Grasmere: Where is it and how to get there?

William Wordsworth called Grasmere the “loveliest spot that man hath found”, but where exactly is it?

The Lancrigg, one of the finest hotels in Grasmere, is less than a mile from the heart of this Lake District village which nestles in a gentle valley just to the north of the lake ‘Grasmere’, after which it is named. The lake may be one of the smaller Lake District lakes, but its beautiful surroundings makes it one of the most idyllic.

In addition to the plentiful walks and sights around Grasmere itself, its central location makes it the perfect place from which to explore the rest of the Lake District.

Getting to Grasmere by road

Grasmere is just off the A591, the main road that passes north to south through the Lake District. It can be very busy, particularly in the summer holidays, but makes for a beautiful drive through stunning mountain scenery. That said, you may want to allow some extra time in case of hold ups.

From the north, leave the M6 at Penrith (J40) and follow the A66 to Keswick. The A591 turn-off for Grasmere is well signposted just before the town.

From the south, come off the M6 at junction 36 and take the A590 for Kendal. Just before Sizergh, the A590 veers off, so from here carry straight on as the road becomes the A591. Follow this past Kendal for a beautiful drive through Windermere, Ambleside and then on to Grasmere.

For satellite navigation, LA22 9QN will bring you though the heart of Grasmere and directly to Lancrigg from the South. Or down past Thirlmere to Lancrigg from the North.

Car parking is available at Lancrigg for visitors to our Poet’s Bar and walkers wanting to enjoy famous Lake District hike. We’re in an ideal location for routes around Easdale Tarn and Helm Crag – and beyond. Our family friendly Poet’s Bar provides the perfect place for relax and enjoy some refreshments after a day in the fells.

country house hotel

(Picture: Poet’s Bar at Lancrigg)

Getting to Grasmere via public transport

Windermere is the closest train station, on a branch line connected to the London to Glasgow West Coast Main Line at Oxenholme, just south of Kendal. Train times are around three to four hours from London or Glasgow.

Once at Windermere there are three bus services that will take you to Grasmere in around 30 to 40 minutes. They are the 505 (Kendal – Coniston), the 555 (Kendal-Keswick) and the 599 (Kendal-Grasmere). Many of these routes operate more buses in the summer months and some do not run at all in the winter, so it’s worth checking exact times before you leave.

Alternatively, there is often plenty of taxi availability from either Oxenholme, or Windermere Train Station.


The Lancrigg

Lancrigg is a country house hotel in Grasmere, The Lake District. Our beautiful hotel is set in 30 acres of mature gardens and woodlands in ‘Wordsworth Country’, just 1 mile from Grasmere village. The house has a relaxed, informal feel and visitors are made to feel welcome and at home from the moment they arrive.

To view room availability and to make a hotel booking click here or contact us.