Grasmere Post Office

Grasmere, the village and lake
click images to enlarge	Grasmere is a peaceful village, with no through traffic. It is also the name of the nearby small lake. It is situated in the centre of the Lake District and has strong literary and artistic connections. It has been the home of many past campaigners for the conservation of the Lake District, including William Wordsworth and Canon Rawnsley. The Wordsworth family graves are in Grasmere's St Oswalds Churchyard and are a place of pilgrimage for lovers of English romantic literature.
	The church itself is ancient, 14th century, and of great interest and beauty, taking its name from Oswald, Northumbrian king and champion of Christianity who was killed at Maserfield near Hexham in 642 AD in a battle with Penda, the heathen king of Mercia. The baptistry window commemorates his baptism.
	The river Rothay forms above Grasmere from the becks tumbling down from the surrounding fells, running lazily through the village as it begins its journey through Grasmere (the lake), Rydal Water and Ambleside to Lake Windermere. Above the village the fells rise, some steeply, giving superb views of the valley, village and lake. Popular walking routes take off in all directions from the village, some level and some more strenuous.
	The local people have a strong community spirit. They make a living from farming and tourism, providing the visitor with accommodation of all types, food in some excellent cafés and restaurants, as well as outdoor clothing and equipment. There are several art galleries as well as the world renowned Dove Cottage Museum, a centre for the appreciation of English romantic literature, based round Wordsworth's former home.
	If you are looking for a warm welcome and a peaceful stay in a quiet beautiful and friendly village, look no further.