The Ultimate Guide to Grasmere: Why This Charming Village is the Perfect Lake District Base

Not sure where to stay on a trip to the Lake District?

If I had to recommend just one place to base yourself in the Lakes, it would hands down be the beautiful village of Grasmere.

Described by William Wordsworth as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, Grasmere is a fantastic base for history, scenic walks, and brilliant local businesses. Being located right in the centre of the Lakes, just north of Windermere and Ambleside, it serves as the ultimate base for hikers and an ideal spot to spend a few nights while exploring the wider national park.

Where to Stay:

On every occasion we’ve visited Grasmere, we have stayed at The Yan at Broadrayne. It is a boutique hotel and bistro set on a 17th century converted sheep farm that offers cosy bistro rooms, glamping pods, and self catering cottages. The bistro itself is an award winning, laid back eatery featuring unique yet hearty dishes that showcase locally sourced ingredients.

It is genuinely a place where me, my partner and dog all feel completely at ease. It’s the kind of spot where you can truly switch off, know you’re going to eat incredibly well, and just appreciate being surrounded by mountains.

The moment you arrive, you’ll be drawn to the brilliant views from the terrace, it is the perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz in the sun. However, one of the things that truly makes a stay here is the staff. Being a family run business, you can feel the passion and effort they pour into the place. They are also some of the funniest people we’ve met and will do everything to make sure you feel right at home (even when your dog accidentally trips them up and sends drinks flying... they still laugh along with you!).

One of my favourite things about staying here is that you can park up and completely forget about your car until it's time to go home. You can grab a hiking map from the lounge, head straight out the front door, and hike fells like Seat Sandal which is an incredibly underrated Wainwright that delivers stunning views without the massive crowds. Best of all, your trail ends right back at The Yan just in time for some delicious grub.

If you don’t fancy anything too strenuous and want to enjoy the Lakes at a slower pace, it is just a scenic 25 minute walk into the heart of Grasmere village.

Top Things to Do in Grasmere:

• Stroll Around Grasmere Lake: It is a really peaceful, flat walk that takes up to 2 hours, and a popular spot for wild swimming. If you are visiting in the summer, I highly recommend stopping by Faeryland, where you can hire vintage rowboats and indulge in a traditional cream tea right on the water's edge.

• Visit Rydal Cave: Just a short drive from Grasmere or a longer walk from Grasmere Lake along the White Moss Trails, Rydal Cave is one of the most photographed spots in the Lake District. The cave was created as a result of slate quarrying, and sits just above Rydal Lake and is now mostly only accessible via stepping stones as a lot of the cave floor is covered in water. It’s a really cool spot and one that all the family will be impressed by.

• Browse the Independent Shops: Take some time to explore the village's independent gems, such as Sam Read Bookseller or if you have a furry friend with you, stop at Rose and Ralph dog shop for some natural goodies.

• Visit Allan Bank (National Trust): This is the most significant Georgian villa in the Lake District and was once home to William Wordsworth. I highly recommend taking the National Trust footpath from Allan Bank toward Easedale, the views are spectacular and the wildlife is amazing.

• Hike to Easedale Tarn: Following on from the Allan Bank path, continue your hike up to Easedale Tarn. This is one of my all time favourite walks in the Lakes, featuring a stunning waterfall trail that absolutely won't disappoint. The hike takes approximately 3-4 hours and is on the more moderate side than being a leisurely stroll.

• Spot the jets: If you are exploring during the week, keep your eyes peeled as you can often spot RAF Typhoons doing low level flying right through the valley. They actually fly right over The Yan.

Where to Eat in Grasmere:

• Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: Almost everyone knows this world famous spot located in the village's old school house. It would be rude not to grab a freshly baked goodie to fuel your hikes.

• Lucia's Coffee + Bakehouse: If you are after a coffee and a sausage roll that you will quite literally still be thinking about months after your visit, you need to come here.

• Freda + Ray & Mathilde’s Café: Both of these are fantastic, dog friendly brunch spots with great outdoor seating options that are perfect for a sunny summer morning.

