Lake Grasmere
Lake Grasmere
5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Lake Grasmere and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
112 within 5 kms
Attractions
74 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Anuj_MithaniMumbai, India4,703 contributionsMemorable Lake District experienceThis is one of the most beautiful, rewarding walks in the Lake District. We parked at the Stock Lane pay and display park (takes cards), though parking was available for cheaper down the road by Wordsworth Cottage and for free in a layby along the road leading to Ambleside, as we discovered later. The initial stretch was along the main road A591, before the footpath begins. Near the River Rothay footbridge, remember to take two detours – one towards Rydal Cave with terrific views over Rydal Water and another up the Louhrigg Terrace for the iconic views over Grasmere. We walked clockwise returning to the Grasmere village, and refuelled at the Sarah Nelson shop. A must do whilst in the Lake District.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- dexfast tJacksonville, Florida11 contributionsWonderful, scenic stroll around the lake.I completed the walk in slightly over an hour, which was ideal for meeting my step goal. It's a bit downward, but if you pace yourself, it shouldn't be too tough for youngsters or elderly legs! The beautiful vistas and photo opportunities are well worth it.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 October 2023
- SimonWashington, United Kingdom465 contributionsA nice walkThe parts where you can access the lakeside are lovely to walk around. Pretty flat terrain with good quality paths. It's unfortunate that on one side of the lake the road runs right along the lake shore, so you have to walk along a busy road, and on the other side of the lake the shore is privately owned so the path redirects onto a minor road into the village.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 8 February 2024
- SuratrichardSurat Thani, Thailand2,564 contributionsPerfection!There’s something magical about this lake. It’s not the largest in the Lake District but it is set amongst breathtaking countryside. The village itself does become extremely crowded so, in order to see the Lake and its surrounding countryside at its best, park at the White Moss Common car park on the left hand side of the road heading towards Rydal and Ambleside. Cross over the road with care due to speeding vehicles and once over the road and into the woods, turn left to walk to Rydal and right to walk to Grasmere. It’s a great walk through the woods in either direction and is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, The more adventurous visitor can go up higher onto Loughrigg Terrace for more spectacular views over Grasmere. Silver Howe is also a good walk. For more views head up to Allen Bank( National Trust) from the village. Within the village are many cafes and restaurants. There are toilets but be warned, admission is 60p and is payable by card only. Well worth visiting this little gem of a lake.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2024
- David RostronPerth, Australia66 contributionsSwim with a viewI live in Western Australia now, but this is by far the most beautiful place I have ever swam. It's a half mile walk from White Moss Car Park, and very worth it. The lake is calm and flat, so great for kids, however, gets deep very quickly. The water is crystal clear, and even in shallow water, fish are present. I swam a fair way out, and could still see my feet in the deep. A totally breathtaking lake, and an unforgettable swim.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 14 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
542 reviews
Excellent
428
Very good
101
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
1
maisymeg
Wigan, UK2,809 contributions
Mar 2022
We walked from The Daffodil Spa along the busy road for around 10 minutes to start this walk but once off that it was a lovely peaceful walk around Lake Grasmere in beautiful weather.
Even though it was midweek and off season we saw lots of other people walking, so this is not a walk if you want solitude. We enjoyed seeing some of dogs there swimming in the cold, calm water.
The path follows the lakeside then you have a steep hill up before descending into the lovely village with a good choice of shops, a few cafes and hotels.
Even though it was midweek and off season we saw lots of other people walking, so this is not a walk if you want solitude. We enjoyed seeing some of dogs there swimming in the cold, calm water.
The path follows the lakeside then you have a steep hill up before descending into the lovely village with a good choice of shops, a few cafes and hotels.
Written 27 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,685 contributions
June 2022
Grasmere Lake offers a lovely circular walk all the way around the lake of approx 3.5 miles.
We parked at the huge carpark on the outskirts of Grasmere, just a short 5 minute walk from shops in centre. Stock Lane Carpark, LA22 9SJ at cost of £8 for all day. There is 1 electric car charging point here.
