Things to do near The Forest Side Head out. Find your own Grasmere.

You can do plenty from The Forest Side without getting in the car. Walk into Grasmere for gingerbread and a wander around the village, follow a path towards the lake or head up onto the fells for a bigger day out.

Wordsworth’s connections are all around you, from Dove Cottage and Allan Bank to St Oswald’s Church, where he is buried. Spend some time exploring the places he knew, or simply enjoy the landscape that inspired him.

Nearby Rydal Water offers another lovely setting for a walk, while Loughrigg and the surrounding fells reward a little more effort with far-reaching views. Further afield, explore Thirlmere and Derwentwater, or head into Ambleside for independent shops, cafés and access to Windermere.

You don’t need to pack everything into one visit. Choose something you fancy, leave time to stop along the way and come back ready for dinner.

If you’d like a few ideas, just ask us. We’ll help you find a walk or a day out to suit your interests, the weather and how energetic you’re feeling.

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.