Explore Grasmere Things to do near The Forest Side

Synonymous with rugged fells, gingerbread and the enchanting poetry of William Wordsworth, Grasmere is a beautiful part of the Lake District that is always worth a visit. The Forest Side is perfectly located for exploring Grasmere and taking in everything the area has to offer, not least the stunning lake for you to gaze out upon and be inspired.

For Wordsworth enthusiasts, there are numerous attractions dotted throughout Grasmere, where you can learn about his incredible life story, including Dove Cottage, Allan Bank, St Oswald’s Church and the adjacent Wordsworth daffodil garden, inspired by the one of the most famous and widely read poems in the English language ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’.

Nestled in the centre of the Lake District you’ll feel refreshed, providing tranquillity from the outside world with endlessly impressive scenery as far as the eye can see. If you’re a lover of scenic lakes visit Rydal Water, one of the smaller of the Great Lakes but one that boasts fantastic views all the same. The best spot is undoubtedly ‘Wordsworth’s Seat’, giving you an unobscured view out over the lake. Just north of Grasmere, you will also find Thirlmere, situated west of the stunning Helvellyn Ridge and a short distance from Derwentwater to the north. To the south of Grasmere is the popular town of Ambleside with its picturesque setting, array of boutique shops, pubs and cafes and easy access to Windermere and all that the lake offers.

Hands on Heavy Horses

Windermere

Explore the beauty of Cumbria from a different perspective with Clydesdale horse riding experiences.

39 mins

14 miles

4 hrs

11.7 miles

Hands on Heavy Horses

Rydal Mount

Rydal Mount, can be found in the heart of the Lake District, between Ambleside and Grasmere.

8 mins

3.1 miles

54 mins

2.5 miles

Rydal Mount

Dove Cottage

Grasmere

Visit the charming Dove Cottage in Grasmere, one of William Wordsworth’s former homes.

3 mins

0.8 miles

16 mins

0.8 miles

Dove Cottage

Allan Bank

Grasmere

Allan Bank is a magical Georgian mansion, and yet another place directly inspired some of Wordsworth’s poetry.

5 mins

1 mile

0.9 miles

18 mins

Allan Bank

St. Oswald's Church

Grasmere

St Oswald’s Church is brim full of history, with links to poetry in the form of William Wordsworth...

4 mins

1.1 miles

0.8 miles

15 mins

St. Oswald's Church

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

Grasmere

Visit the Grasmere Gingerbread shop, a short walk from The Forest Side...

4 mins

1.1 miles

15 mins

0.8 miles

Grasmere Gingerbread Shop

A Great Day Out about Grasmere

History

As the inspiration for poets, artists, writers and many other creatives throughout history, Grasmere has a reputation as a beautiful location, and rightly has a diverse and fascinating history to go along with it. Along with the 13^th century church of St Oswald’s, where William Wordsworth is also buried. There are other historical locations of note nearby, including places associate with the poet such as Allen Bank, Rydal Mount, Dora’s Field and not forgetting The Wordsworth Museum located at Dover Cottage, which was his family home from 1799-1808.
Shopping

Along with a generous selection of retail outlets and independent shops, the quaint village is also famous for its delicious gingerbread invented by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson and available from the charming Grasmere Gingerbread shop. Tourists are encouraged to make a pitstop to at least try this sweet treat while walking in and around Grasmere.
Walking

The best way to experience Grasmere is to go on a few walks around the area, taking in the stunning landscape and become inspired just as the Lakes Poets were all those years ago. There are a huge range of routes, both long and short for visitors to try. They include Helm Cragg (otherwise known as the ‘Lion and Lamb’), Loughrigg, Silver How and Easedale Tarn to name a few.