Things to see and do when visiting Grasmere

Grasmere is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and charm, making it an ideal base for exploring the Lake District or a day out when not in the mountains.

Whether you’re here for its literary connections, or simply to soak in the peaceful atmosphere, Grasmere has something for everyone from book shops to cafes. My short Grasmere guide covers a few things you can do, the best places to explore, how to get there, and where to stay.

What to do in Grasmere

Grasmere may be small, but it's packed with plenty of things to do, cafes and hike starting points. Begin your visit at Dove Cottage, the former home of the famous poet William Wordsworth. You can step into the poet’s life and explore the beautifully preserved cottage and adjacent Wordsworth Museum, which showcases his work and the influence of the surrounding landscape on his poetry.

No trip to Grasmere would be complete without trying Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread. This unique treat, a cross between biscuit and cake, has been made to a secret recipe since 1854 and is sold exclusively at the original shop next to St. Oswald’s Church. Top tip: the queue for the gingerbread shop can often get quite long so I suggest a visit early morning or late afternoon.

Where to eat and drink in Grasmere

For a relaxing afternoon, head to one of Grasmere’s delightful cafes. Baldry’s Tearoom is a local favourite, known for its homemade cakes and scones, while Heidi’s Café serves delicious breakfasts and lunches with a cosy, welcoming vibe. Mathilde’s Café within the Heaton Cooper Studio is also a great place to stop for a delicious bite to eat.

Top 3 Walks from Grasmere

Grasmere is a walker’s paradise, with trails suitable for all levels of fitness. Here are my top 3 favourite walks you can enjoy directly from the village:

Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb) Helm Crag is one of the most recognisable fells in the Lake District, thanks to its unique rock formations. The walk begins in Grasmere and is a moderate climb, taking around 2-3 hours. The summit offers spectacular views over Grasmere and the surrounding fells, making the effort well worth it. View my guide here for more information.
Grasmere to Rydal via the Coffin Route This scenic 3-mile walk connects Grasmere and Rydal, offering gentle inclines and beautiful views looking out over Rydal water. The path takes you through woodlands, alongside stone walls, and past Rydal Water, following the old route used to carry coffins to St. Oswald’s Church. You can extend the walk to Rydal Mount, Wordsworth’s later home, or loop back to Grasmere via Rydal Caves. The caves are one of the most popular stops in the lake district with the famous stepping stones and incredibly large entrances.
Easedale Tarn is one of my favourite walks. It’s a short and hike, perfect for a half-day walk. The route to Easedale Tarn offers a moderate challenge and takes you through peaceful countryside, waterfalls, and eventually to the serene tarn itself. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views of the surrounding fells reflected in the tarn’s still waters or if you’re brave enough, take a dip into the cool water surrounded by the mountains. The entire walk takes around 4 hours.

Looking out from Helm Crag over Rydal water

Where to Stay in Grasmere

Grasmere has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts. For a touch of elegance, The Wordsworth Hotel & Spa offers a luxurious stay with stunning views of the surrounding fells. If you're after something a little more intimate, Raise View Bed & Breakfast provides a homely atmosphere with personalised service, located just a short walk from the village centre.

For budget travellers, the YHA Grasmere Butharlyp Howe offers a more affordable yet comfortable option, with easy access to many walking routes.

How to Get to Grasmere

Grasmere is easily accessible by road from Ambleside and Windermere. If you're driving, take the M6 and exit at junction 36 for Kendal, then follow signs for Windermere and Ambleside. From there, continue on the A591 to reach Grasmere, which is only a 15/20 minute drive from Ambleside.

For those relying on public transport, get the train to Windermere Station from major cities like Manchester, Manchester Airport and London. From Windermere, you can hop on the 555 bus, which drops you directly in Grasmere village. Alternatively, taxis are available from Windermere Station.