Things To Do In Grasmere
Get out To Grasmere!
As one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District for many reasons, Grasmere definitely has a lot to offer. Whether you’re an avid shopper, wanderer or walker, there is something for everyone, making it an ideal location for a day trip – or even longer!
So, what will you get up to while visiting Grasmere? Here are just some ideas of attractions to visit and walks to embark on!
GRASMERE ATTRACTIONS:
THE GRASMERE GINGERBREAD SHOP
For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is a must visit. Grasmere Gingerbread® was the creation of a Victorian Grasmere cook named Sarah Nelson and has become a delicacy all over the world.
The shop is run by third-generation family members who are keeping the tradition of her delicious 1854 gingerbread recipe alive. Their shop boasts a wide range of other delicious treats too, including their award-winning rum butter, Kendal mint cake, ginger beer and many other conserves and sauces.
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop isn’t too far from our location here at the Daffodil Hotel and Spa, so we would definitely recommend that you pop in and take home some of the delicious flavours of the area – and, of course, some original Grasmere Gingerbread®!
You can find the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at Church Cottage, Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9SW
DOVE COTTAGE AND THE WORDSWORTH MUSEUM
Fans of literature will already know how big of a part writing plays in the history of this area, and there’s no better place to learn more about how Grasmere and the surrounding Lake District inspired some of the most famous works than Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum.
William Wordsworth was one of England’s best-known poets, and his works are still very much referred to today. His poems embraced the beauty and serenity of nature and encouraged his readers to take time out to sit back and enjoy the beautiful natural world around them.
Visiting Dove Cottage, where Wordsworth penned many of his famous works, you will be able to see why his words focussed so heavily on natural beauty. In his own words, he describes the setting of Dove Cottage as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”.
Take a wander around the place he called home, and which inspired his “Home at Grasmere” poem, including the beautiful gardens created by Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy. The museum takes you on a journey through Wordsworth’s life, and you can view artefacts that belonged to the man himself – including a pair of his own socks.
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum are a stone’s throw away from us here at the Daffodil Hotel and Spa, making it the perfect spot to visit during a stay with us.
You can also wander over to St. Oswald’s Church to visit Wordsworth’s grave to make the most of your day trip in Grasmere.
You can find Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum at Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SH
FAERYLAND TEAROOM & BOAT HIRE
If sitting back and taking in beautiful, idyllic scenery is more your thing, Faeryland Tearoom is perfect. Grab some nibbles and a cup of tea or freshly pressed juice while sitting quietly in the tea garden, or hop in a boat and enjoy the relaxing nature of Grasmere Lake.
It’s a great location to visit for tea-lovers, with a wide variety of local and exotic loose leaf teas to sample, as well as some delicious sweet treats such as Borrowdale tea bread, victoria sponge or lemon drizzle – all handmade and ready to enjoy! The gardens are wonderfully mystical – will you spot a faery?
Why not hire a boat for up to four people (including babies and children) and enjoy a few hours gently rowing around the lake? It’s the perfect relaxing activity and is a great opportunity to take in the landscape from a different perspective.
You can find the Faeryland Tearooms and boat hire at Red Bank Road, Grasmere, Cumbria LA22 9PX
THE HERDY COMPANY SHOP
The Lake District is home to many sheep, as you may have noticed if you have ventured out into the fells – or even just driven through the more rural areas!
The Herdy Company love the sheep of the lake district – especially the Herdwick breed. Their brand and, by proxy their products, are made with love and adoration of these sheep, as well as from the heart of the Lakes. They are also huge advocates for sustainability and rural conservation and have their own fund which supports the local rural community and upland fell farming projects.
The Herdy brand can be found all over the world, but it was here in Grasmere that the Herdy journey began. Focussing on home essentials, clothing, and stationery to name a few areas, the Herdy shop is a must-see for anyone who wants to take a little of the Lakes back home with them.
From mugs to scarves, bags to balls of Herdy wool, you’ll be in awe at the range of beautiful products on offer and we dare you to leave empty-handed – it’s a challenge!
You can find the Grasmere Herdy Company Shop at Herdy, College Street, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9SZ
WALKS NEAR GRASMERE
HELM CRAG
If you’re new to walking in the Lake District, or simply want to embark on a short walk which will still blow away those cobwebs and make you feel invigorated, Helm Crag is the perfect place to start. Easily accessible from Grasmere on foot, it’s a must try for those wanting to get a better view of the landscape, or set themselves a short walking challenge while in the area.