• The Sunday Roast at The Yan: If you want what will ultimately be the best roast dinner you’ve ever had, book a table here. When we stayed on a Sunday last year and saw that the roast was served as a sharing board, I worried it wouldn't be enough for both me and my foodie partner. I have never been so glad to be wrong. The platter was immaculate, the serving size was spot on, the meat was cooked to perfection, and it completely ruined home cooked roasts for us. Even if you aren’t visiting on a Sunday, I recommend you stop by The Yan to try their famous shepherd’s pie, made with slowly braised Grasmere Herdwick lamb. It is a local staple done right, and it’s no wonder they have been featured in The Good Food Guide’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants three years in a row.

Final thoughts:

If you’re craving a wholesome Lake District getaway packed with incredible food and spectacular walks right from your doorstep, Grasmere is the place to be. Plus a stay at The Yan is the perfect place to switch off, lace up your hiking boots, and feel completely at home.

*For complete transparency, our stay at The Yan was gifted, but all views and opinions are my own.

This stay in Northumberland was on my bucket list, here’s why…

Have you ever found a place that when you step foot inside, you instantly do not want to leave?

Nestled among the trees right on the border of Northumberland and Scotland sits Tiptoe Retreat. Being less than 1.5 hours from both Edinburgh and Newcastle, it is the absolute perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life.

It had been on my bucket list for ages, and after finally staying there, I can tell you it lives up to every bit of the hype. Tiptoe Retreat currently has two absolutely stunning treetop cabins. I had been eyeing up the Howlet cabin for a while, specifically for its gorgeous outdoor bath area and the colourful yet calming interiors. We managed to book a stay for my birthday at the end of last year. As the retreat is situated in a designated Dark Skies area, sitting in that outdoor bath during the autumn months was an amazing stargazing experience. Looking up at a blanket of stars while surrounded by nothing but nature was truly magical.

From the second we arrived, I knew I didn’t want to leave. And honestly? They make it incredibly easy for you to stay put. You can enjoy walks right from the doorstep, go fishing in the river, sit in the sauna or even join an on-site pilates or bread making class. They have truly thought of everything.

If you do decide to tear yourself away from the cabin, the surrounding area has lots of beautiful history and scenery. Here are a few things I would recommend:

Right from the Farm (No Car Needed):

• Duddo Five Stones Circle: A really cool ancient monument roughly a 45-minute walk from the farm.

• Etal: Walk into the nearby village to explore the historic Etal Castle, there is also a local pub called The Black Bull.

A short drive away:

Take a 30 minute drive to the breath taking Holy Island (which I would 100% recommend you do). Here are my tips for your visit:

• Definitely check the safe crossing times!!!

• Grab a coffee at Pilgrims Coffee House & Roastery and take a stroll toward Lindisfarne Castle.

• Be sure to pop into the Window on Wild Lindisfarne viewing glass along the way to spot local wildlife.

Lindisfarne Castle

Or head roughly a 40 minute drive to Bamburgh for a stroll on what has been voted the third best beach in the world by Tripadvisor. It is a beautiful place to visit, with miles of beach to explore, and you can’t forget about the breath taking Bamburgh Castle that sits right on the beachfront (just to note it’s not dog friendly). There is nothing better than grabbing a hot drink and watching the sunset along the beach.

Whatever you choose to do with your day, returning to the peace of Tiptoe Retreat in the evening is the best feeling. Especially knowing that it is a genuinely dog friendly stay, not just a dog tolerant place. They even provide a dog hamper and a blanket so your dog can curl up on the sofa with you which Skye absolutely loved. She sat on the sofa with us with the log burner on watching the birds out the windows.

We loved our initial stay so much that we actually returned just a couple of months ago where we stayed in their lovely Borderview Cottage. The cottage is great for a family, two couples or friends to get away. It offers peaceful views right across the Scottish borders and an amazing wood fired hot tub in the garden.

No matter which accommodation you choose, you are greeted with a delicious welcome hamper packed with local produce and goodies. What makes this place feel so special is that it's a genuine family farm, and the owners are the loveliest people. You can clearly see how much they care about the place and making sure you have a great stay.

Whether you are planning a trip to Northumberland or just passing through on your way up to Scotland, I couldn’t recommend adding this place to your bucket list enough. It is hands down one of the best stays we have ever had where we made memories that we will cherish for a lifetime!

Dog Friendly Stays in the Lake District

From foodie spots, luxury stays and escapes in nature, here are 6 of my favourite dog friendly places to stay in the Lakes..

