10 things to do in Grasmere.
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10 things to do on a visit to Grasmere, Lake District
Let me introduce you to my village-Grasmere, home to William Wordsworth.Grasmere is a small village in the heart of England's Lake District.,visited by thousands of tourists every year. I live in Grasmere, and here's my personal guide to Grasmere Village.
Thousands of visitors come to Grasmere every year from all over the world, and there are lots of things to do in Grasmere, even in the winter months when the crowds have gone.
Visitors come to Grasmere because of William Wordsworth, to visit the Wordsworth homes, see the scenery Wordsworth loved, and to pay homage at the Wordsworth family graves. Even though Grasmere is just a small village. Grasmere is home to many Lake District activities.
St Oswald's Church Grasmere is at the heart of Grasmere, in England's Lake District.
William Wordsworth wrote his best poetry in Grasmere, and is buried, along with his family, in St Oswalds' Church. The church dates back to the 13th Century.It is built in traditional Lakeland style, with rendering on the walls. Inside it is fairly plain, with the East Window being clear so that you can look out at the hills- no need for stained glass when you can "lift up your eyes unto the hills".One of the first things that people do on their visit to Grasmere is to look at the Wordsworth Graves in St Oswald's Grasmere churchyard, and look inside the historic church.
Today Grasmere is a thriving village, with lots of great community activities.
Grasmere is a hugely popular tourist destination, with excellent hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Visitors come for the amazing scenery, the superb hiking, the glorious fresh country air, and the wonderful nature so loved by William Wordsworth.
This lens had the honor of being awarded a Purple Star.
Thousands of visitors come to Grasmere every year from all over the world, and there are lots of things to do in Grasmere, even in the winter months when the crowds have gone.
Visitors come to Grasmere because of William Wordsworth, to visit the Wordsworth homes, see the scenery Wordsworth loved, and to pay homage at the Wordsworth family graves. Even though Grasmere is just a small village. Grasmere is home to many Lake District activities.
St Oswald's Church Grasmere is at the heart of Grasmere, in England's Lake District.
William Wordsworth wrote his best poetry in Grasmere, and is buried, along with his family, in St Oswalds' Church. The church dates back to the 13th Century.It is built in traditional Lakeland style, with rendering on the walls. Inside it is fairly plain, with the East Window being clear so that you can look out at the hills- no need for stained glass when you can "lift up your eyes unto the hills".One of the first things that people do on their visit to Grasmere is to look at the Wordsworth Graves in St Oswald's Grasmere churchyard, and look inside the historic church.
Today Grasmere is a thriving village, with lots of great community activities.
Grasmere is a hugely popular tourist destination, with excellent hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Visitors come for the amazing scenery, the superb hiking, the glorious fresh country air, and the wonderful nature so loved by William Wordsworth.
This lens had the honor of being awarded a Purple Star.
Contents at a Glance
- Ten Things to do on your visit to Grasme...
- 1. Visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth...
- Read the journal the Dorothy Wordsworth...
- 2 Visit St Oswald's Church
- Why not see if you can find a book about...
- 3. Visit Heaton Cooper's Art Gallery and...
- Grasmere Lake
- 4. See Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread shop
- 5. Browse a traditional book shop
Ten Things to do on your visit to Grasmere.
Grasmere is an historic little village with lots to do and see.
Some people whizz through Grasmere on a whistle stop tour of England. Other visit year after year, spending weeks in the village, hiking the hills and trails, and enjoying immersing themselves in the local culture.Even if you have just an hour to visit, try to spend some time ( and money- the local economy needs you!) in this lovely village.
1. Visit Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum.
Dove Cottage Grasmere was where Wordsworth wrote his best poems.
Dove Cottage Grasmere is where Wordsworth lived with his sister Dorothy at the time when he was writing his most famous poetry.
His devoted sister jotted down lots of notes, discussed everything with him, made lots of astute observations on nature that found their way into Wordsworth poems, and generally helped her beloved brother in every possible way.
When Wordsworth married Mary, the three lived together, but had to move out of the tiny Dove Cottage when children came along.
In addition to visiting Dove Cottage and experiencing at first hand the poet's home, visitors can also visit the Wordsworth Museum, which houses a huge amount of interesting information and exhibits.
Photo of Dove Cottage thanks to Cumbria Tourism and David Willis, not for reuse
This winter, and spring 2010-2011, Dove Cottage have launched a great Program of Winter events at Dove Cottage. These include "fireside talks".
