England's Lake District: Grasmere, Rydal, and Keswick

Grasmere

The charming and small village of Grasmere was home to the famous romantic 18th century poet William Wordsworth. His Dove Cottage home is where he wrote his greatest poetry. Dove Cottage has been preserved and is now an impressive museum and art gallery that offers an intimate look at the poet. The Dove Cottage tour chronicles Wordsworth’s life, circle of poet friends, such as Samuel Taylor Coleridge, his family and works that were inspired by the natural beauty of Grasmere.

The village of Grasmere appears as if out of a fable with small stone houses, English pubs and the charming St. Oswald’s church located in the middle of town. The village is small and easily walkable with numerous little gift shops and interesting antiques. Wander down the road to the village’s tiniest shop, the delicious Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. The Gingerbread shop makes a one-of-kind gingerbread you’ll trade your best friend for; fortunately, they ship globally. The alluring Sam Read Bookseller is over 120-years old. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to find a mysterious novel and tales of secret enchantment. When it’s time to rest and find lunch, the Dove and Olive Branch Pub serves a mean pint of bitters and offers an appetizing menu in a setting you won’t find outside of an old English countryside.

Rydal Mount and Gardens

Rydal Mount and Gardens, located just before Grasmere, was William Wordsworth’s final home and consequently, the grandest. He lived at Rydal Mount with his wife and children for 37 years until his death in 1850 and during that period, he wrote many of his poems and revised older works. Yet, there was another side to the gifted poet; he was an avid gardener and he beautifully landscaped the four acres surrounding his home. Fell-side rock terraces, lawns and rock pools were interwoven with woodland paths and planted with rare shrubs, colorful flowers and rhododendrons to create a nature oasis.

The gardens remain virtually the same as when Wordsworth designed it, as well as the house and its interior. This is largely due to his decedents who still own Rydal Mount and their care to preserve the historical legacy. Many of Wordsworth’s contemporaries, such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, would visit him at Rydal Mount discussing and reciting poetry together while strolling through the magnificent gardens.

The interior of the house is light-filled and gives the impression of a much-loved and lived-in atmosphere. It is filled with furniture, possessions and fascinating cabinets containing antique curios from Wordsworth and his family, making the tour much more interesting and personal. In the lowest portion of the house resides a heavenly little teashop called Dora’s Tearoom (the name of Wordsworth’s daughter) that features home baked English tea breads, scones and assorted English delicacies. It is a true pleasure to sit in this inviting and charming portion of the home while sipping a cup of tea and contemplating Wordsworth’s lovely poetry. In the warmer months, call before visiting and arrange a prepared picnic in Wordsworth’s garden. To sit amongst the poetry of nature gazing at the cascading purple wisteria covering the home’s façade and Lake Windermere in the distance, is paradise itself.

The Lake District encompasses a great many small towns and villages with scenic drives, and hiking paths and attractions. Each place possesses captivating stories, notables, ancient churches and history in an environment found nowhere else in the world. To explore these fascinating aspects and delve into the regions of the Lake District requires a guide of reputable standing and insight. Registered Blue Badge Guides provide the visitor with not only personal or group transportation but also a keen insight to what England’s North Country has to offer. Cumbrian Discoveries provides the best service with a multitude of options for guests visiting the region. Photo by Patrice Raplee

Keswick

Keswick (the "w" is silent) is located towards the northern portion of the Lake District. This small town has many marvelous and interesting attractions, as well as a beauty that differs in topography from the southern region. The Skiddaw Mountain provides a striking backdrop for the town with hikers from across the globe visiting Keswick every year to take advantage of the superb fell paths that lace the area. Derwentwater flowing to the town’s south is perfect for numerous water sports activities. The jetties by Derwentwater are a popular recreation area with boutiques, cafes and a top Repertory Theater, Theatre by the Lake. The theater houses a main and two intimate studios showcasing professional companies performing great works by authors such as Melvyn Bragg (Maid of Buttermere).

Keswick’s town center hosts the large outdoor Market Square that received its charter in 1276. Shoppers will find everything they could dream of in this traditional market from dry goods to stellar English cheese. Loads of shops, boutiques, museums, art galleries and restaurants surround the square and make for a fabulous day of browsing, shopping and dining. An exceptional shop to visit is Ye Olde Friars that sells every top quality chocolate, confections, jams and British gifts imaginable in a huge retail space; try the scrumptious clotted cream toffees.

For something entirely different, visit the Motor Museum Cars of the Stars. Harry Potter’s flying Ford Anglia and James Bond’s Aston Martin are among just a few of the famous cars seen and coveted from Hollywood’s major motion pictures in the museum. Keswick may seem like an unlikely spot to host such a museum but nonetheless, the number of cool cars and memorabilia on display will impress you. In addition, don’t miss the new and largest James Bond Museum in the UK next door.

For admirable accommodations in Keswick, visit the Lairbeck Hotel. The hotel is only a few minutes from downtown and is a former grand residence with gorgeous rooms and superb cuisine.

The Lake District offer visitors a chance to experience one of England’s most beautiful national parks with activities that appeal to every age group. It is rare to find natural regions as unspoiled as Lakeland and to experience what it must have been like to live over 150 years ago in a place and time of romantic poetry, inspiration and natural beauty almost too magnificent to believe. For additional information on the Lake District, visit CumbriaTourism.org GoLakes.co.UK

Transportation to the Lake District
BritRail is an excellent way to unwind from an international flight and whether visitors fly into Heathrow or Manchester, the railway stations are conveniently located within the terminal complexes. It is truly the smartest and most pleasant way to travel in the UK.

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