Grasmere Village Conservation Area

Why is Grasmere village special?

Grasmere is a historic village by the River Rothay with attractive architectural and historic character. This includes:

• Origins as a settlement that perhaps dates to the early medieval period, with a church dedicated to St Oswald, the seventh century king of Northumbria.
• Development as a centre of water-powered textile industries in the later medieval period.
• Role as a focal point for Lake District tourism following the construction of metalled roads from the 1770s and railways from the 1840s.
• Amphitheatre-like setting in a plain surrounded by high rugged fells.
• Expansive views across the level plain to the fells.
• Grass verges and field walls along the lanes, enhancing the relationship between Grasmere and the surrounding landscape.
• Numerous trees, whose foliage gives Grasmere the distinctive appearance of a woodland settlement.
• The network of public footpaths linking the village to the river and to the surrounding countryside.
• The palette of building materials reflecting the underlying geology of dark grey and purple slate stone, with contrasting blue grey detailing for quoins, window and door surrounds, drip moulds and chimneys.
• The number and variety of activities supported by the village, which is a  busy commercial centre with school, theatre, social clubs.