What a great treat, listening to talks from all sorts of experts by Wordsworth's fireside at Dove Cottage. I'm going to try to visit some of these talks. If you are in Grasmere, see if you can come.
His devoted sister jotted down lots of notes, discussed everything with him, made lots of astute observations on nature that found their way into Wordsworth poems, and generally helped her beloved brother in every possible way.
When Wordsworth married Mary, the three lived together, but had to move out of the tiny Dove Cottage when children came along.
In addition to visiting Dove Cottage and experiencing at first hand the poet's home, visitors can also visit the Wordsworth Museum, which houses a huge amount of interesting information and exhibits.
Photo of Dove Cottage thanks to Cumbria Tourism and David Willis, not for reuse
This winter, and spring 2010-2011, Dove Cottage have launched a great Program of Winter events at Dove Cottage. These include "fireside talks".
What a great treat, listening to talks from all sorts of experts by Wordsworth's fireside at Dove Cottage. I'm going to try to visit some of these talks. If you are in Grasmere, see if you can come.
Read the journal the Dorothy Wordsworth wrote at Dove Cottage, Grasmere
It's a fascinating view of Grasmere 200 years ago
I love to read Dorothy Wordsworth's journals. and find out the daily life of Wordsworth and his family. A lot of the journal is about very mundane things such as meals and bedtimes, aches and pains.
The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals (Oxford World's Classics)
Amazon Price: $7.63 (as of 02/16/2012)
Dorothy Wordsworth was the inspiration for many of her brother, William Wordsworth's poems. This is a fascinatin book to read f you are visiting Grasmere and Dove Cottage.
UK readers can get this from Amazon.co.uk through this link The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals (Oxford World's Classics)
2 Visit St Oswald's Church
St Oswald's Grasmere dates from the 13th century.
Set in the centre of Grasmere Village, St Oswald's church used to serve the parishes of Grasmere, Rydal and Langdale. Each Parish had its own entrance into the church yard.Inside the church are many old memorials, including some of the wealthy Le Fleming faimly from Rydal.
There is a statue of the Madonna and Child by Ophelia Bell.
The West Window is made of plain glass so that worshippers can see out to the Lakeland hills- not need for a stained glass window here to appreciate the glory of God and nature.
We were married here in 1973! Its a really beautiful place for a wedding!
The church is also the centre for poetry readings, organ recitals , concerts and exhibitions.
For more information about St Oswald's Grasmere click here to go to the informative website written by Grasmere vicar Cameron Butland.
The graves of William Wordsworth and some of his family are in Grasmere churchyard.
Photo thanks to David Willis and Cumbria tourism
Be sure to stop by on your visit to Grasmere ( and please leave a donation!)
For information about Weddings in Grasmere Chruch or Baptisms in Grasmere Church please click on the links. St Oswald's Grasmere welcomes all visitors.
Why not see if you can find a book about Grasmere on ebay?
Things to do in Grasmere- buy a book from ebay.
You'll be amazed at the great choice of books about Grasmere and the Lake District you can find on ebay.
3. Visit Heaton Cooper's Art Gallery and shop
The Heaton Cooper Studio Grasmere
Heaton Cooper was a famous artist, known for his paintings of Lakeland landscape. Other members of Heaton Cooper's family were also painters and sculptors.In the Heaton Cooper Studio you can buy prints, postcards and cards of the artists' work. There are also some orginal works there.Artists materials are on sale too.
Visitors to my Guestbook tell me that they come to Grasmere specially to stock up on artists supplies at this unique gallery.
You can also order from Heaton Cooper online in the UK. Heaton Cooper are also willing to post overseas if you can't get here in person.
You can find out more here about the Heaton Cooper Studio. You can also order prints and cards online.
Main studio photo thanks to Cumbria Tourism and David Willis also at golakes
Grasmere Lake
Grasmere Village is on the edge of Grasmere Lake- beautiful.
A local Grasmere person has pointed out that "Grasmere Lake" doesn't actually come on my list!
Well, more about the lake , and rowing on Grasmere Lake can be found on 10 More things to do in Grasmere , but here is Grasmere Lake for you to enjoy.
Well, more about the lake , and rowing on Grasmere Lake can be found on 10 More things to do in Grasmere , but here is Grasmere Lake for you to enjoy.
curated content from YouTube
4. See Sarah Nelson's Gingerbread shop
The famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop
Outside the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop- photo thanks to David Willis, not for reuse.
Once the village school, this quaint little building is now the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop.
Pop inside to buy a souvenir!
Photo thanks to Cumbria Tourism and David Willis, not for reuse.
For more information take a look at The Grasmere Gingerbread shop's website
5. Browse a traditional book shop
Sam Read's Bookshop, Grasmere
Sam Read's Bookshop on the corner of Broadgate and Moss Parrock Grasmere, is a little treasure trove on interesting books.There is a particularly good section on Poetry, as you might expect, and also a very good children's section.
The shop is over 100 years old, and is now owned and run by Elaine Nelson .
Elaine and her helpers will order any book for you. They really know their stock and can help you find the perfect book for a gift or souvenir.
Picture thanks to visit Cumbria Sam Reads bookshop
New ! 10 More Things to Do in Grasmere
10 more things to do in Grasmere- I've made a new lens!
There is so much to do in this little historic village- please look over at my new lens, 10 More Things to do in Grasmere for more ideas of things to do in Grasmere.
If you drive 3 miles along the A591, you'll get to Ambleside, so here's aguide to things to do in Ambleside too.
If you drive 3 miles along the A591, you'll get to Ambleside, so here's aguide to things to do in Ambleside too.
6.Sit at a pavement cafe and watch the world go by
There are several cafes where you can sit outside.
Morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea? Lots of cafes serve delicious home made scones, cakes and snacks.What's the rush? Take a break!
This photo is of the Rowan Tree Cafe, down by the River Rothay. Thanks to David Willis and Cumbria Tourism , all rights reserved.
If you are visiting Grasmere to go hiking, here are some useful links.
Find out more about backpacking around Grasmere
Here are some ideas about hiking and backpacking around Grasmere, with tips about the equipment you might need.
- The Best Hiking Backpacks for women
- Ladies- don't use any old backpack. You need a special backpack for women. Find the best backpacks here.
- Easy low level walks around Grasmere
- Here is a guide to low level walks in the Grasmere area.
- Walks from White Moss, Grasmere
- Six great circular walks from White Moss, Grasmere
7. Have a pint in a pub
Try a pint of the local beer
There are lots of local breweries in the Lakes, and the barman will always be happy to advise you on which to chose!The pubs will also serve you with a hearty meal- maybe our traditional Cumberland sausage
My favorite pub in the centre of Grasmere is Tweedies , at the back of the Dale Lodge hotel.. It has a good selection of ales, always has a great cider, good choice of wine, and good food. There's a fire inside, and tables in the garden outside. They also have music and quiz sessions.It's a great place to relax at the end of a walk.
The other bars in Grasmere are the Lamb, round the back of the Red Lion hotel, and the Dove and Olive, part of the Wordsworth hotel.
The oldest pub in Grasmere The Travellers' Rest on the main road , about 1 mile from the village centre. It's been a coaching inn since the 16th Centrury, and has lots of old world charm.
8. Buy some new hiking gear from an expert
There are several shops selling outdoor equipment
All these shops are staffed by keen walkers and outdoors people, who know their stock, know what you need, and will give you lots of patient help and advice. Outdoor wear for your Grasmere visit to buy on ebay
Grasmere and William Wordsworth
Here is a selection of some of the best books about Grasmere
You can't get away from Wordsworth in Grasmere. Here is a selection of books to help you fin out more about Wordsworth and Grasmere.
9. Get those new boots on a go hiking
Walks around Grasmere, Rydal and Whitemoss
There are so many great walks around Grasmere. Try to make time to get out and really see the wonderful Lakeland scenery. This is the view from Loughrigg Terrace, which was used as a location in the film "Miss Potter" starring Renee Zellweger.
People are always talking about Grasmere
Things to do and news from Grasmere
What happening in Grasmere. People blog about Grasmere. Lots of things to do in Grasmere
- May slates Windermere geese cull
- Queen guitarist Brian May has announced his opposition to the killing of 200 Canada geese in the Lake District. May, whose organisation, Save Me, campaigns for better treatment of animals, spoke out strongly against plans for a cull of the birds on ...
- Lake District swimming cuts a 'nonsense' in Olympic year
- Our late, great Guardian colleague Harry Griffin once wrote a fine piece about the village cobbler in Grasmere, Timothy Tyson, and a friend who ran a local cafe (or 'tea garden' in Harry's exact words) who together swam in all 463 Lake District tarns, ...