The Yan at Broadrayne (Grasmere)

Best for: Fab dining and instant access to the fells.

If you take only one piece of advice from this guide, let it be this: you need to visit The Yan for their Sunday roast. They serve up some of the best food we have had in a long time, in an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

It sits just a stone’s throw away from Grasmere which is my absolute favorite part of the lakes meaning you have beautiful walks right on your doorstep. If you are looking for a walk that starts in Grasmere after you have grabbed a coffee from Lucia's Coffee + Bakehouse, you need to hike Easedale Tarn, it is a stunning waterfall trail that won’t disappoint.

Alternatively you can grab a map from reception, head out the hotel door and hike Seat Sandal. It’s an incredibly underrated Wainwright great for avoiding big crowds but delivers stunning views.. that way you can end back at The Yan for some delicious grub.

P.S. you might even spot some of my own photography on display in the hotel! 🐑

Cartmel Old Grammar (Cartmel)

Best for: Michelin-star dining access, race course views and gorgeous summer gardens.

Cartmel Old Grammar is located in the southern lakes and offers beautiful country house interiors and stunning views directly over the famous Cartmel Racecourse. It features fantastic food, gorgeous interiors, dog-friendly rooms, and a garden that is perfect for an Aperol in the sun.

Foodie Tip: If you are planning a bucket-list visit to Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-star restaurant L’Enclume, this hotel is the perfect base because it's completely walkable to the restaurant which is great after the 3-4 hour sitting.

The Penn Hotel (Windermere)

Best for: Central convenience, walkable and gorgeous rooms.

While the hotel doesn’t have grounds or dining facilities - If you want a stylish base where you can park up and walk everywhere, this hotel right in the heart of the Lake District is a great option. It’s completely walkable to the center of Windermere, giving you easy access to shops, cafes, and pubs. I’d recommend trying Homeground Coffee + Kitchen for brunch, Toast for lunch and Base Pizza for dinner.

We stayed in a ground floor dog friendly room featuring a stunning roll-top bath, which was the ultimate luxury after a long day of walking.

Aynesome Manor Hotel (Near Cartmel)

Best for: Pure luxury and the best place to spoil your dog.

Located towards the bottom of the Lake District, Aynesome Manor is an absolutely stunning luxury hotel that went above and beyond for our dog, Skye. Seriously, she was so incredibly spoilt here!

They feature a dedicated dog-friendly lounge where you can relax together, and the staff showered her with treats. They even have a custom dog wash station to clean off muddy paws after a day of walks. Combine that with a fantastic breakfast, evening turndown service, and a complimentary chauffeur service into Cartmel village, and you have a perfect luxury retreat. I recommend grabbing dinner at Cavendish Arms Cartmel for a cosy pub serving great food.

Snittlegarth Farm Lodges (Near Ireby)

Best for: A peaceful, budget-friendly escape in nature.

In the Northern lakes you'll find Snittlegarth Farm. We stayed in their cosy shepherd's hut called The Ewe, and it is very reasonably priced compared to a lot of spots in the area! They have a variety of accommodations to choose from, perfect for all the family.

Because it’s a genuine, working farm, it is extremely peaceful. We loved waking up to the birds chirping and watching red squirrels climbing trees from the shepherds hut. Keep in mind that it doesn't have an enclosed garden space, but if you're looking for a quiet, off-the-grid style escape surrounded by nature, this is an absolute dream… plus you can actually walk a wainwright right from the farm! Binsey is a shorter fell but definitely one worth ticking off, great if you don’t want to drive to complete a hike.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa (Bassenthwaite Lake)

Best for: A grand luxury escape and a chance to relax at their peaceful spa.

If you want a truly grand place to stay that is also dog friendly, this 17th-century former stately home is the spot. It sits on a massive estate right on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, not too far from Keswick.

The grounds are absolutely stunning and on a summer's day I swear you feel like you're in Italy. Alongside the fantastic food, the outdoor spa facilities are incredibly peaceful which is the ultimate post hike reward.

Whilst it isn’t the cheapest, it is definitely a worthwhile treat staying here. We visited for my birthday and I can safely say, sitting with a coffee looking out to the lakes views was definitely a special birthday treat.

Located right by the Lake District Wildlife Park and easy access to Dodd Wood Forest, there is plenty for you to do here.