The Inn Collection Group is getting ready for a happy Easter as one of the Lake District’s most historic inns, The Swan at Grasmere, reopens for business following a multi-million-pound refurbishment.
Built originally in the 1650s, once the local of William Wordsworth and featured in his 1806 composition The Waggoner, The Swan is now set for the next chapter of its story as a place to eat, drink, sleep and explore from.
Taking place over the last 18 months the project has seen a complete renovation of the property, which has created a warm and welcoming country inn on the outskirts of the village described by its renowned former resident as “the loveliest spot man hath ever found”.
The new look sees The Swan exude a quintessential feel befitting of its history and one that fits into The Inn Collection Group’s signature style, with a sumptuousness on display from the moment guests walk through its doors.
Spread out over the ground floor of the main building, the pub side of The Swan boasts plenty of space in which to relax and recharge, with a cosy feel throughout that embraces more than 350 years of tradition.
Amongst the curios contained within is a chair reputedly used by Wordsworth whilst enjoying flagons of ales at his local, retaining a very tangible link to the site’s roots as a hub for its community.
The high class of the works continues throughout the guest accommodation areas, with 48 fully refurbished bedrooms available for guests to book. Offering excellent comfort and soothing décor, The Swan’s rooms also offer spectacular vistas of the dramatic Lakeland landscape.
Delivered by The Inn Collection Group’s projects team, Consult North, BXB Interiors, SINE Consulting, Maughan Reynolds Partnership and Design North, the inn, under the experienced stewardship of general managers Nellie Bolton and Nigel Brown, is all set to delight guests and build on its heritage of offering warm and welcoming hospitality.
Speaking as The Swan reopened for business, Nellie said, “We’re so pleased to be back open and welcoming guests. It has been a long time since The Swan last had the buzz of making people happy but when they see what has been done in the refurbishment, I’m sure they will agree it has been worth the wait.
“With the doors reopening as the Easter holidays begin, we hope that the many visitors to Grasmere will pop in to pay us a visit and that those from the village will, as in Wordsworth time, make use of The Swan as part of the community.”
Operations manager Paul Brown said, “Everyone involved with this refurbishment can be very proud of what they have achieved. The Swan has a new air of vitality and there is something suitably poetic that it has re-opened just as Spring is arriving in the Lake District.
“Grasmere is a beautiful village and alongside The Wordsworth Hotel, The Inn Collection Group now has two stunning venues open and ready to help people make the most of their time here, be they visitors or locals.”
Open as of lunchtime on Monday April 3, The Swan will enjoy a gala opening on Friday 21st April, when Steve Watts MBE, a renowned fell runner and Grasmere resident will cut the ceremonial ribbon to mark the inn’s return.
The man behind Lakeland Walks and Talks and the book A Year Like No Other, A photo journal which contains more the 350 images taken from the Lakeland fells during the Covid 19 pandemic, will also host a guided walk for guests staying at The Swan that weekend on April 22.