Allan Bank

Allan Bank in Grasmere is a Georgian villa standing on rising ground just west of the village, in the heart of the Lake District in Cumbria. Run by the National Trust, it is a good stop for anyone drawn to Romantic poetry or to a gentle walk with a lake view.

What is Allan Bank, and why does it matter?

Built in 1805, the house was the first villa in the Grasmere valley. It has two low storeys, stuccoed walls and a slate roof, and it holds Grade II status on the National Heritage List for England (entry 1272018, listed in 1974). The building was altered around 1834.

Its fame comes from William Wordsworth, who lived here with his family from 1808 to 1811 after leaving Dove Cottage. He wrote his guide to the Lakes during those years. Dorothy Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Thomas De Quincey were among the others who stayed. Later the house became the home of Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, a co-founder of the National Trust, who left it to the organisation when he died in 1920.

What happened to the house in recent decades?

A fire in the 1950s destroyed a large part of the rear wing. A second blaze in March 2011 badly damaged the roof and first floor, and took around six hours to put out. After that the Trust chose to restore the property and open it to visitors.

What will you see?

Allan Bank is not a polished period museum. Rooms are partly restored and some are deliberately left plain, so traces of damage and repair remain part of the story. The garden slopes down towards the valley with a natural feel, and it gives views over Grasmere. The house also works as a starting point for short walks around the lake and into the village.

When should you visit?

Opening is set by the National Trust. The house has closed for winter and reopened in March, so check the current calendar before you travel. Spring to early autumn is the easiest time, with longer days and a garden you can enjoy.

How do you get there?

Grasmere lies on the A591 between Ambleside and Keswick, and buses connect it with other Lake District towns. From the village centre it is a short walk, gently uphill, to the west. Many visitors combine it with a stroll through Grasmere and other Wordsworth sites.

Frequently asked questions

Did Wordsworth live at Allan Bank?

Yes. He rented the villa and lived there from 1808 to 1811 with his family and his sister Dorothy.

Who looks after it today?

The National Trust. It came to the organisation after Canon Rawnsley's death in 1920, and after the 2011 fire it was restored and opened to the public.

Is it a listed building?

Yes, it is Grade II listed on the National Heritage List for England.

Do I need to book in advance?

Entry arrangements are set by the National Trust and can change, so check its website for current opening and admission details before you go.