GRASMERE & AMBLESIDE
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Grasmere and Ambleside offer the quintessential English Lakeland experience. This is a land of stunning natural beauty, from towering fells to tranquil waters.
This twin-destination region is steeped in literary history, most famously as the home of William Wordsworth. It is a haven for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking peaceful, dramatic landscapes.
Most Popular Attractions
Literary & Heritage Sites:
Dove Cottage & Wordsworth Museum: The humble home where William Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poetry, with an adjacent museum dedicated to his life and work.
Wordsworth Grasmere (The Jerwood Centre): A modern archive and research center housing the largest collection of Wordsworth’s manuscripts and artifacts.
St Oswald’s Church, Grasmere: The picturesque church where William, his wife Mary, and many of their family members are buried.
Rydal Mount: The final, larger home of William Wordsworth, boasting beautiful gardens designed by the poet himself.
Bridge House, Ambleside: An iconic, tiny 17th-century house built over the Stock Ghyll beck, now owned by the National Trust.
Armitt Library and Museum, Ambleside: A local history collection with artifacts and manuscripts relating to the town’s past and Lake District culture.
Natural Landmarks & Viewpoints:
Grasmere Lake: A small, beautiful lake famous for its island and gentle shoreline, perfect for a peaceful row or lakeside walk.
Rydal Water: A smaller, quieter lake nestled between Grasmere and Ambleside, with easy, scenic walking paths, including Wordsworth’s Seat.
Stock Ghyll Force: A spectacular 70-foot waterfall just a short walk from the center of Ambleside.
Loughrigg Fell: A relatively gentle fell climb offering stunning panoramic views over Grasmere, Rydal Water, and Ambleside.
Fairfield Horseshoe: A classic, challenging circular ridge walk starting from Ambleside, bagging numerous high fells.
Wansfell Pike: A steep but rewarding climb from Ambleside, offering an exceptional view of Windermere.
Alcock Tarn: A peaceful mountain tarn above Grasmere, offering a tranquil spot away from the crowds.
Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb): A distinctive fell overlooking Grasmere, known for its rocky summit formations.
Activities & Local Attractions:
Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: The legendary shop selling Sarah Nelson’s original and secret recipe gingerbread, a local institution since 1854.
Zeffirellis & Fellinis: Two popular independent cinemas and vegetarian restaurants in Ambleside, a hub for local arts and culture.
Waterhead Pier, Ambleside: The docking point for the Windermere Lake Cruises, offering boat trips across England’s largest lake.
Ambleside Climbing Wall: An indoor center providing climbing and bouldering facilities for all skill levels.
Rothay Park, Ambleside: A large, open park on the river, ideal for picnics, sports, and a family break.
Grasmere Village Centre: A charming cluster of stone buildings, tea rooms, and independent shops.
Ambleside Village Centre: A larger, bustling town with an array of outdoor gear shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Skating and Curling Hall, Ambleside (Former): A historic building that speaks to the region’s colder weather activities in the past, now adapted for other uses.
Activities & Experiences
Hike to Easedale Tarn: A popular and moderately challenging walk from Grasmere that leads to a stunning high-level tarn surrounded by fells, offering classic Lakeland scenery.
Visit Dove Cottage & The Wordsworth Museum: Explore the former home of William Wordsworth in Grasmere, where he lived and wrote his most famous poetry, followed by a visit to the adjacent museum.
Rent a Rowboat on Grasmere Lake: Hire a traditional wooden boat from Faeryland Grasmere and take a gentle, peaceful row on the water, soaking in the views of the surrounding fells.
Walk to the Wray Castle: Start from Ambleside and follow the lakeside path along Windermere to reach the dramatic, mock-Gothic castle, which has National Trust grounds perfect for picnics.
Hike to Stock Ghyll Force: Take the short, scenic walk from the center of Ambleside to see this beautiful, 70-foot high waterfall tumbling through the woods.
Taste Grasmere Gingerbread: Queue up for a sample of the world-famous, unique spicy-sweet biscuit, baked from a secret 160-year-old recipe in the tiny Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Conquer Helm Crag (The Lion and the Lamb): Tackle this famous Grasmere fell, known for the unique rock formation on its summit, which looks like a crouching lion or a lamb depending on your angle.