Walking clockwise around the lake the first part of the walk is a bit disappointing as you are walking along the main road with no views of the lake. After a short 15 minutes though you are able to cut through some picturesque woods and head towards the lake. After a lovely walk through the trees we reached a small bridge, here we detoured away from the lake and headed uphill to Rydal Caves. After the caves we walked downhill and strolled alongside Rydal Water (also very busy on a hot and sunny day in June!) and made our way back to Grasmere Lake. When we reached the bridge again we went left this time for a beautiful walk along the shore of the lake. Close to the bridge is a very popular swimming spot. We found a place to sit and while my husband went wild swimming I paddled and cooled off my hot and swollen pregnancy feet in the lovely cool water. So if the weather is nice, definitely remember to take your swimsuits with you on this walk!
The walk around the lakes is flat and the paths are very good, it was only to get up to the caves that we had to walk uphill and it was pretty steep in places. The cave was crazy busy on a bank holiday weekend, so although we loved this walk and would definitely do this again if ever in the area we would avoid weekends and peak periods as it was just too crowded. The lakes whilst very busy are large enough that you can usually find a quieter spot.
We highly recommend this lovely walk. It took most of the day for us, as I was walking slowly as nearly 9 months pregnant and the weather was HOT!
We parked at the huge carpark on the outskirts of Grasmere, just a short 5 minute walk from shops in centre. Stock Lane Carpark, LA22 9SJ at cost of £8 for all day. There is 1 electric car charging point here.
Walking clockwise around the lake the first part of the walk is a bit disappointing as you are walking along the main road with no views of the lake. After a short 15 minutes though you are able to cut through some picturesque woods and head towards the lake. After a lovely walk through the trees we reached a small bridge, here we detoured away from the lake and headed uphill to Rydal Caves. After the caves we walked downhill and strolled alongside Rydal Water (also very busy on a hot and sunny day in June!) and made our way back to Grasmere Lake. When we reached the bridge again we went left this time for a beautiful walk along the shore of the lake. Close to the bridge is a very popular swimming spot. We found a place to sit and while my husband went wild swimming I paddled and cooled off my hot and swollen pregnancy feet in the lovely cool water. So if the weather is nice, definitely remember to take your swimsuits with you on this walk!
The walk around the lakes is flat and the paths are very good, it was only to get up to the caves that we had to walk uphill and it was pretty steep in places. The cave was crazy busy on a bank holiday weekend, so although we loved this walk and would definitely do this again if ever in the area we would avoid weekends and peak periods as it was just too crowded. The lakes whilst very busy are large enough that you can usually find a quieter spot.
We highly recommend this lovely walk. It took most of the day for us, as I was walking slowly as nearly 9 months pregnant and the weather was HOT!
Written 29 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma T
Thornton Cleveleys, UK6 contributions
Dec 2020
A fabulous short walk around Grasmere lake with some stunning views. Nice, easy to follow footpath and not at all challenging. Ideal if stopping in Grasmere to pass a couple of hours on this gentle stroll and recommend stopping for a warm drink at Faeryland.
Written 12 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RaynesMark
Wimbledon267 contributions
July 2021 • Solo
A stones throw from Rydal, Grasmere lake is a bit of a hike from Grasmere village. The village is endearing with a few shops including a Beatrix Potter shop, a cafe on the river and a few other places to eat. There is a tiny and famous gingerbread shop. Parking is a bit pot luck. If you can park in the school, that's a really neat spot, but get there early. There are other small car parks that rapidly fill. There is a field on the edge of the village that can also be opened up for parking and there is also causal parking outside of the village. Part of Grasmere lake is not accessible to the public, hence the long hike to the bankside. Once there though there are quite a few spots where you can sit and swim or take in the natural beauty. There are plenty of refreshments in the village, but nothing on the lake, so bring your own. Grasmere is definately an arrive early lake and village.
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave S
4 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Grasmere Lake is amazing, beautiful views, calm water, relatively quiet even in Aug. Great for Kayaking or SUPs. However, do not park at either White Moss Car Park. They bill for every second from when you drive in, and if you pause to put boots on or get stuff out the car before you pay and it’s not covered, you’ll get a £100 fine, even if you’ve paid for a period and go 10 mins over. Loads of people stung by this - Google it. Total scam. Prices are extortionate as well (£10 for 4hrs).
