A to Z Abroad: Grasmere

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One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the English Lake District is to walk in the footsteps of William Wordsworth. The famous poet called Grasmere, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found,” and I am inclined to agree.

For a girl who loves small towns, swears she was British in another life, and thinks grass green is the most beautiful color in the spectrum, Grasmere seems like something out of a dream.

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The fields and hills of Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Situated in the English Lake District in the county of Cumbria, Grasmere is surrounded by pastoral fields full of sheep, cozy cottages, and that famous English mist. Even though Grasmere is often a tourist hub for buses heading in and out of the Lake District, it’s easy enough to escape the crowds and experience the local flavor of the region.

As usual, I veered from the tour group and wandered through the less trod areas of the village.  I grabbed a hand churned ice cream cone before striking into the adventure of exploring side streets.

One of the first things to capture my interest was an old cemetery. No one famous is buried there, but I’ve always been fascinated by gravestones. I can’t help but wonder about the stories these people have to tell.

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Cemetery in Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Grasmere is pretty small, so it wasn’t long before I found myself at the outskirts with a half-eaten ice cream cone. Sheep roam freely in the green fields, but they are fenced in by an interesting phenomenon known as drystone walls.   Stones are intricately stacked to created sturdy stone fences without the use of mortar or any other reinforcement.

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Drystone fence and sheep in Grasmere
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

The air was so fresh and clean, I leaned against one of those drystone walls and took a few deep breaths English country air.  I don’t know how long I stood there, but it wasn’t long enough!

Upon leaving Grasmere, I considered myself lucky for privilege of walking through this dream world even if for a moment.

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Part of the A to Z Challenge!

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c.b.w. 2013

51 thoughts on “A to Z Abroad: Grasmere”

  5. Ah, you should have come just a little further north while you were at it, Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world. Mountains, lochs and castles, you can almost forgive it the terrible weather – and when the sun does shine? Oh my.

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  9. C.B., you have taken me to a place I’ve always dreamed of, the Lake District and Grasmere! Family members have travelled there but not my husband and me. These photos bring a sense of the beauty and intriguing atmosphere of the place. You do a lovely job with your photography! And your writing is transformative!

    Sherrey at Healing by Writing

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    • Thanks so much for the kind words. I had always heard of the beauty of the Lake District, but I can honestly say pictures and words do it no justice. Being there is nothing short of incredible.

      I hope you’ll get there one day!

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  15. Hi CB. I’ve lost the plot that last few days with commenting but that means I’ve had a bunch of your posts to enjoy all in one go. You have visited some wonderful places. The Charles Bridge! and fire dancing. The only time I saw an attempt at that, a friend’s son had a go and singed his own hair. Great fun. I love the Lake District too. There’s nothing so green.

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  18. catherinelumb

    “interesting phenomenon known as drystone walls”

    It’s strange to hear that something that I took for granted growing up in Yorkshire referred to as an ‘interesting phenomenon’! To me, drystone walls are how all field walls should look! I couldn’t really imagine a better way to do it! lol!

    Great post, Great pictures, Great place! x

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  21. mamabeanablog

    This is near Windermere, right? That is where I ate the yummy fish and chips! I often look for Real Estate available in that area. Loved it!! It looks like, from the pictures, Grasmere would be the same type of village. This is so cool! I love this blog!!! 🙂

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  24. I so long to see green like those fields! There’s still snow in our yard and snow mould on the grass. No green to be seen, yet. 😦

    Your photos, at least, give me hope that we will see that green soon, although I think I’d rather go to Britain to see it – and the sheep. 🙂

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  25. Pingback: A to Z Challenge: Complete! | C.B. Wentworth

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