Allan Bank and Grasmere

The loveliest spot that man hath ever found

More about this place

Allan Bank in Grasmere Lake District

Planning your visit to Allan Bank this autumn 

Allan Bank is a relaxed National Trust home from home in Grasmere with traditional indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Set on a hill with views over Grasmere lake and fells, it’s a short 10minute walk from the centre of Grasmere village. Click through to find out more about Allan Bank, how to get here and what there is to do.

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Allan Bank and Grasmere

Things to see and do

The artroom at Allan Bank in Grasmere in the Lake District

Indoor activities at Allan Bank 

Step inside a bustling family home with something to do in every room. There’s a place to sit by the fire and read a book and watch the red squirrels; a room to play dress up with your little ones; somewhere to pick up a pencil or a paintbrush and take inspiration from our 360 countryside views; a space to sit and knit; or somewhere to tuck into a picnic with a hot drink.

Allan Bank and Grasmere

Great autumn walks in Grasmere 

With plenty of options for a relaxed lake-shore stroll or a walk up the fells, Grasmere is the place to come for a quick amble or a long day’s adventure. You bring the picnic, we’ve got the views.

A red squirrel at Allan Bank in Grasmere Cumbria

Looking after red squirrels at Allan Bank 

Once a popular sight in England and across the UK, and the UK’s only native squirrel species, the red squirrel is now suffering a major decline. Read on to find out how we're looking after the red squirrels in Grasmere and visit us for your chance to see one.

A cosy seat next to the Rayburn

Our top picnic spots in Grasmere 

There aren’t many places you can bring a picnic indoors, but Allan Bank is a different type of National Trust experience. Come rain or shine, you can pack a hamper, wander up to Allan Bank and find a seat with a view to enjoy your picnic. We’ve also put together our favourite spots around Grasmere.

Dog at Allan Bank in Grasmere

Allan Bank is dog friendly 

We know that there is no better companion for a walk than your dog and the Lake District is the perfect place to explore, on four legs or two. Well-behaved dogs are more than welcome at Allan Bank, inside or out, even muddy ones.

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Allan Bank and Grasmere

What's on

Upcoming events

See all events

Billie Buzzard's Wild Garden Trail

Thu 17 Oct 2019
10:30-16:00
Billie Buzzard is soaring overhead, floating on the breeze and watching all the comings and goings of the Allan Bank woodland garden. Can you find all the creatures that Billie Buzzard can see? Solve all the clues to win your prize.

Elements by Kathryn Thompson

Thu 17 Oct 2019
10:30-17:00
See an exhibition by artist Kathryn Thompson of a collection of items inspired by our beautiful planet. All items are created from reclaimed materials, natural fibres and acrylic paint.

Talk: An introduction to the Keswick School of Industrial Art by Dr Alwyn Turner

Fri 18 Oct 2019
11:00-11:15
Dr Alwyn Turner will show a large collection of Keswick School of Industrial Art artefacts to illustrate his introductory talk.

Woodland pumpkin trail

Sat 19 Oct 2019
11:00-16:00
The Allan Bank woodland has been taken over by spooky pumpkins, venture into the woods this half-term and see how many you can find… don’t forget to check inside the spine-tingling tunnel. Draw the faces as you go and spot 6 or more to win a prize.

Make your own pipe cleaner and wool spiders

Tue 22 Oct 2019
13:30-16:30
One of our top activities if you're looking for a fun and easy Halloween craft for the kids.

Pumpkin carving

Sat 26 Oct 2019
11:00-15:00
Come along and carve a very ghoulish pumpkin ready to set on the doorstep at Halloween.
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Allan Bank and Grasmere

Eating and shopping

The front of the National Trust gift shop in Grasmere

Our Grasmere shop 

Browse our shop in Grasmere for treats and gifts for yourself or a loved one. You'll find the shop tucked away opposite Grasmere church on the main street. Every purchase you make will help to protect this wonderful landscape.

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Allan Bank and Grasmere

Our work

A view of Allan Bank from the outside

Bringing Allan Bank back to life 

Allan Bank is a National Trust house with a difference - a place where our visitors have played a key role in deciding its future. Take a look at the events that have shaped Allan Bank.

Four National Trust Rangers in the Lake District

Our work at Allan Bank and Grasmere 

Our Rangers work hard to look after the landscape of the Lake District. With such a huge landscape to care for it can be a tough job. Take a look at how you can help our work.

A red squirrel at Allan Bank in Grasmere Cumbria

Looking after red squirrels at Allan Bank 

Once a popular sight in England and across the UK, and the UK’s only native squirrel species, the red squirrel is now suffering a major decline. Read on to find out how we're looking after the red squirrels in Grasmere and visit us for your chance to see one.

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Allan Bank and Grasmere

Get involved

Staff and volunteers at Allan Bank in Grasmere

Volunteer at Allan Bank  

Working in amazing places, meeting new people and knowing that you’re helping a great cause are all good reasons to volunteer with us. We have plenty volunteering opportunities in Grasmere, whatever your interests and time availability.

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