Go to Grasmere lake, just don’t park at either White Moss Car Park
Go to Grasmere lake, just don’t park at either White Moss Car Park
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alastair R
Glasgow, UK135 contributions
Oct 2020
We walked over from Abmleside, and this took us roind Grasmere. The views from either end of the lake and along the side were spectactular on a sunny day, with refelctions of the hills in the calm waters. The paths are easy to walk, so suitable for all ages
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
n55ffc
Radcliffe on Trent, UK1,543 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Despite the rain we decided to walk around the lake and were rewarded with the most beautiful views across the lake. The autumn colours were fantastic despite the miserable weather. Well worth a visit, highly recommended.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline B
Tring, UK677 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Excellent sign posting. Lots of parking. We parked in Grasmere village. Well kept pathways. Lots of places to sit at the edge of the lake. Great opportunities for swimming and kayaking. Visitors bring their own kayaks and paddleboards. No toilets. It’s a little like a country park. So you can get shade on a hot day
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sammy1232018
Washington DC, DC348 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
Extremely enjoyable! This quite lovely and short hike of about 3 1/2 miles was such a treat! The trail was easily marked meandering one through the village homes and then the lake itself. We saw plenty of bird life, people swimming, and picnics. We did have a downpour for a bit which didn’t stop anyone from enjoying the view! I enjoyed this hike far more than lake Windermere because it wasn’t nearly as crowded and the views were perfect.
Written 3 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natasha D
Leicester, UK28 contributions
June 2021 • Couples
This is a stunning location. There are several walks around the edge of the lake - with the opportunity to make them more challenging by following the routes on the sides of the fells.
We have just spent our 5 day honeymoon here - with beautiful sunshine and no rain. We will be back!
We have just spent our 5 day honeymoon here - with beautiful sunshine and no rain. We will be back!
Written 5 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can National Trust members like myself and the public visit Grasmere Island now owned by the National Trust?
Written 14 October 2019
Yes I believe you can . If you hire a rowing boat from the little boatyard on the road out of Grasmere to the Langdales you can row out to it . You could of course swim to it! No forms of motor boat are allowed on Grasmere Lake
Written 15 October 2019
Vicster
London, United Kingdom
Is there blue-green algae in Lake Grasmere at the moment? Thanks.
Written 9 June 2019
So sorry for late reply!! No there’s not any there.
However there is some the top end of Derwentwater lake opposite end to Keswick.
Written 7 February 2020
Does anybody know how long it roughly takes to walk around the lake please?
Will have a 7 and 9 year old with us.
Thank you.
Written 25 October 2018
2 to 3 hours. Not the best along the road section. You can cross the road though and pick up a trail/road and walk back into Grasmere (Town End) from behind White Moss Car park. Part of the old coffin trail. Enjoy!
Written 26 October 2018
Does anybody know how long it roughly takes to walk around the lake please?
Will have a 7 and 9 year old with us.
Thank you.
Written 25 October 2018
It’s a very easy walk for families. I’d allow a couple of hours. Enjoy!
Written 25 October 2018
PicnicByTheTarn
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Can you take an all terrain pram on the path along Lake Grasmere? We have a Bob pram and wondered if the path is suitable for this all terrain pram?
Written 19 February 2017
Yes most of the path is accessible. I remember we had to cross a shallow stream on the beach bit but if you're ok with that it will be ok. There is a path through some woods which was decking type but you may need to carry it up over some tree roots and also through the gap on the wall back onto the pavement. Enjoy!
Written 20 February 2017
can you cycle around this lake? thanks.
Written 18 May 2016
The Vale Rydal circular cycle route is about 12 miles, Grassmere also suitable. Classed for mountain bikes as it does have areas of rougher terrain. The area has gates to open and allow access. Some areas are steep. And going up to the caves there was a part were you would have had to carry bikes as slate and rocks on floor.
I did see cyclists...a couple with there son on one of the routes near Grassmere...their gps was giving them problems...bad signal...surprise surprise!
I'm not a cyclist...I would defiantly recommend safe gear especially helmets. Enjoy beautiful place😊🚵🚵😊
Written 19 May 2016
Showing results 1-7 of 7
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing