Things to do at Allan Bank and Grasmere

Spring in the garden at Allan Bank

This is the best time of year to find a quiet spot in the woodland grounds at Allan Bank and tune into the gentle reawakening of nature as the landscape bursts back to life after winter. The birds are in full song and the red squirrels are at their busiest around the feeders. By April you can see the daffodils blooming on the lawn, swiftly followed in May by bluebells and meadow flowers bringing their rainbow of colour. 

A wander through the historic grounds will reveal views of the rolling countryside around the house, where the likes of Wordsworth, Coleridge and DeQuincy once found inspiration.
 

What can I do at Allan Bank?
 

Explore the displays and art exhibitions

Discover how William Wordsworth influenced land conservation and tourism in the Lake District. See vintage photography displayed on large lightboxes. In the galleries upstairs explore Gwyneth Alban Davis print archive and how bird song is codified in an art installation.  Find out more about the exhibitions for 2025. 

In the hallway you'll see the large wall mural of an old ash tree by Hideyuki Sobue.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's bedroom 

Find out how Coleridge's children inspired the modern retelling of Golidlocks and The Three Bears, by Robert Southey. 

Wordsworth's study 

Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the views and watching the birds through the large bay window. 

Butler's pantry and back kitchen 

You'll find help yourself hot and cold drinks, along with seating in the butler's pantry. The cosy back kitchen has a large wooden table and comfy armchairs where you can sit back and relax. You'll find board games to play and seasonal drawing activities for children. 

Woodland garden path

Allan Bank’s woodland walk dates back to Wordsworth’s time at the house. The walk follows an historic rugged path and forms a circuit that takes about 30-45 minutes. Look out for secret hideaways and historic features such as the Victorian viewing tunnel as you wander. You might spot some fascinating fungi, ferns, moss and lichens along the way.

The Billiard Room

The picturesque chapel-like pavilion built in 1836, was used by the gentlemen of the house. It has undergone significant conservation work with funding from the Department of Culture and Media and in 2022 the restoration of the Billiard Room was completed with the conservation and re-installation of the original stained-glass windows.

Perfect picnic spots with views over Grasmere

We welcome picnics outdoors and also in the house in the butler's pantry and back kitchen. You can help yourself to free hot drinks in the butler's pantry, there is a suggested donation as money raised goes directly back to looking after Allan Bank. There is no café here, so bring something along with you or pick something up from one of the many eateries and shops in the village on your way to Allan Bank. 

Habitat for red squirrels

The garden and woodland pleasure ground offers an inviting habitat for red squirrels. These charming and charismatic little creatures are rather shy and can be hard to spot. If you get lucky you may spot one scampering across the lawn or darting through the trees. We are working in partnership with Grasmere Red Squirrel Group to ensure the Allan Bank estate is a safe haven for these endangered animals.   

Walking around Grasmere

From lakeshore strolls to fell-top expeditions, when it comes to walking you’re spoilt for choice at Allan Bank and Grasmere. Click here for some popular walks to get you started.