Grasmere Rushbearing

What to expect

The day builds over several days of making bearings at the church and school. On the Saturday, participants gather at Grasmere School and the procession leaves mid-afternoon (3pm in 2026) behind a brass band. Children carry bearings of rushes and flowers shaped into crosses, harps and other designs, and six Rushmaidens carry a linen sheet of rushes. The procession pauses at Moss Parrock for prayers and then goes on to St Oswald's for a service. Afterwards come prize-givings for the village sports and fell race, and everyone who took part receives a piece of Grasmere gingerbread.

The story behind it

Rushbearing dates from the days when church floors were bare earth and rushes were strewn on them for warmth and cleanliness. Bringing fresh rushes became a festive occasion, and in Grasmere it was tied to the feast of St Oswald, the church's patron, in early August. When churches were floored the practical need went, but the procession stayed. Over the years the date has moved to a Saturday in July. The village's Wordsworth connections add to the charm: the poet is buried in St Oswald's churchyard, a few steps from where the bearings come to rest.

Getting there and home

The nearest station is Windermere, served from Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line. From there the 555 bus runs through Ambleside to Grasmere. Drivers should head for the large car park on the edge of the village, as central spaces are few and the roads are busy on the day. Walking in from Ambleside along the valley is a fine option if you have time and decent weather.

Watching, taking part and tips

Visitors watch: the bearings are carried by local children and families. Find a spot near the school for the start or along the route towards the church, and keep the road clear for the band. The service in St Oswald's is a church occasion, so behave as you would at any service. Lakeland weather changes quickly, so bring a waterproof as well as sun cream. Afterwards, there is the famous gingerbread shop by the churchyard gate.

Taking part

In 2026 St Oswald's invited people to help make the bearings, no experience needed — either creating a design or helping with one that's carried every year. It also asked for help with marshalling, and for donations towards flowers, medals and the raffle. That's a handy pointer for visitors: lending a hand with the preparations is something you arrange through the committee, and the procession isn't an open activity you can simply join. If a hands-on visit appeals, get in touch with the church once the next year's arrangements are out and say when you'll be in the village. Let the committee tell you what help they need and where to go. The finished bearings are all the more interesting once you know they depend on rush-cutting, building, flowers and lots of small jobs behind the scenes.

Accessibility and families

The church's facilities page lists a ramp, a hearing loop and an accessible toilet, with the toilet key available during services and events. That's a good place to start your questions, especially if the service matters more to you than following the procession. Ask how the ramp and seating will work during Rushbearing, and whether the key and any help you need will be available when you arrive. The street route won't necessarily be as accessible as the building. The parish also points to nearby bus stops and Stock Lane car park, which has disabled parking; check the latest visitor and transport information for your date. Have a clear arrival point and somewhere to wait, so the band and bearings moving through don't dictate every part of your afternoon.

Make a day of it nearby

Dove Cottage at Wordsworth Grasmere and the National Trust's Allan Bank are two different ways into the village's literary story. Dove Cottage is all about the Wordsworth family's home, with a garden-orchard, woodland and a museum of manuscripts, journals and personal belongings. Allan Bank was also a Wordsworth home and now has displays, creative activities and views over the vale, with woodland paths outside. Choose Dove Cottage for family life and the collection, or Allan Bank for a more relaxed mix of house and grounds. Check each one's calendar before planning around Rushbearing; a procession in the village doesn't mean a nearby house is open or that a timed tour has room. Both fit nicely into another part of your stay, leaving the procession and church service plenty of space.

Dove Cottage with the family

Wordsworth Grasmere's family information treats the timed Dove Cottage tour separately from the rest of the site. Booking ahead is recommended to be sure of a cottage place — important if you're fitting it around a procession at a fixed time. The museum and outdoor spaces have family activities, and there are sensory resources and a social guide to help you plan. Buggies can go into the museum, café and viewing station, while the cottage and garden-orchard have a separate buggy park. Read up before promising everyone the same route. Keep a museum visit and Rushbearing as separate bookings or enquiries, and leave time to pick up your things before moving on. If the procession is the main reason for your trip, choose a tour well clear of it, or save the cottage for another day.

Questions people ask

Where it is

Map pin shows the approximate area where the event happens. Open in OpenStreetMap ↗

Go straight to the source

Independent research. The organiser’s own information always wins — we have not visited or tested the journeys.

• St Oswald's Church: Rush Bearing 2026 ↗
• Calendar Customs: Grasmere Rushbearing ↗
• Visit Cumbria: Rushbearing ↗
• St Oswald’s: 2026 preparation and procession notice ↗
• St Oswald’s: facilities and transport ↗
• Wordsworth Grasmere: cottage and museum ↗
• Wordsworth Grasmere: family planning information ↗
• National Trust: Allan Bank ↗