While the route is relatively short (3.5 miles), it does get quite steep, so being steady on your feet is an absolute must for tackling this walk. It should only take a few hours to reach the summit, where you will be greeted with a complete view over Grasmere. The true summit is known as the Howitzer, which is an incredible formation which sticks up into the air.
The other formation on top of Helm Cragg is known as the Lion and Lamb, and you can strike the crag off your list of Wainwright walks on your return to the ground, too!
EASEDALE TARN
For those with families looking to make a day of their walk, Easedale Tarn can be completed in around 4-5 hours with children in tow. It’s a beautiful walk around Easedale Tarn, with two routes to choose from; one easy route which requires you to turn back the way you came once you reach the tarn or a slightly longer circular route which takes you all the way around the tarn.
This circular route can get very boggy, and it is advised that it is avoided during wet weather due to the nature of the ground underfoot.
LOUGHRIGG FELL
This is one of the best walks around Grasmere, giving amazing views through 8 miles of Lakes landscape. It’s a pretty straightforward route with several options for detours which are definitely worth a look, such as Loughrigg Terrace which takes you past views of Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water as well.
You’ll be trekking through various terrains, including woodland, stone path and grass, so make sure that your footwear is up to the job.
You could also descend southwards once you have reached the summit to stop by Loughrigg Tarn for a tranquil stop-off which is the perfect end to a successful walk.
Upon reaching the summit, you will be treated to views of Langdale, Coniston Old Man, Elterwater and Windermere. It’s definitely worth the trek from Grasmere (it’s recommended you start from Red Bank Hill) and to see where your next walking challenge may lie!
You can even carry on and head over to Ambleside if you are feeling really ambitious!
GRASMERE LAKESHORE
Another family-friendly walk which still allows you to take in the beautiful landscape of Grasmere is a ramble along the lakeshore.
You don’t need to leave Grasmere village to experience this walk, simply take off along the side of the lake and enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds and smells of the Lakes. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, making it a great route for children.
In fact, we’d recommend taking a picnic and getting the whole family together for a walk along the lake – it’s pretty flat, making it easily accessible for those with prams or wheelchairs.
Be sure to stop off at Penny Rock Beach and collect some stones from your journey (or get some stone skipping practice in!).
SILVER HOW
It’s classed as an easy fell to climb, but don’t let this lure you in – Silver How can be quite challenging, too.
This route will start you just past Allan Bank, which is one of the places Wordsworth lived for a short time. It is now owned by the National Trust, but it’s a great place to visit on your way up to Silver How.
At approximately 3 miles in length, it’s not the longest route to take at all, but the conditions you will meet in order to reach the summit mean that it’s not necessarily the easiest, either. You’ll come across rough, gravelly ground at points which can also be incredibly narrow, and some streams will need to be crossed slowly and safely in order to reach the end-point of the walk.
The views are definitely worth it, though – you’ll be able to spot the Langdale Pikes, Heron Pike, Helm Cragg, Fairfield and Steel Fell to name just a few!
HELVELLYN
If it’s a mountain you’ve come to climb, Helvellyn is your oyster. It’s the third-highest mountain in England.
While many guides suggest taking the Striding Edge or Swirral Edge routes, you may not be up for such a challenge; these routes can be very daunting for some walkers, especially Striding Edge which has a very precarious route.
However, the approach from Grasmere is a route well walked, and although there are a few sections which are a little steep, the ascent is much gentler than that of Swirral Edge or Striding Edge.
Head to Tongue Gill along the A591 and then follow the trail west from there to Grisedale Tarn, looping around the bottom of Seat Sandal and carrying on to climb over Dollywagon Pike.
You will climb Nethermost Pike and come to Swallow Scarth before beginning the ascent of Helvellyn.
There’s plenty to do and see here in Grasmere – and definitely something for everyone! Whether you’re looking to beat Helvellyn, tackle a smaller Wainwright route, or simply just enjoy the peace and tranquillity that the area has to offer, be sure to book a stay with the Daffodil Hotel and Spa.
All our amenities are perfectly planned to help you achieve ultimate relaxation during your stay, as well as provide a comfortable place to eat, sleep, relax and repeat!
Be sure to check out our special offers, or get in touch if you have further enquiries.
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