- A family tour of Britain: part six - the Lake District
- Ben Hatch and his family get the cold shoulder in the Lake District ? even from the swans. By Ben Hatch When Ben Hatch and his wife Dinah were asked to write a guidebook about family travel they naively imagined spending whole days licking ice lollies ...
- Couples get in the mood for Valentine's Day in Cheltenham
- Beating off competition from the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and Grasmere in the Lake District, the picturesque road featuring Cotswold stone houses and a 13th century church took the prize after being nominated by travel writers on the Metro.
10. Take some great photos of Grasmere
Grasmere is one of the most beautiful places in the whole world.
Artists have painted Grasmere, poets have written about Grasmere. Everywhere you look the views are amazing, and you can capture a memory for yourself with just a simple camera. I take my Canon camera with me nearly every day when I go out for a walk around Grasmere and Rydal Water, and some of the results look quite good to me!
Take a look at the photo below though, to see what you can achieve if you have talent and skill.
This photgraph, "Autumn, Helm Crag and Grasmere" is thanks to Stewyphoto at Flickr
Talented local photographer Stewart Smith has an online shop where you can buy prints of his Lake District photographs. Stewart's photos would make a great gift for anyone who loves the Lakes, and he can ship the prints overseas for you.
Click on Stewart Smith Photography for more photos and information.
Take a look at the photo below though, to see what you can achieve if you have talent and skill.
This photgraph, "Autumn, Helm Crag and Grasmere" is thanks to Stewyphoto at Flickr
Talented local photographer Stewart Smith has an online shop where you can buy prints of his Lake District photographs. Stewart's photos would make a great gift for anyone who loves the Lakes, and he can ship the prints overseas for you.
Click on Stewart Smith Photography for more photos and information.
Are you thinking of buying books about the Lake District?
My guide to the best Lake District books.
You might be thinking of buying a book about the Lake District. There are hundreds!
Here I humbly offer my personally choice of the Best Lake District books.
I've also put a link to the canon digital camera that I've used for my photos. It's a really easy camera for amateurs like me. I think the quality is amazing for the price.
Here I humbly offer my personally choice of the Best Lake District books.
I've also put a link to the canon digital camera that I've used for my photos. It's a really easy camera for amateurs like me. I think the quality is amazing for the price.
Lots more things to do in Grasmere
If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the guestbook and I'll add them.
There are so many things to do in Grasmere, that I've made another lens 10 more things to do in Grasmere
Here is a taster-
Go the see The Grasmere Players in the Village Hall. There are several productions during the year, and if your visit to Grasmere coincides with one, make sure you go!
Go to a poetry reading. The Wordsworth Trust at Dove Cottage organises readings in St Oswalds church every other Tuesday. Poets read and discuss their work. Its fascinating.
They also have readings and lectures at Dove Cottage.
Celebrity spot- Sting has a house here!
Listen to a story by Taffy Thomas,the Story telling laureate. Check out Taffy's website .Taffy's Storytelling centre is opposite St Oswald's Church. If you can't come to Grasmere, he might be touring somewhere near you.
Buy a Jigsaw.
Barney's Newsbox has one of the largest stocks of jigsaws in the country. For details click here
The little shop is stuffed full of all sorts of gifts, toys, cards, models- all sorts of things!
Here is a taster-
Go the see The Grasmere Players in the Village Hall. There are several productions during the year, and if your visit to Grasmere coincides with one, make sure you go!
Go to a poetry reading. The Wordsworth Trust at Dove Cottage organises readings in St Oswalds church every other Tuesday. Poets read and discuss their work. Its fascinating.
They also have readings and lectures at Dove Cottage.
Celebrity spot- Sting has a house here!
Listen to a story by Taffy Thomas,the Story telling laureate. Check out Taffy's website .Taffy's Storytelling centre is opposite St Oswald's Church. If you can't come to Grasmere, he might be touring somewhere near you.
Buy a Jigsaw.
Barney's Newsbox has one of the largest stocks of jigsaws in the country. For details click here
The little shop is stuffed full of all sorts of gifts, toys, cards, models- all sorts of things!
10 Things to do in Grasmere has been awarded a Purple Star
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Read all about them , and see why Purple is the best color.
Lensmaster whitemoss now has 5 Purple Stars.
Read all about them , and see why Purple is the best color.
Lots of people love the Lake District
Here are some great lenses about the Lake District.
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If you would like to add your lens to this list, then please go ahead.
