12 Month Calendar of Events in Grasmere

Grasmere is home to a variety of different events that take place in the village every year. Some fantastic events take place on an annual basis, so there is always plenty to look forward to throughout the year, and if you are planning a visit, you may want to plan your trip around some of them if something particularly takes your fancy.

We thought we’d give you a little bit of a rundown of the various events that take place in Grasmere each year. As well as these annual events, there are also plenty of fantastic one-off events taking place throughout the year too, so keep your eyes peeled for those too!

FRED WHITTON SADDLEBACK CHALLENGE

Usually May Bank Holiday Weekend

Next event taking place June 2020

The Fred Whitton Saddleback Challenge has been taking place since 1999, and is a gruelling 114-mile charity Sportive ride around the Lake District. The route was previously 112 miles long, but was extended to include one final climb before the end, so it is not for the faint of heart.

The ride takes place in memory of Fred Whitton, who died in 1998 and was a popular member of the Lakes Road Club. The proceeds go to MacMillan, Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue.

The ride begins and ends at Grasmere Sports field, and includes climbs of Kirkstone, Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose passes.

LAKES CLASSIC CAR SHOW

June
Next event in June 2020

If you’re a lover of classic cars, or even the owner of a classic car yourself, then the Lakes Classic Car Show is an unmissable event. It takes place in Grasmere each year, and the proceeds are donated to charities. In 2019, the chosen charities were Parkinsons UK and Headway – the brain injury association.

There are all sorts of classic vehicles for you to feast your eyes on every year, from cars to motorbikes and even commercial vehicles.

GRASMERE RUSH BEARING

July

Rushbearing was traditionally a ceremony where the floors of the local church were renewed with fresh rushes. In Medieval times, when floors were typically just bare earth, the floor rushes were used as a way to cover the floor for cleanliness and insulation.

These days the floor of Grasmere church is paved, but the tradition of strewing rushes has endured.

Six girls in costumes (the Rush Maidens) carry a white sheet that holds the strewn rushes, while behind them there is a procession of people holding rush-based “Bearings”, in shapes such as harps and crosses. At the end of the procession, there is a short church service, and then the children are given Grasmere Gingerbread to enjoy.

GRASMERE LAKELAND SPORTS

Every August Bank Holiday

The annual Grasmere Lakeland Sports event has been taking place for 169 years, with no breaks except during the First and Second World Wars. The event invites participants to compete in a variety of sports, including traditional sports such as Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling, along with fell running and sheepdog displays.

There’s plenty to keep you entertained, including a brass band, and a man who juggles with a chainsaw, so you won’t want to miss this day of fun if you’re visiting Grasmere in August!

GRASMERE GUZZLER BEER FESTIVAL

September

If you love beer, a friendly crowd, and some brilliant live music, then the Grasmere Guzzler Beer Festival is the event for you.

What started in 2006 with jut 8 sampling ales and around 100 people, and over ten years later it is still going strong, with over 100 different beers for you to sample, and a real festival atmosphere.

There is live music, a BBQ, food stalls, and plenty to keep you entertained over the weekend.

CUMBRIAN CRACKER

November

Next event 17th November 2019

If you don’t quite feel up to tackling the Fred Whitton Saddleback Challenge, then the Cumbrian Cracker may be more up your street. One of the original Lakeland cycle sportives, this one is around half the length of the Fred Whitton Challenge, with a route of 60 miles.

That’s still plenty to get your teeth into, and it climbs Red Bank within the first mile, but avoids all of the major passes! Beginning in Grasmere, it weaves its way around the back of Coniston water, and then returns through Grizedale forest, Hawkshead and Ambleside.

We hope this has given you a little bit of insight into some of the great events taking place in Grasmere throughout the year. Be sure to keep an eye on the other events taking place in Grasmere on the Explore South Lakeland website, here.

There are also a number of events taking place at the Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum throughout the year that may be of interest, and you can find all of the details on their events page.

Do be sure to get in touch with us here at the Daffodil Hotel if you are looking for somewhere to relax, unwind and enjoy a spot of luxury in the beautiful Lake District.