Grasmere Cottages

Grasmere Cottages. Put yourself in the heart of idyllic Lake District scenery, life and relaxation! At the centre of the Lake District, sits the spectacular village of Grasmere. Steeped in history, settled on the banks of Grasmere Lake. It is closely associated with the Lakes poets. In particular its 14 year resident, the poet William Wordsworth. He once described the village as the “loveliest spot that man hath ever found.”

Grasmere sits on the banks of the River Rothay and is overlooked by the popular Lakeland fell of Helm Crag. It also known as the Lion and the Lamb or Lady at the Piano. The nicknames come from the rock formations at its summit, depending on which side you view it from.

Wordsworth Country

Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy moved to Dove Cottage, in Grasmere, in 1799. Here they stayed until 1808 when they moved to Allan Bank. (Both of which are now popular tourist attractions). They finally moved to nearby Rydal Mount in 1813.

William and his wife Mary are buried at the local St Oswalds Church. There is a simple tombstone marking their final resting place on the banks of the Rothay.

The land between St Oswalds and the river is now Wordsworth Daffodil Garden. It’s name inspired by one of the poet’s most famous pieces of work. Here you can have an engraved stone, set in the path to commemorate your visit or as a remembrance to a loved one.

The small building next to the church is the former village school. Mary, William and Dorothy all taught in the 19th century. The school was open for 220 years from 1630AD. But it is now home to the famous Grasmere gingerbread – Sarah Nelson’s Gingerbread Shop.

Other historical attractions in Grasmere include, Church Stile. This 17th century cottage now owned by the National Trust and the 18th century, Robert Newton’s Inn.

Wordsworth, his brother John and Coleridge stayed, during their 1797 tour of the Lake District.

Self-Catering Accommodation in Grasmere

Self-catering with Lakelovers in Grasmere offers you a range of choices.

Each property is individual in its style and amenities, from exposed beams and slate walls, to luxury bathrooms and range cookers. Relax in contemporary furnishings, whilst looking out to fell views. Cook up a storm in one of the modern, or country style kitchens, perhaps on a range cooker. Or relax on a cold night in front of a woodburning stove.

Whatever you want from your Grasmere holiday cottage, we have a range of properties to suit your needs and budget. So why not let our team of experts help you choose the perfect place to stay for your break.

Grasmere Out and About

Lakelovers holiday cottages in Grasmere are ideally located and make getting out and about in the Grasmere area easy. And there is so much to do in this delightful part of the Lake District.

Rowing boats are available seven days a week, from March to November, a fond past time of William and Dorothy. They would row to the island, now privately owned, to picnic. It is also possible to walk around Grasmere Lake, which is a great experience on a spring or summers day.

Each year on August 5th, the village celebrates St Oswalds Day and takes part in the Rushbearing Festival.

This dates back to the days when the villagers would cover the church floor with rushes for warmth and cleanliness. August also includes the famous Grasmere Sports Day. This is one of the oldest and most popular traditions in the Lakes.

Every year from July to September the village hall host the Lake Artists Society summer exhibition. Over 300 exhibits from local artists are displayed. They also exhibit each year at Easter.

There is plenty to do whilst staying at one of our Grasmere holiday cottages.

Walkers will enjoy Easdale Tarn and Helm Crag; historians can indulge in the excitement of the Wordsworth Museum and Dove Cottage.

Foodies must not miss a chance to visit Grasmere Chocolate Cottage when they have finished at the gingerbread shop. Shopaholics can settle their urges with a splurge at the Herdy Shop.

If you don’t fancy cooking during your stay in then why not visit one of the village’s several restaurants and café’s?

Including the Grasmere Hotel Restaurant, voted number one place to eat in Grasmere on Tripadvisor. Or Baldry’s Cottage tea room for a well-earned tea and cake.

Lucia’s Takeaway – a favoured spot for fabulous lunches to go, or the Green’s café and Bistro, offering a mixture of foods. Hire a rowing boat on the lake from Fairyland, wonderfully situated on the shores of Grasmere, or just enjoy a tea or an ice-cream at this delightful café. Remember to visit the local garden centre for horticultural inspiration. The village also has an excellent independent bookshop, and several outdoor clothing stores where you can buy your boots, walking jackets and other Lakeland essentials.

In the evening there are several traditional pubs, and Tweedies Bar, at the Dale Lodge Hotel, offers good food, live local music, and an excellent beer garden. There is also an annual ale festival held there in the early autumn.

For walking, you are spoilt for choice. Meander along the shoreline on the western side of Grasmere Lake and up on to Loughrigg Terrace beyond for unsurpassed views of the valley, or take the historic ‘Coffin-Trail’ on the eastern side towards Rydal and Ambleside. Make an excursion along the vibrant stream to Easedale Tarn, or go uphill onto Helm Crag, locally known as ‘The Lion and the Lamb’ due to the unique rock formation at its summit. Or follow the path up Greenhead Gill to see the ruins of the sheep-fold that inspired Wordsworth’s poem ‘Michael’.