The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
4.5
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:15 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Established in 1854. Grasmere Gingerbread was invented in 1854 by Victorian creator cook Sarah Nelson who mixed and baked her spicy-sweet chewy concoction inside her neat Church Cottage home - now The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop - and sold it to villagers and visitors from a table top on a tree stump outside her front door. One hundred and sixty five years after the creation and launch of Grasmere Gingerbread, Sarah Nelson's remarkable, unique legacy lives. Her wonderful spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake enjoys a worldwide following and it is still baked fresh every day to her original secret recipe inside her former home, now The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.
Duration: < 1 hour
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See what travellers are saying
- flashsam7267Knaresborough, United Kingdom2,483 contributionsGreat experience, great taste and great ice creamMy wife had some of their gingerbread when she was a child (many years ago!) so while we were passing through we had to stop to get some. Managed to park nearby and then joined the really long queue (at least we were standing on the nice hot sun) After around twenty minutes we went into the tiny shop and got some gingerbread from the lovely small traditional shop. The gingerbread tasted really good and is really different to any other gingerbread I've ever had. Lovely flavour and hard but chewy texture all at the same time. Not overly expensive considering how popular it is. While we were queuing saw that they were selling gingerbread ice cream round the back of the shop so obviously had to get a scoop! It was really really nice. So creamy and a lovely gingerbread flavour. Also had big chunks of gingerbread in that were really nice too. Highly recommend visiting here. Not just a shop, it's an experience.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2023
- ArianeUrmston, United Kingdom55 contributionsWorlds best gingerbreadCute little shop lovely staff the smell as you walk in wow. Best gingerbread ever I love it got myself 1 then went back got 12 pack. It's great that they stick to the old recipe.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 16 June 2023
- Jmama1804North Yorkshire, United Kingdom101 contributionsDont eat a whole pack like i didI love this place, queue is always big but does go down quick. Shop is very small so I would recommend only 1 person go in from your group/family. Ginger bread is ridiculously addictive I kept eating one after the other. Needless to say I ended up with a hellish stomach ache but it was worth it. They do post it out if you order onlineVisited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 August 2023
- Fayfilsell14 contributionsAmmmaazzzziiingAmazing gingerbread and fun in the ques seeing everyone smiling and licking their lips at the amazing smell coming from the shop. Had to get the bus back to Grassmere to restock before I went home. Beautiful little shop and friendly staff.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 August 2023
- sstapleton0612 contributionsWorth queuing forEvery time we have visited Grasmere , this Gingerbread shop has always been so busy with ques . Finally got to try this scrumptious Gingerbread - well worth the que . If you can go during the week the ques aren't as bad . Very reasonable, priced & so delicious 😋 . If you are ever visiting Grasmere , this shop is well worth visitingVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 October 2023
- VanessaLytham St Anne's, United Kingdom3,352 contributionsLovely Ginger Bread. Quaint.Even if you don't like gingerbread, you have to join the queue and buy some! It's quaint, it's lovely inside, the smell of gingerbread is amazing. It's £7.95 for 12 pieces or £4.5 for 6 pieces, you can buy 1 piece for 90p. I think the queues can get long, but there was only about 4 in front of us.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- BeeRoyal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom12 contributionsVery quaint and interestingThis was my first trip to Grassmere but I had been told about the gingerbread. We waited in a little queue and then headed into the tiny shop which doesn’t have anything other than a counter. They didn’t stock all the flavours of gingerbread that are advertised online but we bought some of the regular original one and it was delicious. It was a very nice experience and the staff were lovely.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 October 2023
- Cat CGlasgow, United Kingdom20 contributionsWonderful little shop takes you back in timeWe were lucky not to have to wait too long as the queue can get long if a coach of tourists gets there before you. I absolutely loved the quaint little shop and the biscuit/cake gingerbread was as lovely. It put me in mind of a ginger shortbread and is slightly chewy. I’m trying to order some for the Christmas period as it’s so good. We walked up from the shop to see Wordsworth’s cottage and the quaint village street and it was a really lovely trip. I can’t admit to how many bits I ate as I took in the sites of the little village. I also bought fudge but accidentally bought one with blueberry or blackberry which didn’t work for me at all. I’ll maybe order the fudge to try at Christmas.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 October 2023
- AB67 contributionsVery GoodWorth the queue wait as the gingerbread exceeded my expectations. However, the tea didn't taste anything special. AN added bonus was the queue went fast and the people behind the counter was vintage outfits that they would have worn at the time the shop opened. I do think it makes it less special to have a second shop. Maybe just have this shop.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 November 2023
- redscarfoxRedcar, United Kingdom974 contributionsA must visit locationStaying in Grasmere so a visit to the Gingerbread Shop was a must. As it was November there wasn’t much of a queue , so even though it’s a relatively small space we I were in ant out fairly quickly. I’m back home now so have still got the taste of the Gingerbread to look forward to.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 November 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,875 reviews
Excellent
1,321
Very good
370
Average
103
Poor
29
Terrible
52
Michelle
Welwyn Garden City, UK19 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Not nice at all. Grainy, overpriced.
First time we went there and wouldn’t go again. Was not nice taste at all.
No tasters so couldn’t try before you buy
First time we went there and wouldn’t go again. Was not nice taste at all.
No tasters so couldn’t try before you buy
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antony J
Blackpool, UK59 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Visited as it had a good writeup anyway and we were very pleasantly surprised. It's a very small shop bursting with many gingerbread items, fudge and sauces. The person serving was extremely helpful and talkative. An item we wanted was not on display as it was only available for pancakes day yet still showing on their website, he spoke to his supervisor who then disappeared to wherever there stockroom is and get what we wanted. The gingerbread is absolutely beautiful! You will also find William Wordsworth's grave out back in the church cemetery. Well worth a visit.
