Grasmere Lake and Rydal Water lie just to the south of the village, around which there are some gentle low-level walks. For those who want more strenuous walking, Grasmere is ideally located for the Langdale Pikes, Helvellyn and Scafell Pikes.

Grasmere was home to the famous poet William Wordsworth. Visitors can see his two former homes – Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount and Gardens. At the centre of the village is St. Oswald’s Church which contains the Wordsworth family graves.

The Wordsworth Trust has an impressive modern centre with Wordsworth memorabilia and holds frequent art displays.