Discover Grasmere: Wordsworth, walking trails and gingerbread

Grasmere brings together the places where Wordsworth lived, historic buildings, paths through the landscape and the story of Grasmere Gingerbread. If you are looking for a hotel in Grasmere, these interests can help shape your trip planning: cultural history, walks and travel options offer different ways to explore the area.

Wordsworth’s legacy in Grasmere

Dove Cottage was home to William Wordsworth and his family from 1799 to 1808. During his time there, William wrote many of his most significant poems; Dorothy Wordsworth kept her Grasmere Journal while living in the cottage. The Wordsworth Grasmere museum explores Wordsworth’s life through handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poems and personal belongings. Literary works are presented alongside personal records and mementos.

Practical activities at the museum include using a working printing press and writing with pen and ink. A viewing station gives visitors a view of the Grasmere Vale. Behind Dove Cottage, the garden-orchard has been restored to resemble the “domestic slip of mountain” laid out by William and Dorothy Wordsworth.

Allan Bank is another place associated with Wordsworth: it was once home to William Wordsworth and Hardwick Rawnsley. It has a changing programme that includes exhibitions, such as art exhibitions.

Walking trails through varied landscapes

The Grasmere Circular Walk via Allan Bank follows the river, passes through historic parkland and offers views of the surrounding fells. The Grasmere Jubilee Walk follows the River Rothay, passes through the broadleaf woodland of Butharlyp How and crosses open fields past Allan Bank. Along the way, there are views of the fells, including Helm Crag, also known as “The Lion and The Lamb”.

The two walks differ in the landscapes described: the Circular Walk takes in the river and historic parkland, while the Jubilee Walk also includes broadleaf woodland and open fields. Another option is the Grasmere Trail between Ambleside and Grasmere, which can be explored on foot or by bike; it follows the shores of Rydal Water and Grasmere.

Church, history and concerts

St Oswald’s Church is a Grade I listed building dating from the 14th century. Its architectural features include an arcade and a roof dating from around 1562 and from the 17th century. William Wordsworth and his family are buried in the churchyard. According to tradition, King Oswald of Northumbria preached at the site of the church in the 7th century.

St Oswald’s Church hosts concerts throughout the year; the programme changes. If you would like to include a concert in your travel plans, check the latest dates.

Grasmere Gingerbread and its history

Grasmere Gingerbread was invented in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson at Church Cottage. The cottage is now the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, where the gingerbread is freshly baked and sold every day. The shop brings together a distinctive local speciality and the story of its origins.

The shop also hosts special talks about Grasmere Gingerbread in its historic premises. They are intended for visitor groups from the United Kingdom and tourists from other parts of the world. Confirm the availability of talks directly with the operator.

Getting there by bus

Bus route 599 runs between Bowness, Windermere, Rydal and Grasmere. Route 555 runs from Lancaster and Kendal to Keswick, passing through Grasmere and Rydal. As timetables may change, check the operator’s information before travelling.

Explore more destinations: Ravenglass, Hawkshead, Dufton, Threlkeld, Lowick, Ivegill, Askam-In-Furness, Elterwater.

For the broader travel overview: Cumbria.