Keswick, regularly stops at both Grasmere and Rydal.

If arriving by train, the best option is to take the branch line from Oxenholme to Bowness-on-Windermere. From here, pick up the 555 bus.