Holiday rentals and lettings in Grasmere

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday rental in Grasmere?
• Holiday rentals in Grasmere: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Grasmere: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Grasmere?

• Diverse accommodation types: Grasmere offers everything from traditional cottages and cosy log cabins to spacious holiday apartments and luxury glamping retreats for couples, families, and groups.
• Pet-friendly properties: Many holiday rentals welcome well-behaved pets, perfect for families who don't want to leave their furry friends at home during their Lake District getaway.
• Premium amenities: Properties feature fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, spa features, secure parking, and private gardens with stunning views of the surrounding Lakeland fells.
• Perfect for walkers: Look for rentals with direct access to iconic Lake District trails including Helm Crag and Easedale Tarn, with numerous fell-side properties offering immediate access to rewarding high-altitude routes.
• Award-winning dining: The village features highly-rated restaurants like Rothay Garden Hotel Restaurant, renowned for fine Cumbrian cuisine, alongside charming cafés and traditional Lake District eateries.

Grasmere offers a diverse range of holiday homes and lettings, from charming traditional cottages and cosy log cabins to spacious apartments and luxurious glamping retreats. Look out for amenities such as:

• Pet-friendly cottages
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Garden spaces and outdoor areas
• Hot tubs and spa features

If you'd rather go back to nature, consider Grasmere as a base for camping in the Lake District.

What are the best areas to stay in Grasmere?

The table below details areas for specific interests:

Grasmere's holiday rentals consistently earn praise for their comfort, character, and unbeatable access to the fells and village amenities. Here are some of our top-rated properties from the last year:

Cottage 'Coach House' with garden and parking- 9.3+: Guests praise this four-person for its period touches like a roaring fireplace, and love its location close to the town centre.
1. Cottage 'Tanner Croft' with stove and garden - 9.3+: This Lakeland stone cottage has room for four. Guests love its woodburning stove and stunning Lake District views.
2. Cottage 'Grange End Stables' with garden and parking - 9.2+: Visitors rave about this cottage's location, peaceful but still within walking distance of the town centre. It has room for four guests, and welcomes pets.

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria, England, Grasmere is a picturesque village renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, tranquil lakes, and literary heritage as the home of Romantic poet William Wordsworth.

✈️What is the best way to get to Grasmere?

Grasmere is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The A591 runs directly through the village linking Windermere and Ambleside to Keswick, with Kendal (junction 36 of the M6) the nearest motorway access point.
• By train: Windermere station (reached via Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line) is the closest railhead, with a bus or taxi covering the remaining journey to Grasmere.
• By air: The nearest airports are Manchester and Newcastle, both around 1.5 to 2 hours' drive away.

🍴Where to eat in Grasmere?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Rothay Garden Hotel Restaurant is the best rated restaurant in Grasmere. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Sarah recommends Forest Side in Grasmere: this Michelin-starred restaurant, set in a Victorian country house, grows much of its own produce in its kitchen garden and forages across Cumbria for a true taste of the Lake District.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Grasmere is spring (March to April), when daffodils bloom in Wordsworth's garden and the fells turn green again.

Spring (March–April)

• Best for: Daffodils blooming in Wordsworth's garden, and the fells turning green again.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with fresh, bright days.
• Atmosphere: Fresh and relaxed, with the village coming back to life after winter.

Summer

• Best for: The longest days for high fell walks like Helm Crag.
• Weather: Warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the village and trails at their most popular.

Winter

• Best for: Cosy pubs and open fires, though higher fell paths can be more demanding in poor weather.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and atmospheric, with the village feeling far removed from the summer crowds.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our local Grasmere hosts recommend visiting over the August Bank Holiday weekend to take in the Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, a fascinating annual event that features traditional Lake District games like Westmorland wrestling, fell running and hound trails.

1. Climb Helm Crag
2. Walk up to Alcock Tarn
3. Visit St Oswald's Church
4. Explore the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden
5. Browse Heaton Cooper Studio

1. Climb Helm Crag

   A steep but well-stepped path leads to one of the Lake District's most rewarding viewpoints, with a well-earned drink waiting back in the village.

2. Walk up to Alcock Tarn

   This steady climb rewards walkers with incredible views over Grasmere, Rydal, and beyond – sturdy walking shoes are a must.

3. Visit St Oswald's Church

   This beautiful church has a fascinating graveyard, rough stone arches, and a welcoming community, and is the resting place of William Wordsworth.

4. Explore the Wordsworth Daffodil Garden

   Worth visiting whether or not the daffodils are in bloom, this peaceful garden is scattered with Wordsworth's poems and has a lovely coffee shop.

5. Browse Heaton Cooper Studio

   This gallery showcases the watercolours of Lake District artist William Heaton Cooper, alongside an art store, art books, and a cafe.