Go Wild Swimming in Rydal Water: Find a safe spot to take a refreshing dip in the smaller, quieter lake nestled between Grasmere and Ambleside.
Explore Bridge House: Snap a photo of this tiny, picturesque 17th-century house built over the River Rothay in the heart of Ambleside, now managed by the National Trust.
Take a Cruise on Windermere Lake: Catch a Windermere Lake Cruise from Waterhead Pier (just outside Ambleside) to explore the length of England’s largest lake, with stops at Bowness and Lakeside.
Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe: For serious hikers, this classic, strenuous loop from Ambleside covers a series of high fells, including the summit of Fairfield, offering spectacular panoramic views.
Visit St. Oswald’s Church in Grasmere: Stop by the church where William and Mary Wordsworth, along with other family members, are buried in the graveyard.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: Grasmere and Ambleside are very compact and best explored entirely on foot. You can walk between the two villages (about ) via the scenic coffin route trail or the roadside path.
Local Buses (The ‘Mountain Goat’ Network):
Stagecoach Bus (Route 555/599): This is the main artery connecting the entire central Lake District. It runs frequently between Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick, making it a reliable way to hop between villages without a car.
Day Passes: Consider purchasing an all-day explorer ticket if you plan on making multiple trips.
Parking Challenges: Parking in both villages, especially in Grasmere, is limited and can be expensive. Using the bus to travel between them is highly recommended.
Driving in the Lake District:
Narrow Roads: Be prepared for very narrow, winding, stone-walled lanes (sometimes called “single-track roads”) with designated passing places. Drive slowly and be courteous to oncoming traffic.
The Passes: Ambleside is near the start of the famous Kirkstone Pass (A592), a beautiful but steep and winding road that’s often closed or hazardous in winter. Check conditions before traveling.
Ferries and Boats:
Lake Windermere Cruises: For trips across or along the lake, the cruises depart from Waterhead Pier (Ambleside), Bowness-on-Windermere, and Lakeside. They are a scenic alternative to driving.
The Weather: The Lake District is one of the wettest places in England. Always pack waterproof gear (jacket and trousers) and wear sturdy, broken-in waterproof boots, even for a short walk. The weather can change dramatically in the space of an hour.
“Fell” vs. “Mountain”: In the local dialect, a fell is a hill or mountain. Don’t be fooled by the gentler name—many fells, like the famous Fairfield Horseshoe, are serious, strenuous climbs. Always carry a map, compass, and emergency whistle on any significant hike.
Hiking Etiquette:
The Countryside Code: Stick to marked footpaths to avoid damaging private land and to protect the environment.
Gates and Stiles: Always leave gates exactly as you find them (open or closed) to prevent livestock from straying.
Dogs: Keep dogs on a lead around livestock, especially during lambing season (spring).
The Literary Heart: Embrace the legacy of the “Lake Poets,” particularly William Wordsworth, who defined the region’s cultural identity. Many pubs, cafés, and trails are named after his poems or family members.
Dining Times: Unlike Southern Europe, dining hours are much earlier. Lunch is typically to and dinner service often begins around or , with many kitchens closing by or . Book dinner reservations, especially in Ambleside, well in advance.
Hidden Gems:
The Coffin Route: The most scenic path between Grasmere and Rydal Water. This historic trail was used to carry the dead from Rydal to the church in Grasmere. It offers stunning, elevated views over the lakes.
Rydal Mount & Gardens: The last and best-loved home of William Wordsworth (after Dove Cottage). The house and its five-acre garden, designed by the poet himself, are often quieter than the sites in Grasmere village.
Skelwith Bridge & the Drunken Duck: Visit the peaceful Skelwith Bridge area, known for Chesters by the River (a fantastic cafe/bakery) and a short walk to Skelwith Force waterfall. Nearby is the famous Drunken Duck Inn, a historic pub with its own microbrewery.
Zeffirellis/Fellini’s: Ambleside is unique for having two independent cinemas (Zeffirellis and Fellini’s) that specialize in a “dinner and a movie” experience, offering great vegetarian food packages.
Top Restaurants
The Drunken Duck Inn [$35-$60] – A highly sought-after traditional inn near Ambleside with its own microbrewery, known for excellent gastropub dining using quality local ingredients.
