National Trust - Allan Bank - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Grasmere is perhaps best known as the home of William Wordsworth, a place he once described as "The most loveliest spot that man hath found." Set alongside Grasmere Lake, Grasmere is shrouded by a panorama of fells and mountains that provide the atmosphere so beloved of Wordsworth and the Romantic poets. Old cottages, faced with pebbledash, and houses of bluish-green local slate vie for attention along the twisty streets of the village.

Dove Cottage in Grasmere, was William Wordsworth‘s home from 1799 to 1808. Here Wordsworth produced the most famous and best-loved of his poems, and his sister Dorothy kept her famous Grasmere journals. He was there with his sister Dorothy from 1799 to 1808 and penned the line "I wandered lonely as a cloud" after being inspired by flowers the pair had seen on the shores of Ullswater.

Helm Crag is a well-known peak just northwest of Grasmere. It’s the fells distinctive rocky profile that lends itself its alternative name ‘The Lion and the Lamb’. The mountains true summit is a cannon shaped barrel of rock known as The Howitzer and stands just over 25ft high. It gives an exhilarating little climb, a brief essay in real mountaineering, and, in a region where all is beautiful, it makes a notable contribution to the natural charms and attractions of Grasmere."

Rydal Water is one of the smallest lakes at 3/4 mile long, 1/4 mile wide and with a depth of 55 feet, but it is very popular partly because of its Wordsworth connections. Steps lead up from the western end of the lake to ‘Wordsworth’s Seat’ – reputedly the poet’s favourite viewpoint. The lake is both supplied and drained by the river Rothay, which flows from Grasmere upstream and towards Windermere downstream.

The Great Langdale valley is a beautiful location some 12,170 acres, much of it in the care of the National Trust. The valley stretches from Ambleside through Clappersgate, Skelwith Bridge, Elterwater, Chapel Stile, to the Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, and the glaciated valley of Mickleden. It is a popular location for hikers, climbers, fell-runners and other outdoor enthusiasts who are attracted by the many fells ringing the head of the valley.

Easedale Tarn is a tarn in the center of the English Lake District, about two miles west of the village of Grasmere. With plenty of stone bridges for trolls to hide under, waterfalls plunging into pools, and a mountain tarn surrounded by an amphitheater of fells, this walk is truly spectacular. The path up is a little loose under foot and rocky but really this is a straightforward and pleasant walk. The ring of mountains is suitably impressive.