Grasmere: Wordsworth, Walks and Gingerbread

Grasmere combines literary history, historic buildings, routes through the landscape and a distinctive culinary tradition. Anyone looking for holiday accommodation in Grasmere can therefore plan their stay in very different ways: with visits to Wordsworth sites and churches, walks beside the water and through parkland, or a visit to the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. Bus connections to Grasmere and through the surrounding area are also practical points to consider when planning your trip.

Wordsworth and Grasmere’s Literary Side

Dove Cottage is closely associated with the Wordsworth family. William Wordsworth and his family lived there from 1799 to 1808. During his lifetime, William Wordsworth wrote many of his most significant poems at Dove Cottage, while Dorothy Wordsworth kept her Grasmere Journal there. The Garden-Orchard behind the cottage was restored to resemble the “domestic mountain” created by William and Dorothy Wordsworth.

The Wordsworth Grasmere museum presents Wordsworth’s life through handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poems and personal belongings. There are also practical activities: among other things, visitors can experience a working printing press and write with pen and ink. A viewing station also provides a view over Grasmere Vale. For families wishing to combine cultural discoveries with hands-on activities, this creates a varied focus within their stay.

Historic Places and Routes Through the Landscape

Allan Bank was once home to William Wordsworth and Hardwicke Rawnsley. Today, Allan Bank offers a changing programme of exhibitions and art exhibitions. The Grasmere Circular Walk via Allan Bank follows the river through historic parkland and offers views of the surrounding fells. The Grasmere Jubilee Walk runs along the River Rothay, through the deciduous woodland of Butharlyp How and across open fields past Allan Bank. The views include Helm Crag, which is also known as “The Lion and The Lamb”.

St Oswald’s Church also adds a historic touch. The Grade I listed building dates from the 14th century. It has an arcade and a roof dating from around 1562 and the 17th century. According to tradition, King Oswald of Northumbria preached at this site in the 7th century. William Wordsworth and his family are buried in the churchyard. The church is open to visitors daily; usual opening times are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and until 5 p.m. in summer. Concerts are also held there throughout the year.

Gingerbread and Practical Trip Planning

Grasmere also has its own culinary history. Grasmere Gingerbread was invented in 1854 by the Victorian cook Sarah Nelson at Church Cottage, which is now the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. The gingerbread is freshly baked and sold there every day. The historic shop also hosts special talks about Grasmere Gingerbread for visitor groups from the United Kingdom and for tourists from other parts of the world.

For active day plans, the Grasmere Trail is a good option. It can be used between Ambleside and Grasmere, along the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere, on foot or by bicycle. Bus route 599 runs between Bowness, Windermere, Rydal and Grasmere. Bus route 555 travels from Lancaster and Kendal to Keswick, passing through Grasmere and Rydal. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore weigh up whether literary and historic sightseeing, routes through the landscape, culinary discoveries or transport connections are the most important focus for your trip.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Grasmere, you can find the direct destinations here: Haverigg, Stainburn, Broughton-In-Furness, Coniston, Cotehill, Aspatria, Underbarrow and Newby Bridge.

For the main travel overview: Cumbria.