Tucked away in the heart of Grasmere, the historic Wordsworth Hotel has everything you need for an indulgent stay in the UNESCO World Heritage Lake District. Named after the famous romantic poet, William Wordsworth, who once knew this pretty village as home, the hotel enjoys two acres of riverside grounds, with views over the neighbouring mountains and vales. Once the Earl of Cadogan’s shooting lodge, the hotel offers the ideal base to soak up the picture-postcard views of the lakes and experience the sense of space, fresh mountain air and secluded beauty spots that inspired two centuries’ worth of Romantic poets and painters.
With English country-house style the hotel makes the perfect base to explore this idyllic corner of England. The hotel has a spa offering holistic, vegan treatments by Ytsara and boasts a large indoor heated pool, sauna and Whirlpool spa bath – perfect for relaxing after a day in the mountains.
The hotel’s award-winning AA rosette Signature Restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, with delicious seasonal menus created using local produce. For traditional pub classics enjoyed with a glass of hand-pulled ale, the hotel’s Dove Bistro fits the bill nicely.
Grasmere is a wonderful location from which to explore the Lake District, flanked by two small lakes or meres, Grasmere and Rydal Water. Fans of Wordsworth can visit the house which was once home to the poet and his sister, Dove Cottage, which is now preserved as a museum, and Rydal Mount which is also open to the public which was his family home, and where he spent the majority of his life.
The hotel also has 3 dog-friendly rooms on the ground floor and welcomes dogs in the Garden Room, the warming fireplace and the Dove Bar area.
Tell us more about the rooms and facilities at The Wordsworth Hotel?
There are 38 bedrooms, which include two suites and three ground floor bedrooms, equipped with everything guests need for a restful and relaxing stay. Luxuriously decorated in a style befitting this grand country house, the rooms feature the finest Egyptian cotton bedlinen, flat screen televisions, direct-dial telephones, complimentary WIFI internet access, the hotel's own specially-bottled mineral water and tea and coffee making facilities. Premium rooms also offer Grasmere Gingerbread, fluffy robes and slippers as standard.
All rooms also have well-equipped bathrooms and Temple Spa toiletries. Room service is available on request.
Can you suggest any activities or things to do while staying in the Grasmere area?
Grasmere is a place where you can reconnect with nature, ramble across the fells, watch the sunset or take an open water swim.
Walking and hiking is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the most popular thing to do while staying in the Lake District. From a genteel stroll around Grasmere Lake to more challenging hikes to earn yourselves some panoramic mountain views, there’s plenty of routes to choose from.
Less than an hour’s easy walking will take you up to Easedale Tarn, or if you want to stretch your legs a bit more, then head up Helm Crag, one of Wainwright’s favourite walks. The hotels has a walker's guide complete with maps for guests to take away.
The postcard-pretty village of Grasmere is a popular spot not just for lovers of the world-renowned national park, but for literary fans wishing to pay homage to poet William Wordsworth, the hotel's namesake, who once named it ‘The loveliest spot that man hath ever found.’ There's no shortage of links to the great William Wordsworth and to Beatrix Potter who called the Lakes her home.
Guests may also like to take a scenic boat trip - either a rowing boat or cruiser - or explore the many upmarket art galleries, eateries and gift shops Grasmere.
Where can guests enjoy food and drink?
The elegant Signature Restaurant, famed for its excellent wine list and creative fine dining, has been awarded an AA rosette for culinary excellence and has become a destination in its own right.
For a more casual dining experience there is the Dove Bistro: homely, relaxed and with a roaring fire when winter sets in, the Dove is a welcoming place to unwind after a day in the mountains. Bring friends and family, enjoy a range of local ales and refuel with fine food from the lunch or evening menus - popular with discerning locals and hotel guests alike.
Open daily for lunch and dinner to both visitors and hotel residents, both restaurants offer traditional table d’hote and a la carte menus. Advanced reservations are essential.
Afternoon tea is popular throughout the year - al fresco in the summer or in front of a fire in the colder month.