Grasmere rushbearing display at National Trust Allan Bank

Once home to William Wordsworth and National Trust founder Canon Rawnsley, Allan Bank isn’t a typical National Trust experience. The historic villa combines a small, informal art gallery with a giant indoor mural space - a place for artists to explore nature. Self serve tea and coffee are available for a small donation. The welcoming village of Grasmere is nestled with its two picturesque lakes against a dramatic backdrop of Lake District fells. It's the perfect place to come explore, relax, reflect and be inspired by the views, just as William Wordsworth was.
The annual rushbearing parade is a village tradition. The gathering of rushes from around the lake and the surrounding fells was originally for scattering on the earthen floor of the village church of St Oswald's for cleanliness and insulation. The custom largely died out when flagstones were introduced but the ceremony was revived in the 19th century in Grasmere and many villages throughout England. It still takes place in the village in the weeks leading up to St Oswald’s Day (5th August). New rushes and garlands of flowers decorating carts or poles, are paraded through the village to the church, accompanied by music and dancing. The custom inspired William Wordsworth, who lived in Grasmere between 1799 and 1813, to pen his poem ‘Rural Ceremony’ in 1821.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 15 September:

10:00 - 17:00

Location & directions

Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9QB

Directions:

By road : From the south: Junction 36 M6, then take the A591 to Grasmere village. From the north: Junction 40 M6, then take the A66 onto A591 to Grasmere village. Allan Bank is a short walk up the hill from the Inn at Grasmere / Emma's Dell in centre of village. Parking: No parking onsite, please use public pay and display car parks in Grasmere village. Blue Badge parking space only. Sat Nav: LA22 On foot : Allan Bank is a short 10 minute walk up the hill from the Inn at Grasmere / Emma's Dell cafe in centre of village. By bus : Stagecoach 555 bus service between Keswick and Kendal and 599 bus service between Bowness and Grasmere both stop in Grasmere village. Allan Bank is a short 10 minute walk up the hill from the Inn at Grasmere / Emma's Dell cafe in centre of village.

Contact on day:

Chris Barnes

Telephone number:

+441539435143

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Blue badge parking only on site. Several Lake District National Park Authority pay and display carparks in Grasmere village within walking distance of Allan Bank.

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