Discover more at Allan Bank and Grasmere
Find out when Allan Bank and Grasmere is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
A family day out at Allan Bank
From spotting wildlife on a woodland walk to getting creative with art activities or playing in the garden, there’s plenty to enjoy here at Allan Bank. Find out what's on offer and all the details you need to plan your visit.
Planning your family visit
- Creative activities, outdoor nature play, board games
- Sensory backpacks with fidget toys and tactile objects
- Explorer backpacks
- Picnics welcome both inside and out. There are benches in the garden and chairs and tables inside for those rainy days
- Self-serve, free hot drinks and water
- Baby-changing facilities
- Highchairs are available in the Back Kitchen
- Children under 5 are free
- No parking on site. Please use pay-and-display public car parks in Grasmere or public transport - the 555 or 559 Stagecoach bus stop in the village centre.
Family events and activities
Creative Activities
- Step inside the Art Caravan in the garden to find activities inspired by the exhibitions in the house.
- Try making your own print using replicas of Gwyneth Alban Davis's original printing blocks in gallery 2, upstairs in the house.
- There are pencils and paper in the back kitchen to sketch, doodle and write.
Explore outside
The woodland grounds are perfect for all ages to enjoy. Pick up one of our Explorer Backpack and see what creatures, minibeasts and birds you can discover in the woods. See if you can spot any buzzards flying overhead.
Spot a red squirrel
At Allan Bank, you might spot a red squirrel playing in the trees, on the lawn, or at a feeder. They’re shy, so it’s a special treat if you see one! We're working with Grasmere Red Squirrel Group, to create the right habitat, helping protect these elusive creatures for future generations.
‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’
Allan Bank is a great place to start ticking of some of your '50 things' list. Here's a few ideas to get you started:
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No. 1 Get to know a tree: Some trees have spaces big enough to get inside. Others can be climbed. Many have vibrant summer flowers or colourful autumn leaves to catch. Get to know a tree and see what creatures they are home to
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No. 6 Go welly wandering : When it's pouring with rain, what could be better than chucking on your wellies and waterproofs and zooming around in the puddles, soaking up all the watery fun?
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No. 12 Have fun with sticks: There are so many ways that you can have fun with sticks, we can’t begin to list them all here
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No. 31 Make friends with a bug: Ladybirds, spiders, caterpillars, woodlice - there are all kinds of creepy crawlies hiding at the places we look after. Can you make friends with a bug?
Bring your picnic
Pack your snacks and pick your spot! Spread out on the lawn in sunny weather, grab a garden bench, or head indoors to the cosy Back Kitchen, with tables, chairs, and highchairs for little ones. Rain or shine, there’s always a place to eat and relax together.
Walks in Grasmere
If you start your adventure from Broadgate Meadow car park (non-NT) you can follow a scenic circular route to get to Allan Bank.
Right outside the gate of Allan Bank, you’ll find paths leading to Silver How and Easedale Tarn ideal for exploring nature together.
For a gentler stroll, head back into the village and pick up the Miles without Stiles Grasmere Riverside walk. It begins next to the Broadgate Meadow play area, where kids can enjoy swings, a slide, climbing frame, and space to run around.
Looking for a longer walk? Try the 5km loop around Grasmere lake. Just follow Red Bank Road until you reach a gate on your left with a fingerpost to Grasmere Lakeshore, then follow the well-marked path.
Things to do on a rainy day
There's fun to be had even if the weather is wet - here are our favourite things to do when it's rainy at Allan Bank.
- Pop on your waterproofs and follow the woodland trail, look out for the wet moss wall and bright green ferns.
- Have a go at printing - linked to our new art exhibitions Women in Print - The Caravan Press and All The Better To Hear You With, there are print making activities around the house and in the Art Caravan outside.
- Taking inspiration from artist Hidiyuki Sobue’s giant mural, why not create your own nature inspired art?
- Learn about how William Wordsworth helped to protect famous areas of the Lake District in our semi-permanent display Wordsworth the Influencer.
- Shelter indoors in the Back Kitchen where you'll find family board games and art activities.
- Look for something new to read in the children’s corner of the second-hand bookshop.
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Things to do at Allan Bank and Grasmere
With rugged 19th century woodland grounds, formal lawns, exhibitions and surrounding countryside and lakes to explore, there’s plenty to see and do at Allan Bank and Grasmere.
Walking in Grasmere
From relaxing lakeshore strolls to fell-top expeditions, when it comes to walking you’re spoilt for choice here in Grasmere. Here are some popular walks to get you started.
Visiting Allan Bank with your dog
Allan Bank is a three pawprint rated place. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Allan Bank, inside downstairs and outside in the garden.
Family-friendly places to visit
Looking for a family day out that'll keep everyone entertained? Find things to do with the kids at the places we care for near you.
Family-friendly places in the Lake District
Plan your next family day out in the Lake District – seek out natural play areas, scramble over rocks and spot wildlife on your way. Make the most of your membership and visit somewhere new.
‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’
Plan fresh-air activities, discover facts about nature and wildlife or learn a new skill with our suggestions for ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.
