Be sure to explore the best bits of the Lake District National Park.
One little gem certainly worth a visit is the National Trust's Allan Bank and Grasmere. The Lake Grasmere is one of the smaller in this National Park, and is closely associated with Wordsworth, who spent much of his time here during the years he lived in the Lake District. Allan Bank is just one of the houses that he called home during the time he spent here and it was home to him and his wife between 1808 and 1813.
With a different feel to many other National Trust properties, this is one where you can really sit and relax. Allan Bank has always been a family home and the Trust has tried to keep it this way. It is an ongoing project that invites you into a home with rooms to relax in, a fire to sit around, rooms for children to play in and afternoon tea to help yourself to.
Allan Bank is a hands-on experience that encourages you to touch and engage with what's there, or simply sit and enjoy the views. The aim is for it to become a house in which every age group can find enjoyment.There are chairs in the garden and the surrounding parkland is natural and unaffected, sweeping downwards with views out over Grasmere.
Allan Bank has only been opened to the public since 2012 when the National Trust began to bring it back to life following a fire. This has meant the public has been able to see the process as it takes shape.
Having received a large amount of influence from Wordsworth himself the design of the grounds draws you in with well-planted areas, woodland walks, viewing points, seats, pools, paths and watercourses. In the woods there's a natural play area that is popular with the youngsters, so take a wander around the grounds and then, if you fancy extending your walk, make your way down to Grasmere and enjoy the fantastic scenery as you amble round the lake.
Stay in the Lake District yourself and discover all the incredible places there are to visit.
