Grasmere and Ambleside, Lake District, UK

Grasmere is located in the centre of the Lake District National Park and, due to its association with the poet William Wordsworth, is possibly the most popular of Cumbria’s villages. Other than residential houses, most of the buildings in the village are catered to service the tourist industry. Made from local stone and slate you will notice that some houses are painted white, as in other parts of Cumbria. This is because historically the houses were treated with red led and limewashed to keep out the damp. Although modern architecture means this is no longer necessary the current homeowners maintain the traditional look by using white paint.
If you walk through the churchyard you will undoubtedly detect the scent of ginger coming from the small former village school building, which is now the home of the famous Grasmere Gingerbread shop. The gingerbread was invented by Sarah Nelson in 1854 and has since become known around the World with many famous people visiting the store including Tom Cruise and Jamie Oliver. The shop not only sells the gingerbread but also fudge, toffee, rum butter, and jams. Staff are very warm and friendly and wear their traditional uniform while serving you the freshly cooked gingerbread.
The Grasmere Gingerbread is not a typical bread, nor is it a biscuit, it is a truly unique sweet treat. It is similar to a thin shortbread, topped with sugary crumbs and has an intense ginger taste.
Just about 5-7 mins drive from Grasmere and North of Windermere Lake is the charming town of Ambleside. This is a major tourist destination for day visitors and walkers who use it as a base for exploring the countryside. The town centre of Ambleside is so easy to explore. Just like Grasmere it’s also a good base to further explore other areas of the Lake District National Park. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels that caters the need of local residents and tourist.
Ambleside is one of the most visited towns in Lake District for its close proximity to lake Windermere and as with Grasmere due to its association with the Lakeland poets. If you are visiting Ambleside and Grasmere, its best to come at early time to secure parking. These two places maybe close to each other but each has its own character and offers one of a kind experience to any visitor.
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