Grasmere Village
Grasmere village, in the heart of the Lake District, remains one of Cumbria’s most popular villages, largely due to it’s picturesque location and its ties to William Wordsworth (1770–1850). With its dramatic fells, serene lake, and a vibrant blend of cultural and historical attractions, this little village draws large numbers of visitors from across the world.
Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum
Dove Cottage, on the outskirts of Grasmere, was William Wordsworth’s home from 1799 to 1808. It is also where he wrote many of his most famous poems. Built in the early 17th century, it originally served as an inn called the “Dove and Olive” before Wordsworth moved in. He lived with his sister Dorothy, who penned her renowned Grasmere journals here.
The cottage’s simple construction features local stone, limewashed walls, and slate floors, offering insight into Lake District architecture. Visitors to Dove Cottage can explore its modest interior, including William’s study and Dorothy’s bedroom. You can also explore the restored fell-side garden where Wordsworth found inspiration for his poetry.
The Wordsworth Museum near Dove Cottage showcases a collection of manuscripts, books, and artwork that highlight William Wordsworth’s legacy and provide context on the Romantic era. There are also frequent literary talks and events held at the museum.
Wordsworth’s Final Resting Place
Wordsworth’s connection to the village endures, particularly through his burial site in St Oswald’s Churchyard, a peaceful spot by the River Rothay. The poet, his wife Mary, and several family members are interred beneath simple gravestones. This famous literary ‘shrine’ continues to attract literary pilgrims from across the globe. Nearby, the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden, created in recent years, offers a serene space for reflection. Visitors can sponsor engraved stones in the pathways to commemorate their visit or loved ones.
Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop
No visit to Grasmere is complete without a stop at Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop. Housed in a quaint 17th-century school building near St Oswald’s Church, the shop has been selling its famous gingerbread since 1854. A blend of biscuit and cake, this was created by Sarah Nelson, whose recipe remains a closely guarded secret. The shop itself is a step back in time, its shelves lined with locally made goods and a range of souvenirs. The delicious gingerbread aroma draws you in and its chocolate box charm makes it one of the most photographed and visited spots in the village.
Exploring Grasmere Lake
A short walk from the village leads to Grasmere Lake, a small lake just over a mile long. Rowing boats can be hired at Faeryland Boat Hire, on the lake’s shore. Open from March to November, the hire service is popular with visitors and locals. While visitors are encouraged to enjoy the lake, its small central island, where Wordsworth and Dorothy once picnicked, remains privately owned.
The Heaton Cooper Studio
Art lovers should not miss the Heaton Cooper Studio, an gallery showcasing works by the Heaton Cooper family of artists. Alfred Heaton Cooper, who first established the studio in 1905, is celebrated for his water colours of the Lake District landscape. Today, the gallery features works by three generations of the family and also offers art supplies and workshops.
History and Tradition in Grasmere
Grasmere is steeped in history, from its 13th-century St Oswald’s Church to the Church Stile Cottages, now owned by the National Trust. The earliest authenticated occupant of Church Stile was a Richard Harrison, who died in 1662. By the 18th Century it had become Robert Newton’s Inn, and William Wordsworth, his brother John, and Coleridge stayed here for several days during their Lake District tour in 1797.
It ceased to be an inn about 1840, and became the home of Robert Hayes (1859-1947) who had a market and nursery garden in the village. The National Trust bought the building in 1968 with bequests from several local residents. Unusually for the Trust, Church Stile has no land, and it was bought for the sake of the house itself.
Annual Events and Attractions
The village hosts several events throughout the year. The Lake Artists Society Summer Exhibition, held in the village hall from July to September, features works by local artists and sculptors.
Grasmere Sports Day, held each August, is one of the Lake District’s oldest traditions, showcasing Cumberland wrestling, fell racing, and hound trails.
Every August, the village celebrates the Rushbearing Festival, a centuries-old custom where villagers carry rush sculptures to the church in a vibrant parade. This event, rooted in the medieval practice of laying rushes on church floors for insulation, remains a highlight of Grasmere’s calendar.
See What’s On around Grasmere, from annual events to volunteering activities and live music.
Related pages :
- Windermere lake
- Places to Visit in the South Lakes
- Outdoor Activities in the South Lakes
- Places to Stay in the South Lakes
See more Grasmere photos >>
.
Grid Ref : NY 338073
Planning a visit to Grasmere? See the location marker below and enter your dates to see available accommodation on a handy map