The Three Shires Inn [$35-$60] – A charming country pub in the Little Langdale valley near Ambleside, serving classic British comfort food in a rustic, welcoming setting, popular with walkers.
The Flying Fleece [$35-$60] – A traditional, family-friendly Lakeland pub in Ambleside offering a seasonal menu featuring classic British fare made with local, fresh ingredients.
The Priest Hole Restaurant [$25-$40] – Located in a 16th-century building in Ambleside, this restaurant offers rustic charm and hearty British classics, including signature steak dishes.
The Golden Rule [$15-$30] – A classic, no-frills Ambleside pub that focuses on serving excellent real ale, with a minimal but high-quality food menu of snacks like pork pies and scotch eggs.
Britannia Inn [$35-$60] – A 400-year-old coaching inn near Ambleside that is popular for its traditional British pub atmosphere and substantial meals.
Traveller’s Rest Inn [$25-$40] – A cosy, 16th-century Cumbrian inn on the outskirts of Grasmere, offering an extensive menu of traditional local and provincial dishes, often with stunning views.
1769 Bar & Restaurant (The Inn at Grasmere) [$20-$35] – The only local village pub in Grasmere, offering classic pub food and local real ales in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The Swan at Grasmere [$20-$40] – A cosy traditional pub with a seasonal menu of flavour-packed Cumbrian classics, perfect for a hearty meal after a day on the fells.
The Jumble Room [$40-$75] – A vibrant, eclectically decorated restaurant in Grasmere with a relaxed vibe, known for using local and organic produce in a creative and fun menu.
Lewis’s of Grasmere [$40-$70] – A small, modern, family-run bistro in the heart of Grasmere known for perfectly cooked dishes like fillet steak, pork belly, and creative seasonal offerings.
The Yan [$60-$100] – A highly-rated, family-run bistro/restaurant-with-rooms near Grasmere, known for well-cooked modern British food, especially their signature Herdwick lamb dishes.
The Lodge Restaurant at Tweedies [$20-$45] – Located in Grasmere, this restaurant is part of a charming hotel and is a great spot for enjoying British comfort food in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.
The Cottage In The Wood [$35-$60] – A quaint, licensed restaurant tucked away in Ambleside offering modern, freshly prepared dishes behind a traditional Lakeland slate exterior.
Rothay Manor [$100-$150] – A modern restaurant in Ambleside offering a range of menus from a la carte to tasting options, impressing diners with its contemporary approach and quality of cooking.
The Old Stamp House Restaurant [$70-$150] – An award-winning fine dining restaurant in Ambleside, led by a Cumbrian chef, offering tasting menus focused on local, sustainable, and often forgotten regional cuisine.
Forest Side [$150-$200+] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in a stunning Gothic mansion in Grasmere, focusing on modern cuisine using hyper-local ingredients, many foraged from the hotel’s 5-acre grounds.
Lake Road Kitchen [$150-$200+] – A high-end restaurant in Ambleside known for its tasting menus that focus on sustainable, hyper-local ingredients, showcasing a strong connection to Cumbrian produce.
Dodds Restaurant [$40-$70] – A cheerfully modern restaurant in the heart of Ambleside offering a menu of classic Mediterranean dishes, including pizzas, pasta, and grills.
Zeffirellis [$30-$50] – A popular Ambleside institution that is a vibrant hub for vegetarian Italian dining, offering wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and often featuring a jazz bar and cinema.
Fellinis [$30-$50] – A sophisticated dining destination in Ambleside offering an elevated vegetarian menu with a Mediterranean twist, located beneath a cinema.
Doi Intanon, Thai Restaurant [$25-$45] – A well-regarded Thai restaurant in Ambleside, known for its authentic Thai cuisine.
Chesters By The River [$15-$35] – A bright, modern cafe/restaurant with a deck overlooking the river near Ambleside, offering homemade lunch, wood-fired pizzas, and excellent cakes.
Greens Café & Bistro [$15-$30] – A long-established cafe and bistro in Grasmere known for homemade dishes that cater well to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.
Baldry’s Tea Room [$15-$30] – A staple in Grasmere since 1982, renowned for its home-baked goods, light lunches, and traditional loose-leaf teas.
Mathilde’s Café [$15-$30] – Attached to the Heaton Cooper Studio in Grasmere, this café offers Scandinavian-inspired dishes influenced by Nordic cuisines.
