Hotel Review
The Swan, Grasmere is a characterful inn located on the edge of the village of Grasmere enjoying a backdrop of spectacular fells yet within a few minutes walk of the village centre and beautiful lakeside. Grasmere is one of the Lake District’s prettiest villages and is famous for its association with the poet William Wordsworth. After a period of closure, the inn has undergone a major refurbishment, recently re-opening its doors to guests.
Location:
The Lake District National Park is situated in north west England with The Swan perfectly positioned approximately half way between Windermere and Keswick on the A591. For guests arriving by train, the West Coast Mainline runs to the east of the Lake District connecting Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. From Manchester there are direct services to Windermere from where you can take a bus or taxi for the short journey into Grasmere.
Arrival and check-in:
The handsome whitewashed country inn sits back from the main road approximately half a mile from the village centre and is easily identifiable. To one side of the building there is a good sized car park exclusively for the use of guests where we found a parking space with ease.
We approached the inn through its front door which looked so pretty with its window boxes and hanging baskets filled with spring flowers. A solid oak door lead into the open plan bar which oozed old world charm with its low ceilings, exposed beams and open fireplaces.
The reception desk is located at one end of the bar where we were welcomed by the manager Nellie who had us checked in quickly and was soon showing us up to our room on the first floor.
The Room:
We had been booked into a superior room with views overlooking the inn’s garden which was looking beautiful with its azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom. Our room was decorated in a neutral palate with an attractive blossom wallpaper on one wall. Lakeland scenes of nearby fells and lakes adorned the walls with the tartan carpet complimenting the decor beautifully.
On one side of the entrance hallway there was a large wardrobe with plenty of hangers (something that is often lacking in places where I stay). To the other side was an inter-connecting door enabling the rooms to be used by a family or group of friends. Occasionally noise can leak from this arrangement, but gladly we had no such problems and were undisturbed. Our king size bed was extremely comfortable, dressed in high quality cotton bed linen with a light as air duvet enabling us to drift off into a perfect slumber.
Mounted above the dressing table was a large flat screen television and on it a well equipped hospitality tray containing a selection of teas, coffee and Rington’s biscuits. My eyes lit up when I spotted the two packets of luxury biscuits as Rington’s are my absolute favourite, all varieties being irresistible with their hand baked ginger snaps, the best ever. Moving into the bathroom, this had been newly fitted out with shiny white tiles, a walk-in shower cubicle with a powerful monsoon head, fluffy white towels and Sea Kelp toiletries with a reviving coastal fragrance.
Dining:
Meals are served in the Swan’s bar restaurant which extends the full length of the ground floor. The space has been expertly divided into several interlinking areas creating cosy corners for enjoying meals and drinks. As the restaurant is also open to non-residents I suggest reserving a table in advance to avoid disappointment. We were allocated a window table in an alcove to one end of the bar which was a perfect place for watching what was going on. The seasonal menu is reasonably priced, featuring pub classics along with daily specials. Wine is served either by the glass or bottle and with a selection of cocktails, spirits and local ales, there’s something for everyone.
I was going to have Thai mussel broth for my starter but as this was unavailable I went along with my husband’s choice of beer battered king prawns which tasted fresh and juicy with their accompanying pots of garlic mayonnaise. For mains, I kept with fish opting for the pan fried sea trout with samphire and new potatoes whilst across the table Mr. C. couldn’t resist the Guinness and beef pie served with creamed potatoes. Both our mains were of a generous size, nicely plated and most importantly tasted delicious. Naturally, we couldn’t resist a dessert and somehow we managed to find room for rhubarb crumble served with a jug of raspberry ripple custard and a warm chocolate brownie with a salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Breakfast is also served in the bar where the counter had been laid out with cereals, pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurts, etc. After coming to life with a cappuccino, I sampled a creamy Lake District yoghurt topped with raspberries and granola followed by a traditional cooked breakfast in readiness for a day on foot exploring this scenic part of the country.
The Facilities:
The Swan has guest parking, fast Wi-Fi and lounge areas with lots of comfy sofas and armchairs in which to relax after a day on the fells. There’s also a large, sheltered beer garden where you can enjoy a meal and/or drink when the weather is nice.
An unusual feature of the inn is that there is an old wooden post box in the entrance hallway which I was assured is emptied on a regular basis making it very convenient if you feel like sending a postcard.
Due to the age of the building there isn’t a lift but the staff are very helpful and will do their upmost to assist guests with luggage, etc.
Out and About:
Explore Grasmere village, just a 10 minute walk from The Swan. The village is delightful with its numerous small shops and cafes and has managed to remain largely unchanged by tourism.
Visit the 13th century St. Oswald’s Church to view the tombstones of William Wordsworth and his family in the graveyard which are some of the most visited literary shrines worldwide.
Stroll through the Daffodil Garden near the church. This small garden opened in 2003 to commemorate Wordsworth’s famous poem ‘The Daffodils’.
Take a stroll around the lake, an easy and flat 3.5 mile (5.1 km) circular trail taking around two hours. Starting in the village centre, walk east along Redbank Road before heading south towards the lake. Enjoy stunning lakeside and fell views. Pause for a coffee or an ice cream at the Faeryland Tea Garden along the lakeside.
Wordsworth Grasmere – William and his sister Dorothy moved into Dove Cottage in 1799 when he was just 29. Learn the story of their life at the humble cottage where many of his greatest poems were written and of where his sister Dorothy kept her fascinating diary.
Explore the fascinating museum which tells the story of Wordsworth’s creative life through his handwritten poems and personal items.
With hands on activities, quill ink writing and dressing up clothes, it’s interesting and fun for all the family. Stroll through the cottage garden and orchard where you can listen to volunteers reciting some of his famous poems. Wordsworth Grasmere
Allan Bank is located along a track in the village centre. Now operated by the National Trust, it’s where Wordsworth lived for two years with poet and friend Coleridge.
Take a self guided tour of the house, marvel at the glorious views and follow one of the marked trails in the grounds. Allan Bank
Overall:
The Swan is a delightful country inn enjoying an idyllic position nestled below Lakeland fells and within a 10 minute walk of Grasmere village. Following its acquisition by the Inn Collection Group it has been tastefully refurbished meeting the needs of today’s discerning travellers whilst still retaining its traditional charm. With sparkling newly designed rooms, stylish public areas, good food and drink it’s an ideal base for either a walking holiday or a gentle potter around the lakeside towns and villages.
Details: The Swan, Keswick Road, Grasmere, Cumbria, LA22 9RF
We were guests of The Swan, Grasmere and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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