The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop: A Historic Culinary Gem in the Lake District
Discover the historic Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, home to a unique Victorian recipe baked fresh daily in the heart of England’s Lake District.
Nestled beside St Oswald’s Church in Grasmere village, The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is a charming bakery famed for its unique gingerbread recipe created in 1854 by Sarah Nelson. This small, historic shop bakes its signature spicy-sweet gingerbread daily, drawing visitors worldwide to experience a taste of Victorian culinary heritage in the heart of the Lake District.
A brief summary to The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
- Church Cottage, Ambleside, Grasmere, LA22 9SW, GB
- +441539435428
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9:15 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid queues and ensure the freshest gingerbread selection.
- Group visits can be pre-booked for an informative talk and tasting experience.
- The shop is cashless; bring a card for payment.
- Wheelchair access is available but can be limited during busy times due to the shop’s size.
- Dogs are not permitted inside except for guide dogs; plan accordingly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach bus service from Windermere to Grasmere, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Buses run regularly but less frequently on Sundays. The fare is around £5-£7 one way. From the bus stop in Grasmere village, the shop is a short walk.
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Car
Driving from Ambleside to Grasmere takes about 15 minutes via the A591. Limited free parking spaces are available near the shop, but these fill quickly, so plan to arrive early. Parking elsewhere in the village may require a short walk.
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Walking
From Ambleside, walking to the shop is a scenic 1.5-hour route along country lanes and footpaths. The terrain is mostly gentle but includes some uneven surfaces, so suitable footwear is recommended.
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
A Storied Origin in the Lake District
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop occupies Church Cottage, a building dating back to 1630 that once served as the village school where poet William Wordsworth occasionally taught. In 1854, Sarah Nelson, a Victorian cook, invented the original Grasmere Gingerbread here—a distinctive blend that is neither biscuit nor cake but a unique spicy-sweet creation. This secret recipe has been preserved and baked fresh daily ever since, maintaining its reputation as a beloved regional specialty.Historic Ambience and Location
Located beside the churchyard of St Oswald’s Church and near The Wordsworth Hotel, the shop retains a quaint, intimate atmosphere reflective of its 19th-century origins. The small size of the shop creates a cozy setting filled with the inviting aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. Despite its modest footprint, it is a must-visit for food lovers and tourists exploring the Lake District, offering a direct connection to the area’s cultural and culinary history.Unique Products and Traditions
The shop’s signature gingerbread is a spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake, made from Sarah Nelson’s original secret recipe. Alongside the gingerbread, visitors can find award-winning rum butter and a variety of ginger-themed treats, including toffee, fudge, chocolates, conserves, and ginger beer. These products complement the gingerbread and highlight the shop’s dedication to quality and tradition.Visitor Experience and Group Visits
Visitors can enjoy a sensory experience as they enter the shop, greeted by the scent of baking gingerbread and the sight of traditional displays. Group visits can be arranged with a 20-30 minute talk on the history of Cumbrian food and the evolution of Grasmere Gingerbread, often accompanied by tastings of gingerbread with tea or coffee and oatcakes with Cumberland Rum Butter. The shop is wheelchair accessible when not busy, though its small size requires careful navigation.Operating Hours and Practical Details
The shop is open year-round from 9:15 AM to 5:30 PM Monday to Saturday and 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Sundays, closing only on Good Friday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. It operates a cashless payment system and advises visitors to remove rucksacks before entering due to limited space. While dogs are not allowed inside except for guide dogs, the shop welcomes visitors from around the world eager to taste the authentic Grasmere Gingerbread.Legacy and Authenticity
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is the sole producer of the genuine Grasmere Gingerbread, protected by trademark and recipe secrecy. Products labeled as Grasmere Gingerbread but not from this shop are not authentic. The business remains family-run by the third generation, preserving Sarah Nelson’s legacy and continuing to enchant visitors with this unique Lake District delicacy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
Wordsworth Daffodil Garden
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Heaton Cooper Studio Ltd
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National Trust - Allan Bank and Grasmere
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Faeryland Grasmere
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Essential places to dine
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The Samling Hotel
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The Inn on the Lake
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Original Man Shop
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Tesco Express
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Mountain Warehouse
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Lago
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The Albert
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
