Grasmere - in the heart of the Lake District

Grasmere is a very special place. It was the home of William Wordsworth during his best years as a poet in the early 19th century. It has stimulated artists of many kinds ever since. Today it is a popular destination for millions of tourists coming to enjoy this most beautiful corner of England. They come not only to Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum but also to the village churchyard to see where the great poet and his family are buried.

The village itself is a pleasant place at all times of year, whether in Winter snow, with daffodils in the Spring, or at the height of Summer. In this post all three photographs were taken in winter (February 2011). On a new page I have just added to the main Around-England site the Grasmere photographs are from summer months.

Grasmere is a good starting point for many Lake District walks, and for the less-energetic there are things to do in the village. Sarah Nelson's Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is a perennial favourite. The Heaton Cooper Studio has an extensive display of work by several generations of the Heaton Cooper family. In the photograph below what was (at the far end of the row of cottages) a Storytelling Centre is now the Grasmere National Trust shop and information centre.

Grasmere and Lake District Accommodation

Grasmere village, not to mention the beautiful lake, attracts me back time after time. Living within driving distance is a great privilege but for many people such day trips will not be practicable. There is no shortage of accommodation. Cumbrian cottages are available in great variety for those who like to look after themselves, and there are hotels in the Lake District at many different price levels to suit every taste.

If you have never been to Grasmere you should start to plan your trip now.