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Enjoy a car free day out in the Lakeland village of Grasmere

Welcome to Grasmere, where the combination of scattered hamlets and farmsteads, beautiful woodland, and meadows fringing the lakes of Grasmere and Rydal Water conjure up a quintessential image of romantic Lakeland.

Grasmere is a great place to enjoy a car-free day out. Try a walk around the village soaking up  the culture, or explore further afield on the 555 Stagecoach bus service. Grasmere is also a handy hub for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
 

Getting Here

The village is easily accessible on the 555 bus service, which operates between Lancaster and Keswick; and the 599 bus service from Windermere. Arriving by train? Alight at Oxenholme the Lake District and change for the connecting Lakes Line service to Windermere. Connect with the 555 from Windermere train station, and leave the bus at the the Daffodil Hotel stop, which is conveniently located for you to enjoy a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere and Dove Cottage: the former humble cottage home of poet William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy.
 

Riverside Walk

After visiting Wordsworth Grasmere, cross the A591 and head towards Grasmere village. At Broadgate car park, head over the footbridge. Cross another bridge and continue along the River Rothay’s left bank. You will reach the Millennium Bridge: go straight on, and beyond the bridge follow the path to the road. Turn left, past the Grasmere Gingerbread® shop (if you can resist stepping inside, that is!) and through the churchyard’s lychgate. St. Oswald’s is the parish church of Grasmere, Rydal and Langdale. William Wordsworth is buried here. There is a memorial inside the church, as well as his gravestone outside.
 

Explore the Village

Nestled amongst the Lakeland Fells, Grasmere village is home to Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread ® shop, which was originally built in 1630 as the village school. It’s a wonderful opportunity to buy an authentically local gift, before heading into the village to explore a wealth of independent shops and art galleries. The Heaton Cooper Studio, located in the heart of the village, houses exhibitions showcasing stunning Lakeland landscapes, which are the work of three generations of one family.

William Wordsworth declared Grasmere to be ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. He loved the Vale so much that he never moved away from it, moving his family just a couple of miles from Dove Cottage to Allan Bank in 1808; and from there to Rydal Mount in 1813.

Allan Bank is a National Trust property like no other. Only partially restored and undecorated, the house offers you the opportunity to see and touch the many layers of this home’s fascinating history. The house and grounds are reached by a short 10-minute walk uphill from the centre of the village.

Located just a stone’s throw from Grasmere village stands Rydal Mount: Wordsworth’s family home, where he lived until his death in 1850. Still owned by the Wordsworth family, today the house is open for visitors to discover the life and works of the famous poet. There are several items which belonged to Wordsworth himself on display; and guided tours are available. To visit Rydal Mount, alight from the 555 at Rydal; from there, it’s a short uphill walk.
 

Top Tips

Public Transport

Travel by Avanti West Coast to Oxenholme the Lake District and change for the Lakes Line to Windermere. At Windermere Train Station, catch the Stagecoach 555 service or the 599.

Travelling with Dogs on Public Transport

When travelling with Avanti West Coast, you can take up to two domestic pets for no extra charge. Please check the guidance on their website.

Dogs are allowed to travel on Stagecoach buses at the discretion of the driver. Please be aware that the driver will consider things like if there is already another pet on the bus when making their decision. Assistance and guide dogs can travel at all times.

Accommodation and tourist information:

Visit our accommodation page for lots of information on places to stay and things to do.

Useful Walking Maps: OS Explorer OL 7