ATTRACTIONS NEAR WINDERMERE, LAKE DISTRICT, CUMBRIA, ENGLAND - RYDAL HALL AND RYDAL MOUNT

The historic estate and gardens of Rydal hall, close to Grasmere village in Cumbria is said to be the Christian centre situated at the very heart of the Lake District in England. This English heritage site is ensconced in a region of special conservation and historic status. The Rydal hall estate dates back to the 1600s in terms of origin and foundation and is currently a diverse estate that is explored by tourists for its awesome beauty.

Rydal Hall and the RothayValley

One of the prettiest areas in the English Lake District is the lovely stretch between Ambleside village and Grasmere village. This beautiful region shares a close association with the famous Romantic poet William Wordsworth and his wife Dorothy. This area has some stunning views and is dotted with scenic caves, gurgling waterfalls, picturesque lakes and scampering brooks.

The Coffin Route

The Coffin Route is an old foot walk running through the Rydal hall estate and linking Grasmere to Ambleside. This low level walk is rather popular with tourists as it cuts through the Rothay valley and Rydal valley and offers stunningly beautiful scenery for all to savor. There is also much to explore. Strewn around the Rydal and Rothay valleys are numerous other foot walks that offer savory views for nature lovers.

Rydal FormalGardens

World renowned landscape designer and architect Thomas H. Mawson designed and built the formal gardens attached to the Rydal hall estate between 1909 and 1911. The beautifully manicured garden, nestled in an idyllic setting, is a throwback to the Edwardian garden designs that were once so popular. The garden, as you see it currently, has undergone a major restoration project.

The Old Schoolroom Tea Shop

Behind the estate is a quaint little teashop that offers homemade and local produces for your refreshment.

The Waterfall and Grot

This tea shop is located right beside a mountainous stream that transforms into a waterfall a little ahead. You can enjoy the view of the spectacular lower Rydal beck waterfalls from the grot erected in 1668 that was intended as a viewing station. It is one of England’s earliest viewing points.

The Sweet Chestnut Tree

It is a very old tree dating back to the 1600s and is probably the oldest sweet chestnut tree in the whole of Cumbria. It is also perhaps one of the few remaining original plantation on this estate.

Tourists can also take a tour of the vegetable garden, the hydro turbine, the nearby church and the quiet garden – replete with foot walks, ponds and woodlands – redolent of the Picturesque period.

Another must visit is Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount where William Wordsworth used to live with his wife Dorothy. Their favorite walking route was the circular Rydal Round along the shores of Rydal water.