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Planning a visit to Grasmere soon? Maybe this summer?
Visit this lens for tips and information on visiting Grasmere and the Lake District this winter.
Tips, links, and lots of info. Please take a look and add your ideas.
If
If
Regular updates on the happenings in Grasmere
Keep an eye on my blog for news of events in and around Grasmere
White Moss House, owned by Wordsworth, lies halfway between Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, his other famous houses.
Now a historic Grasmere B & B Guest house. This is a diary from White Moss House.
Now a historic Grasmere B & B Guest house. This is a diary from White Moss House.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat are they saying on Twitter about #Grasmere?
Lots of people mention #Grasmere in their tweets
I tweet with lots of people around Grasmere, and lots of visitors mention Grasmere too. Take a look!
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- CumbriaTravel
- MEDIUM A591 Cumbria - Temporary traffic lights and roadworks on A591 in Grasmere near the B5287 Stock Lane junction.
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- HerdyUK
- RT @timsheringham Visited Herdy shop at Grasmere http://t.co/33PGt6x9. Great simple branding Vibrant colours http://t.co/PgvtoZ5t <<Thanks!
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- PeterTaylorC
- #thejumbleroom,Grasmere, the sirloin's not bad either #amustgowheninthelakes http://t.co/STQl6t0A
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- PeterTaylorC
- #thejumbleroom Grasmere kedgeree cake, beautiful http://t.co/tLPst2OM
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- graeme_kennedy
- Just opened up emails to read "Dear Grasmere, and Would you like to attend Comic-Con 2012?" :-( eh yeah would...
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Have you any suggestions to add?
Please take a look at "10 more things to do in Grasmere"
Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Grasmere each year. If you have visited I'd love to know what you enjoyed. If you haven't- do you think you would like to visit?
There are lots more Things To Do in Grasmere- if you know of something that should be included on this lens, please leave a message and I'll be happy to add your information .I'm going to add to this lens regularly, so please come back.
By the way, the photos here that I've taken myself use the Canon PowerShot 1200 also known as the Ixus- a great little digital camera.
I'd love to hear from you!
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Adrijan
Feb 16, 2012 @ 5:59 am | delete
- Great lens
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TwoDogHouse
Feb 4, 2012 @ 4:35 pm | delete
- You make Grasmere sound enchanting. I'd love to visit the Grasmere Lake it looks absolutely gorgeious. Very nicely done.
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DonD
Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:19 am | delete
- This is a cool lense your 10 things to in Grasmere is very helpful to us have not been to that place. Excellent lense.
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uktvbrackets
Nov 18, 2011 @ 4:20 am | delete
- Just come back from a holiday in the Lake District. Go every year, love the place
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franstan
Aug 11, 2011 @ 6:38 pm | delete
- Exceptional lens. Blessings from a visiting Squid Angel
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Here are some more of my lenses, which I hope you'll visit!
Lenses about the Lake District and more.
Most of my lenses are about the Lake Distirct.
There are also some Rocketmoms lenses for you to look at.
Please pop around some and leave me some messages- thank you!
There are also some Rocketmoms lenses for you to look at.
Please pop around some and leave me some messages- thank you!
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My home White Moss House was owned by Wordsworth. It's now a guest house in England's Lake District You can stay here!
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For all you Kindle Fans- a great Lake District Guide
Ditch the heavy books, and load this to your Kindle.
Great Mountain Days in the Lake District: 50 Great Routes
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
A great guide to take on your visit to Grasmere. Available as a book, or here, for your Kindle.
Read the poems that Wordsworth wrote in Grasmere
Some of the most famous poems in the world on your Kindle.
Selected Poetry of William Wordsworth (Modern Library Classics)
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
This is a classic edition of Wordsworth's poems, including the famous "Daffodils".
It's so easy to carry these poems in your bag on your Kindle, for moments of peace and reflection.
UK Kindle readers can download this classic edition of Wordsworth's poems here The Grasmere and Alfoxden Journals (Oxford World's Classics)
Not got a Kindle? Why not? It's a travel essential.
Store all the information for your Grasmere visit on your Kindle.
Kindle Keyboard 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers
Amazon Price: $139.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
This is the Kindle I have, It's so clear even my visually impaired friend can use it. This Kindle is light, very portable, and can download books, newspapers, magazines wherever you are in the world.
UK readers can buy it via this link Kindle Keyboard 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, 6" E Ink Display
