Postcards from…
We’re excited to share the first in a new series of travel diaries: Postcards from The Inns. Each one will be a little glimpse into a visit to our inns and the places that surround them. Part story, part inspiration, and part guide. We’ll be sharing our own experiences of staying with The Inn Collection Group, from cosy nights in, to local walks, foodie finds, and hidden gems. And who knows? In time, we’d love to feature your postcards too.
Hello from the Lakes!
Last week, I swapped the everyday rush of Marketing at The Inn Collection Group for the slower pace of Grasmere, staying at The Swan, Grasmere. I wanted to experience the inn as a customer and took the opportunity of good weather and quiet roads to head to the lakes and see what it had to offer.
Nestled among the fells and right on the edge of the village, The Swan turned out to be the perfect base for a weekend of fresh air, great food, and a little exploring on our electric mountain bikes.
Day 1
Looking for a touch of adventure we headed straight to Whinlatter Forrest with our bikes and the hopes of brilliant bike routes to follow. We were surprised at the facilities on offer for both bike enthusiasts and walkers alike with trails and scenery for miles on end.
Of course we had to factor in a visit to the café after we’d had our fill on the tracks.
Later, to give our legs a rest we headed to Keswick and followed the crowds down to the water. Crow Park is the perfect spot to lay a blanket and soak up the sun. While we were only swimming, this is also the perfect spot to launch paddle boards and kayaks. We were even treated to a display from some local fighter jets. Very dramatic against the sun high in the sky.
*Grab a bite to eat * The Old Keswickian Fish and Chips is ideal for a box of chips to share, of course you can’t forget their curry sauce!
Later we arrived at The Swan, with its quintessential Lakeland charm of low beams, cosy corners, and a warm welcome that makes you feel at home straight away.
We dropped our bags and headed straight out back to the picturesque garden and the incredible view to soak up the last rays of the summer day with a drink and our dinner outdoors.
*The Thai chicken curry was the star of our night*
Day 2
Waking up to another sunny day (we really did get lucky), we enjoyed our breakfast and coffee while planning the days adventures.
Grasmere village is small, but it’s packed with character. It is famously tied to William Wordsworth, who lived at nearby Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808. It’s where he wrote iconic works like “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud.” The village is a gentle sprawl of stone cottages, a tranquil lake, and the historic St Oswald’s Church, where Wordsworth and his family are buried. It’s easy to see how he would have been so inspired.
After a hearty breakfast (included in our package) we jumped back on the bikes to head towards Grasmere Lake. You could easily walk this and there is a brilliant footpath that takes you right down to the water.
We hadn’t got very far when we noticed the queue, or lack thereof outside Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread shop. This is notoriously busy so we took every opportunity to jump in line while it was quiet. Their unique gingerbread has been baked here since 1854. It’s unlike any gingerbread you’ve ever tried, part biscuit, part cake, all delicious. Avoid the queue’s by popping in early or late.
We enjoyed this while we wandered St Oswald’s Church & Wordsworth’s Grave, a little moment of poetry in the heart of the village before heading down to the water for some fun.
Here we set up for the morning swim in the lake, and some lounging before we headed down the river over to Rydal Water to watch some paddle board enthusiasts.
For lunch we headed back to town to enjoy some lunch and a quick pint from Grasmere Brewery at the Distillers arms. We also popped into Gather Grasmere to check out the unique range of artisan products, echoing the legacy of traditional heritage industries in Cumbria: farming and food, weaving and textile mills, mining and minerals, and tourism.
So much to see, learn about and choose from, there may or may not have been ANOTHER diffuser added to the collection...
Day 3
Our last morning before heading home and of course we had to get our fill of the breakfast on offer. My husband made a big fuss of the vegetarian breakfast on offer so be sure to keep that in mind if you are a vegetarian.
Today we packed away the bikes and decided to explore on foot. One of the best things about staying in Grasmere is that you’re never far from a good walk. We chose Easedale Tarn, about a two-hour round trip with a steady climb that rewards you with a mountain tarn surrounded by rugged peaks. Pack a flask, perch on a rock, and soak it all in. We even managed to have a dip as the weather was - for a third day in a row – spectacular.
If you’ve got more time or energy, Helm Crag (known locally as “The Lion and the Lamb”) is another favourite, with views that stretch across the whole valley. Visit thelakedistrict.org to access great resources for planning your adventures
Back at the inn, we tucked into a quick bite from the light bites menu before bidding a very reluctant farewell.
Our midweek stay at The Swan gave us everything we needed: time to slow down, a little adventure, and a lot of cosy comforts. Grasmere is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left and we can’t wait to return.
