|
Grasmere is a charming village right in the heart of the Lake District National Park and within easy reach of Ambleside, Keswick, Hawkshead, Coniston, Bowness and Windermere. The village was once the home of poet William Wordsworth; today visitors can see two of his former homes - Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. Also at the centre of Grasmere is St. Oswalds Church, the churchyard which contains the Wordsworth family graves.
The dog friendly rooms are on the ground floor at the rear of the hotel and overlook the extensive gardens. A door from the room leads out to the terrace and garden, and is just a few steps to the car park – very convenient after a wet walk or for late night stroll around the grounds
 |
 |
Our room was very well equipped and comfortably sized for two adults and the two dogs, particularly as we were out for most of the day and therefore did not spend too much time indoors. The hotel does not provide any ‘extras’ such as bowls, blankets, treats etc as some do, but they are more than happy to take dogs and that is what mattered to us. Dogs are not allowed in any of the public rooms but are allowed in the hotel's own bistro/bar
" Dove and Olive Branch" next-door, which is a friendly meeting place with traditional beer, tasty snacks and delicious light meals.
 The Prelude Restaurant named after Wordsworth’s well-known poem, was a joy to dine in,
with
a choice of table d’hote or
a la carte offering local specialities, beautifully presented and with a very good selection of wines and excellent service. The breakfast ranged from light choices such as boiled eggs, through to eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
or a full English breakfast –
as well as fresh pastries and a self-service buffet
of fresh fruit, cheese, yoghurt and cereals.
Hotel facilities include a pool, jacuzzi, gym and pampering treatments of facials, massages, etc. (that is for people, not the dogs!) gratefully received after a hard day's fell walking or sight-seeing.
There is a large and beautiful conservatory, full of comfortable chairs and sofas and overlooking the garden and mountains beyond. Afternoon tea here, or in one of the equally comfortable lounges, is very enjoyable and a great way to finish off a walk in this stunning setting. On cooler days, a glowing log fire will greet you in the spacious entrance hall of this most welcoming Hotel. The hotel is also just a few yards from the river where a gentle, flat footpath takes you from the rear of the hotel passing the churchyard, along the riverside and offering views of the surrounding hills.
The lake lies to the south of Grasmere village, around which there are some gentle walks for those who prefer lower ground. Magnificant walks start from the doorstep of the hotel and there are spectacular drives in all directions through some of Britains most impressive landscape.
Walks with a greater challenge around Grasmere can be found by taking on the craggy peaks of Scafell Pikes, Helvellyn, Skiddaw and the Langdales. There are lots of things to do in the village in addition to walking the fells and around the lake, including some of the historical attractions associated with William Wordsworth such as Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount. This is a picturesque and varied landscape, with high fells, woodland and lakeland paths in abundance and rich in wildlife, flora and fauna. The beautiful lakes of Grasmere and Rydal Water are fringed by woodlands and open fells and both attract a range of waterfowl including great crested grebes, coots, swans and red breasted mergansers.
|
