Allan Bank
Cumbria, England
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- National Trust Explorer Pass
Pinpoint
Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9QB
Telephone 015394 35143
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Allan Bank is a Georgian house above Grasmere once rented by William Wordsworth, and the National Trust presents it deliberately informally - there are no roped-off rooms, just help-yourself tea and coffee, seating anywhere you like, and contemporary exhibitions upstairs. Reviewers describe it as feeling more like a relaxed family home than a formal stately house, with views over Grasmere and a dog-friendly ground floor.
Worth the trip
The completely open, unroped presentation of the house, letting visitors sit and settle in anywhere rather than following a set route.
Before you go
It's genuinely relaxed and family-friendly - dogs are welcome on the ground floor and gardens, and help-yourself tea and coffee (by donation) is available throughout.
Reviewers consistently describe Allan Bank as one of the more relaxed and unusual National Trust properties, with a laid-back, dog-friendly atmosphere, self-service tea and coffee, and free seating throughout the house rather than roped-off rooms. The views over Grasmere and the woodland trail are praised repeatedly, and staff are described as especially friendly toward families and children. One reviewer used the venue for their wedding and praised the team's helpfulness throughout the process. Contemporary exhibitions and craft activities upstairs add variety beyond the historic rooms.
Georgian house above Grasmere once rented by William Wordsworth, presented informally with no roped-off rooms
“Lovely views over Grasmere. Gardens and ground floor are dog friendly. Self service tea and coffee available. Plenty of seating inside and outside house.”- Cedric Bate, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Cycle parking on site at the rear of the house.” - Marques
- Facilities
- “There are picnic blankets provided (free of charge) and if raining you're able to eat inside as well.” - Stuart Layzell
Common questions about Allan Bank
Where is Allan Bank?
Allan Bank is in Cumbria, England, at Grasmere, Ambleside LA22 9QB.
Do you need a ticket to visit Allan Bank?
Yes - Allan Bank is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Allan Bank dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Allan Bank - one reviewer noted: “…Grasmere. Gardens and ground floor are dog friendly. Self service tea and coffee available. Plenty of seating i…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Allan Bank?
The completely open, unroped presentation of the house, letting visitors sit and settle in anywhere rather than following a set route.
Is Allan Bank a ruin or still intact?
Allan Bank is largely intact - Georgian house above Grasmere once rented by William Wordsworth, presented informally with no roped-off rooms.
