Hostels in Grasmere, England

The tiny Lake District village of Grasmere will forever be associated with William Wordsworth, the most famous of the Lakeland poets. Grasmere is an attractive town situated just off the main A591 road that runs through the heart of the Lake District. It gets very busy in the summer, and although there is plenty of parking, there are also free spots on the main road a few minutes walk from the village. Dove Cottage, one of Wordsworth's homes, is the main attraction and is situated just outside the main area, from it, you can follow the coffin route on a rough track to Rydal Mount, where the poet also lived; this is an easy route offering excellent views.

In the heart of the village there are all the tourist facilities you would expect from a major destination. There are a number of excellent places to eat and drink and a visit to the historic gingerbread shop is a must for any sweet-toothed visitor. The churchyard in the centre of the village houses the graves of Wordsworth and various family members of his and there is a lovely wander along the banks of the stream that makes for a peaceful stroll.

There are plenty of gift shops, a chemist, and post office, and the complete range of facilities of Ambleside are only a ten-minute drive down the road. Grasmere hostels are a few minutes' walk out of the hustle and bustle of the centre and allow excellent access to walks out toward Helm Crag (known to Wainwright as the Lion and the Lamb, due to their distinctive shape). The village, which also hosts the Grasmere Sports Day in August, is also popular with artists. Even if you are not a fan of poetry or Wordsworth, Grasmere is an excellent central venue from which to explore the area and well worth a visit.