Spring at Allan Bank Grasmere
A beautiful Spring day. As Allan Bank in Grasmere (a National Trust Property unlike any other) was open, I decided to take a wander up the hill and see what they were up to. This is the fifth year the property has been open and a while since I have written about it.
Beatrix Potter and Daffodils
The property is a short walk from Grasmere (disabled parking on site) and has the most glorious views of Grasmere. The sun was shining and the daffodils were out. Lambs in the surrounding fields. Paradise!
Allan Bank Grasmere
Grasmere school children were enjoying the grounds as part of their Forest Schools activities. It looked as though they were having an Easter egg hunt.
Allan Bank Art Room
The Art Room had been changed around over the Winter. Anyone adult or child can just sit down and use the art material provided to paint the amazing view out of the window.
Refreshing the flowers at Allan Bank
In the kitchen cafe one of the volunteers (they are always looking for more) Janet was making Easter floral arrangements to decorate the tables. Tea and coffee are by donation and you can wander around the house, tea in hand.
Roaring fire in Wordsworth’s Study
Or if you are lucky grab a seat beside the roaring fire in Wordsworth’s Study, pick up a book and relax.
Allan Bank was once the home of Wordsworth and his young family but was also the home of Canon Hardwick Rawnsley one of the co-founders of the National Trust. This is the 150th Anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s Life and Canon Rawnsley was an inspiration to Beatrix when she was a young girl. He encouraged her creativity and also encouraged her in her love of the countryside.
Beatrix Potter Quote Cushion
Scattered around the house were cushions with quotes. I particularly liked the ones in the play room.
Peter Rabbit Cushions
The play room was just waiting for little Easter visitors with books and toys to enjoy.
Playroom Allan Bank Grasmere
Allan Bank isn’t just for children. Upstairs is the Chorley Hopkins Mountaineering Library with a wealth of books on Mountaineering both in the Lake District and beyond.
Mountaineering Library Allan Bank
Just along the corridor is a craft room where visiting crafters sometimes demonstrate lace making, printmaking etc. There are lots of vintage board games in here too. Looking out of the window you can quite often see the resident red squirrels but none today.
View from Craft Room Allan Bank
Just time for a quick look in the little shop, but the grounds were calling. Sunshine in the Lake District can’t be wasted.
Allan Bank Shop
In the grounds there is a fabulous woodland walk with great views. It is steep in places but well marked and resting places to be found. I had a little seat to look at the mere.
View of the Mere from Allan Bank
Next further up the path with a glimpse of Helm Crag in sight.
Allan Bank Woodland Walk
And finally Helm Crag in all it’s glory.
Helm Crag Grasmere
Something that hasn’t changed this year, or for a long time before is the old Victorian viewing tunnel in the grounds.
Tunnel in grounds Allan Bank Grasmere
Time for a last cup of tea and tempted to cake by Sophie to round off my visit.
Tea and cake at Allan Bank
For more information about Allan Bank Grasmere see http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/allan-bank-and-grasmere
Follow them on Facebook. National Trust Allan Bank or Twitter. @AllanbankNT
My previous Blogs with the history of Allan Bank.
GRASMERE VILLAGE, ENGLISH LAKE DISTRICT 