Heidi’s Café [$15-$30] – A quirky, fully licensed café in Grasmere known for friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere, and homemade food like chunky pork sausage rolls.
Ambleside Fish & Chips [$10-$20] – A classic spot for a taste of traditional British takeaway food, offering fresh fish and chips, a must-try for a casual meal.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Lily Bar: A newer, independent spot on Lake Road in Ambleside with a modern, welcoming decor that appeals to a diverse crowd. It offers a good selection of lagers, ciders, real ales, and an extensive menu of cocktails. The venue is also known for its live bands, DJs, and open mic nights.
The Vault Ambleside: Housed in a building with a rich history, this bar in the heart of Ambleside has transformed a former bank into a vibrant space. It focuses on well-crafted cocktails, offering a mission to bring mixology to everyone. It also hosts live music, sports, and has pool tables, giving it a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
Bar eS Ambleside: Located just off the main road in the centre of Ambleside, this spot has a rustic, Mexican-inspired interior. It’s famous for its quality, fresh cocktails, particularly their margaritas, alongside a great selection of craft beer and a relaxed atmosphere, which extends to a beer garden with heaters for cooler evenings.
The Forest Side: Found in a luxury hotel setting just outside of Grasmere, this elegant spot offers a refined cocktail experience. Their Head Barman creates unique, tempting cocktails with a local Cumbrian twist, using regional ingredients and spirits.
Zeffirellis Jazz Bar: Part of a larger cinema and restaurant complex in Ambleside, this is an acclaimed venue for live music. It hosts informal jazz events most Friday and Saturday evenings, making it a sophisticated option for an evening drink.
The Badger Bar: Located on the road between Ambleside and Grasmere in the tiny village of Rydal, this historic 400-year-old inn is one of the most atmospheric spots. While it’s primarily a pub, its cosy environment, open fires, and selection of over 20 whiskies make it an ideal late-night retreat.
Poets Bar at the Lancrigg: A cosy and welcoming bar housed in the beautiful Lancrigg Hotel near Grasmere. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of hiking, serving local real ale and a selection of other drinks in a tranquil, historic setting.
1769 at The Inn at Grasmere: A traditional style, recently refurbished bar in the centre of Grasmere, offering a rustic look and an excellent choice of locally brewed real ale, as well as a welcoming spot for a late drink.
The Distiller’s Arms (Tap Room): The taproom for Grasmere Distillery is located in the heart of Grasmere. It serves all of the distillery’s own-made drinks, including gin and tonic, cocktails made with their spirits, and the beer and cider they brew themselves in a fully refurbished, cosy setting.
The Lily Bar: On Lake Road in Ambleside, this venue transitions into a club-like atmosphere on weekends with regular DJs, live bands, and themed nights, making it the closest thing to a modern, high-energy club in the area.
Tweedies Bar & Lodge: An award-winning bar on the edge of the centre of Grasmere, widely known for hosting what they proudly call “the best gigs in the Lake District.” They have regular live music every Friday night, featuring independent bands and musicians in a shamelessly informal, rural-meets-modern setting.
Zeffirellis Jazz Bar: While not a traditional club, its reputation for consistently hosting top contemporary jazz greats and informal music events every weekend makes it a premier nightlife destination in Ambleside for those who prefer a music focus.
Ambleside Tavern: Located on Compston Road in Ambleside, this pub features a cellar downstairs that hosts a late disco until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a proper late-night dancing experience that is a rarity in the region. It also hosts live music on Saturdays upstairs.
Churchills: A spacious pub on Lake Road in Ambleside that appeals to a younger crowd looking for entertainment. It hosts karaoke and often shows live sports, creating a high-energy environment for late-night socializing.
The Royal Oak: An ancient, traditional 17th-century pub in Ambleside that frequently hosts regular live music and quiz nights, providing a warm, convivial atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors for an engaging evening out.
The Ambleside Inn: Located in the Market Place in Ambleside, this central hotel bar is large and lively. It’s a key spot for socializing in the town centre, perfect for a late-night drink and bustling atmosphere, especially during weekends.
The Golden Rule: While a traditional, historic pub in Ambleside, its incredibly cosy atmosphere and multiple small rooms often lead to a lively, packed environment where locals and students mingle with visiting walkers late into the evening.