Top 10 Things to Do in Grasmere

Grasmere might be a relatively small village, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t find plenty of things to see and do when you visit. With a number of historic sites, natural beauties and plenty of locally-run restaurants, coffee shops and pubs, you’ll have no end of things to do in Grasmere.

At Daffodil Hotel, we offer a stylish and comfortable base with our own restaurant, Lobby Bar and Lakeside Terrace. You can also make use of our luxurious spa, whether you fancy taking a dip in the pool or having a full relaxing treatment. If you’re looking for other things to do in Grasmere, here are just a few of our favourites. Our dining room and lounge offers one of the best afternoon teas in the Lake District too.

Hire a boat on Grasmere Lake

See Grasmere from a new perspective whilst rowing out on Grasmere Lake. Hire a boat from the shore at Faeryland and explore the water which stretches one mile long. You can take an hour out on the water and make your way around the lake as you take in the fantastic views of the surrounding fells.

Browse an array of local shops

You will find many local, independent shops in Grasmere. These include gorgeous homeware shops and studios such as The Attic and Heaton Cooper Studio, take home some luxury treats from Grasmere Chocolate Cottage and pick up a holiday book from Sam Read’s, which has been in the village since 1887! There are plenty of other shops to choose from, so get out into the village and explore.

Explore Dove Cottage

Just a stone’s throw away from The Daffodil you will find Dove Cottage. Once home to William Wordsworth and still preserved to this day as it would have been when Wordsworth himself lived there. The 19th century decor and stylings will take you back in time while you learn about Wordsworth himself and the area that inspired so much of his poetry.

Visit St. Oswals's Church

St. Oswald’s is the church where William Wordsworth and his wife Mary’s tombstones are located. Nestling between the church and the River Rothay you will find Wordsworth’s Daffodil Garden which comes alive in the spring with the abundance of daffodils. The church offers some fantastic architecture to admire as well as a tranquil haven where you can reflect and relax.

There is an abundance of local coffee shops in Grasmere all of which are great for a quick pit stop for refreshment whilst exploring the village. We personally recommend the homemade lemonade from Baldry’s Tea Room – perfect for a hot summer’s day. In the winter cosy up at Grasmere Tea Gardens and enjoy a slice of one of their homemade cakes – they’re delicious!

Visit Allan Bank

Allan Bank opened its doors to the public for the first time ever in March 2012. It is the perfect place to relax in front of the warm fire on a winter’s day whilst children play. Once home to famous poet William Wordsworth and National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley, the house has been partially restored, offering the opportunity to see and touch the many layers of this home’s charming history.

Enjoy a local walk

There are many idyllic trails around Grasmere, all varying in length. Helm Crag (Lion and the Lamb) (3.5 Miles) can be seen from our Valley View rooms. This walk is the perfect introduction to hiking in the Lake District, requiring moderate effort and offering awesome views. Loughrigg (5 miles) is one of Wainwright’s ‘midget mountains’ – more a sprawling hump than a mountain. Yet it’s an absolute must for anyone on their first visit to this part of the Lake District. Alcock Tarn is a great circular walk starting and finishing in Grasmere village. The well maintained paths wind and gently climb uphill through the woods of Brackenfell before zig-zagging up the side of Grey Crag and leading you on to Alcock Tarn.

Try the famous Grasmere Gingerbread

Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread is famous all over the country and used in recipes by many of the area’s well-known chefs. You can often see people queued up down the street to get into the renowned Gingerbread shop, and when you get a whiff of the fragrant spices, you’ll struggle to resist a visit. Try Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread for yourself and see if it puts Grasmere on the map for you!

The Herdy Shop

Herdy is one of the most iconic brands in the Lake District. Over the years it’s gone from strength to strength, with stores in Kendal, Keswick, Bowness-on-Windermere and Grasmere. Herdy is unmistakably Cumbrian! Call into the shop in the centre of the village and pick up bespoke mugs, tea towels, coasters and much more.

Grasmere Garden Village

Grasmere Garden Village is a large garden centre in the middle of the village selling gifts, clothing, books, plants and plenty more besides. The centre is also home to The Potting Shed café, selling homemade cakes, coffees, light lunches and local beers, so make sure to stop off for some refreshments during your visit.

Grasmere is filled with great things to do, so whether you are looking for something active, some retail therapy, or a romantic day out, you’ll find something to do in the village and the surrounding area.

Our hotel provides the perfect base from which to explore Grasmere, whether you’re looking for a romantic break or a family getaway, take a look at our rooms and make your booking today, and our Best Rate Guarantee gives you the knowledge that you will always get the best available rate at The Daffodil by booking direct.