Grasmere & Rydal

Grasmere and Rydal, Cumbria

Crowned with magnificent fells and mountains, Grasmere nestles right in the heart of the Lake District. From Dunmail Raise in the north, the vale of Grasmere opens up with the rugged peak of Helm Crag (otherwise known as ‘The Lion and the Lamb’) sheltering the town below. Together with neighbouring Rydal Water, the setting conjures up a quintessential image
of romantic Lakeland.

The natural beauty of the area has provided inspiration for painters, poets, writers and craftsmen for years. The most famous was William Wordsworth who described Grasmere as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’. He spent his most inspirational years at Dove Cottage in Grasmere (1799– 1808), writing his most famous poetry there. Rydal Mount at
Rydal was where Wordsworth’s family lived for 37 years and is still owned by his descendants. Both are now acclaimed visitor attractions. Wordsworth’s grave can be visited at St Oswald’s Church in the centre of Grasmere.

Grasmere’s early history was devoted to farming, wool manufacture and some mineral and rock extraction. The old packhorse route between Ambleside and Grasmere used to be the main route between the two towns for the transport of cloth before the new turnpike road was opened (now the A591).

With the introduction of the railway to Windermere in the 18th century came Victorian tourists, eager to experience the Lakeland landscapes that had inspired the famous writers and artists. And people are still flocking to this area today, not only to soak up the landscape, but also to taste the renowned, worldfamous Grasmere Gingerbread, made to a secret recipe.

Visit website: www.golakes.co.uk

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