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie M
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
I was really looking forward to getting gingerbread after a couple of years but so disappointed with recipe change. A lot harder, thicker and just doesn't taste the same. Not the original recipe as advertised 😔
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sussex Traveller
34 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
As always, great gingerbread and lots of other little treats. Shame about the grumpy member of staff, I tried to engage with her about things and would have bought more, but all I got was grunting and a scowl, so I bought the minimum and left
Written 21 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul N
Keswick, UK5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Small place,shop, exceptional 😁one,full of sweets .Is next to the church and main road,we wait maibe 10 min untill we have our bag 🛍️ full with sweets and the faimous ginger bread.The uniform of the lady who served as was amazing.Thank you,fully recommended.
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
redscarfox
Redcar, UK974 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Staying in Grasmere so a visit to the Gingerbread Shop was a must. As it was November there wasn’t much of a queue , so even though it’s a relatively small space we I were in ant out fairly quickly. I’m back home now so have still got the taste of the Gingerbread to look forward to.
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Con
Edinburgh, UK103 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Really authentic little place with staff in costume - there was a short queue of 5-10 minutes to get in but it was moving quickly. Can see how there would be a longer wait during peak times, especially as the shop is small, but definitely worth it. The smell of the baking gingerbread is so delicious!
The gingerbread is really good - chewy and biscuity, and tastes both spicy and gingery, but also buttery and sweet. Very reasonably priced (90p per piece) and can buy packs of 6 or 12 pieces, which works out cheaper per piece. Also other sweets on offer such as flavoured fudge and truffles.
Special mention to the lady who served us, don’t know her name but she was wearing a “trainee” badge and it was the afternoon of 6/11 - she was so lovely and chatty.
The gingerbread is really good - chewy and biscuity, and tastes both spicy and gingery, but also buttery and sweet. Very reasonably priced (90p per piece) and can buy packs of 6 or 12 pieces, which works out cheaper per piece. Also other sweets on offer such as flavoured fudge and truffles.
Special mention to the lady who served us, don’t know her name but she was wearing a “trainee” badge and it was the afternoon of 6/11 - she was so lovely and chatty.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rodica f
Ambleside, UK3 contributions
Oct 2023
Small place but a lot of selection not only gingerbread, the lady who serve me and my friend was dress very nice and very helpful, these place is full of history, first time but for shore not the last one.
Written 6 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Owenthomas
Berthoud, CO1,009 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
They have been making gingerbread here since 1854. It is very good. Expect long lines, especially on the weekends. The gingerbread is the star here, but the fudge is good as well.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel S
Dalton-in-Furness, UK4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
I live in the area and have been buying the delicious gingerbread from this shop for years. I'm allergic to milk but the recipe dating back to 1854 was naturally dairy free using oil rather than butter I guess and delicious too.
We collected another batch today and to my dismay/disgust when we got home realised it now contains milk! This wasn't made known to me in the shop, talk about a backwards step!
Thank goodness my wife noticed the ingredients change on the packaging before I ate a piece.
We collected another batch today and to my dismay/disgust when we got home realised it now contains milk! This wasn't made known to me in the shop, talk about a backwards step!
Thank goodness my wife noticed the ingredients change on the packaging before I ate a piece.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the gingerbread suitable for vegetarians
lesley b
Norwich, UK87 contributions
It’s not suitable for vegans
Eaglewin
Kuching, Malaysia48 contributions
Where to park the car near Grasmere Gingerbread Shop? Free or chargeable?
Howard J
Shrewsbury, UK153 contributions
Minimal free parking in Grasmere, but several 'pay and displays' - One to the rear of the Garden Centre opposite the Churchyard & Gingerbread shop would be the most convenient. Hope that helps. H
Amandajaneg80
Douglas, UK39 contributions
Hi what time does the shop close? Looking to walk from Ambleside next week in the afternoon, but don’t want to miss out if it shuts early.
Many thanks:)
CigarCharlie
West Kirby, UK16 contributions
The opening hours are 9:15 - 5:30 Monday to Saturday and 12:30 - 5:30 on Sunday.
If you need bank holiday opening hours or would like to double check call the shop on 015394 35428.
Andrea S
Warrington2 contributions
How many calories in one piece -? I know this seems a daft question but I need to know how much I have to do without to have a piece in a calorie controlled diet 😂
Howard J
Shrewsbury, UK153 contributions
A good question to ask within the shop - May be worth looking on their website, or even email - I'm sure they will reply - Always very helpful and personable place to visit.
Heather Lowrey
6 contributions
Is it dog friendly
Sb70brotton
Brotton, UK294 contributions
it's a tiny shop you can only get a couple of people in it at a time and there was a biggish queue to get in when we were there so I would probably say no to been dog friendly
Is the gingerbread suitable for vegetarians? Thanks! N
Vegan Traveler
3 contributions
Grasmere Gingerbread is no longer suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. They've added dairy back into their products.
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Claim your listingTHE GRASMERE GINGERBREAD SHOP: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop:
- Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool (From £59.67)
- MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour (From £59.67)
- Shore Excursion: Lake District Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool (From £79.90)
- William Wordsworth: Morning Half Day Tour with an Expert Guide (From £90.01)
- CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour (From £59.67)
- Hotels near The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop:
- (0.03 mi) The Wordsworth Hotel
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- (0.07 mi) Heidi's Grasmere Lodge
- (0.09 mi) The Inn at Grasmere
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- Restaurants near The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop:
- (0.03 mi) Food At The Wordsworth Hotel
- (0.10 mi) The Jumble Room
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