Where:
Grasmere, Cumbria
What it has to offer:
If you want to know which landscapes inspired notable writers such as Beatrix Potter and poet William Wordsworth then look no further than Grasmere, Cumbria. Long walks around national parks, lazy afternoons in a pub garden and visiting famous houses are on the agenda this weekend. A village in the heart of the Lake District rich with history and lush greenery, you’ll be sure to have the perfect countryside getaway in this picturesque setting.
Where to stay:
Book a stay at The Yan at Broadrayne in one of their seven luxurious rooms, you can even bring your dog! This boutique hotel is the perfect base for your Lake District break whether you’re on the quest for excitement, relaxation, or celebration.
Some 12 minutes down the road in Ambleside, you can rest your head at Rothay Manor. A grade II listed country house boasting a 3 AA Rosette restaurant offering afternoon teas, casual and fine dining to guests. You may even be lucky enough to book one of the rooms with a balcony overlooking the charming gardens, or perhaps you’d like a private hot tub?
A further 10 minutes’ drive down into Windmere, you will find the elegant Applegarth Villa, where you can rest your head in one of 22 stylish rooms. Why not book yourself a relaxing treatment whilst visiting?
Where to eat:
Cumbria has a some fantastic eateries, with stunning restaurants in each hotel, but if you’re willing to travel a little further then we highly recommend a booking at Heft in High Newton, current number 33 on the Top 50 Gastropubs list. Diners can expect to eat dishes that offer a unique take on modern British cooking, making the most of local Cumbrian produce.
A little closer you will find the Drunken Duck Inn in Ambleside, serving rich dishes such as venison bourguignon with suet pudding and sticky red cabbage, or perhaps you’d like to try their maple glazed peach with vanilla parfait.
For a real treat, why not visit the Michelin starred restaurant with rooms The Cottage in the Wood in Braithwaite. Head chef Ben Wilkinson brings Cumbria to life with each plate highlighting local excellence.
Where to drink:
Cumbria is a hotspot for pub lovers, beer enthusiasts can enjoy a pint or two at Tweedies Bar & Lodge. Showcasing local and international beers and even some traditionally brewed cask ales, this watering hole is a favourite amongst locals.
Get to see how your pint are made at the tap room for Grasmere Brewery, The Good Sport. Bring your dog along whilst you enjoy a cold, crisp local pint.
Sights to visit:
A visit to the Lake District wouldn’t be complete without glorious walk around the glacial ribbon lakes, and Grasmere has its very own. Lake Grasmere is one of the smaller lakes at only 1 mile long, but still surrounded by beauty and famously described by Wordsworth as ‘the most loveliest spot that man hath found’.
Whilst exploring the lake why not visit national trust property Allan Bank. Formerly home to William Wordsworth in 1811 and inspiration for his famous ‘Guide to the Lakes’ where he first introduced the idea of national property. The house itself suffered a fire in 2011 and has been since left mostly untouched giving you the opportunity to fully lose yourself in the gorgeous landscapes.
Perhaps poems aren’t your thing, in that case why not visit another national trust location, Hill Top, and discover Beatrix Potter’s house. This cosy converted 17th century Lakeland farmhouse is filled with Beatrix’s belongings from her time owning the house (1905-1943).
Events not to miss:
Grasmere Sports is an annual event that been running for over 170 years, only pausing for World Wars and Covid. Each August bank holiday, locals compete in a variety of sports, including wrestling, Fell running and hound trails.
There are also plenty of local events across the Lake District from beer festivals to celebrations of literature, so keep your eyes peeled for what’s happening when you visit!
