Dubbed “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found” by celebrated poet William Wordsworth – resident there for 14 years – Grasmere is one of the Lake District’s most enchanting villages. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, with everything from charming B&Bs to smart country hotels fit for a whole host of budgets. Whether you’re keen to base yourself in the heart of the village or to hide away in a historic manor house, our pick of the best places to stay in Grasmere promises something for everyone.
Flanked by rolling green pastures, woodland and granite hills, lake-side Grasmere represents the glorious English countryside at its very best – perfect for an idyllic rural escape. Some of the Lake District’s loveliest walks begin here and nature isn’t in short supply.
The village, too, is delightful. Think cosy tea-rooms, old medieval churches, quirky art galleries and cultural history in spades. Much of the village has been influenced by the legacy of Wordsworth, who lived here in Dove Cottage from 1799. He, his wife and his sister all taught at the local school, whilst the Wordsworth family graves are at St Oswald’s Church — one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Explore the Wordsworth Museum and church, before hiring a boat to row out to the island where Wordsworth used to picnic. As dreamy a Lake District afternoon as we can imagine!
Grasmere is a hugely popular year-round destination, and the village draws a global crowd. The annual Lake Artists Society Summer Exhibition, showcasing work by more than 300 local artists, is especially popular. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a Wordsworth enthusiast or an adventurous rambler eager to soak up the beauty of the countryside, our selection of the best places to stay in Grasmere will help you find the ideal base from which to begin your explorations.