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Once home to William Wordsworth (between 1808–1811), the poet who helped shape how the world sees the Lake District, Allan Bank is one of the region’s most family-friendly National Trust properties. Rather than simply walking through historic rooms, children are actively encouraged to play, explore, get hands-on with creative activities, and enjoy the gardens and views over Grasmere.
Where is Allan Bank?
Allan Bank sits above Grasmere village, with beautiful views stretching across the lake and surrounding fells.
Although it feels wonderfully tucked away on the hillside, it’s only a short walk from the centre of the village, making it an easy stop if already spending the day in Grasmere.
Address: Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9QB
Click here for Google Maps location
Opening times
Allan Bank is open Saturday to Wednesday (10am-4pm). Please note that it is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Do check open dates on the National Trust website, as Allan Bank closes over the winter.
Ticket pricing
At the time of writing, ticket prices are:
- Adult: £9.90
- Child (5 to 17): £5.00
- Family ticket: £24.80
- Under 5s: Free
National Trust members enter free.
Getting to Allan Bank
There’s no parking directly at Allan Bank, so visitors will need to park in Grasmere village itself.
The main options are:
- Stock Lane Car Park, the closest option (1km / 0.6 mile walk)
- Red Bank Road Car Park, slightly further away but convenient if exploring the village first
- Grasmere Primary School parking, which is sometimes available on weekends and during school holidays
If arriving by public transport, the Stagecoach 555 bus between Lancaster and Keswick stops in Grasmere village.
Then to get to Allan Bank, walk through the village to The Inn at Grasmere. From here, there is a small road leading up from the right hand side. Follow this past pretty houses and then up the hill towards Allan Bank.
As you approach the building at the top of the drive, you will see a little summerhouse. This is where you pay or show your National Trust card.
Exploring the House
The first thing that stands out at Allan Bank is how different the interior feels from a typical National Trust property. There are no ropes, no carefully curated period rooms, and no pressure to simply walk through and leave. Instead, it feels more like somewhere families are actively encouraged to spend time.
Inside, there are cosy lounges with open fires, bookshelves to browse, board games dotted around the rooms, toddler toys, changing art exhibitions, and plenty of corners to simply sit and relax. There’s even a piano, which younger visitors will inevitably be drawn towards, regardless of whether anyone nearby was hoping for peace and quiet.
One of the loveliest touches is the kitchen, where visitors can help themselves to tea, coffee, and fruit squash for a small donation. Plus highchairs are available and there are baby changing facilities.
Creative Spaces for Children
Art plays a big part in Allan Bank, with large installations regularly changing throughout the house. Children can also get involved themselves, with craft activities often set up in dedicated creative spaces overlooking Grasmere. It really is one of those places that genuinely feels family-friendly rather than simply claiming to be.
The Gardens at Allan Bank
The gardens are a huge part of the appeal here. Set high above Grasmere, there are incredible views in almost every direction, with plenty of spots to sit for a picnic while children explore the open space. On a sunny day, it’s very easy to lose track of time here.
Families can also borrow explorer backpacks to take out into the gardens, with activities designed to encourage younger children to investigate nature and see what wildlife they can spot along the way.
Woodland Trail and Red Squirrel Spotting
Beyond the main gardens, woodland paths wind through the surrounding grounds with plenty to discover. There are hidden pathways, secret little corners, historic garden buildings, and plenty of opportunities for imaginative play along the trails.
One of the biggest highlights is the chance to spot red squirrels in the trees overhead. Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but if you’re lucky, you may catch one darting through the branches.
Hidden amongst the grounds is also the restored billiard room dating back to the 1830s. Although, if visiting with younger children, it’s fair to say they’ll probably be far more interested in climbing over tree roots than admiring historic architecture.
Lake District Kids verdict
Allan Bank feels wonderfully different from many family attractions in the Lake District. Yes, there’s history here, and parents will appreciate the connection to Wordsworth and the role the house played in shaping the story of the Lakes. But for children, this is simply a wholesome place to play, explore, create, and enjoy being outdoors.
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