A PUB is set to reopen following a multi-million-pound refurbishment providing a range of activities to visitors.

Friday will see The Swan in Grasmere become a hive of activity when events kick off at 12pm with the official opening being carried out by local guide and renowned fell runner Steve Watts MBE. 

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon will mark the official start of the next chapter in Inn’s story of providing convivial hospitality since 1650. 

Visitors throughout the weekend can ink themselves into that chapter, with special Swan-inspired tokens ready for messages to be written on and posted into a commemorative drop frame. 

Throughout the day a pair of wandering Herdwicks, Heidi and Henrietta from street performance agency Fool’s Paradise will be spotted around Grasmere Village, inviting the people they find to celebrate the re-opening with a drink on the house. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The Newcastle-based company is marking the return to service of the historic Lake District inn with a host of exclusive extras available to guests staying between April 21 and 23. The Newcastle-based company is marking the return to service of the historic Lake District inn with a host of exclusive extras available to guests staying between April 21 and 23. (Image: The Inn Collection Group)

Saturday morning offers an opportunity to get out and amongst the spectacular Lake District scenery, with Steve Watts MBE returning to lead an escorted circular walk from The Swan. 

Departing at 10am and taking in some spectacular vistas around the village, the party will return around 1pm, allowing those that venture forward to have plenty of time for further exploring during their stay. 

Wordsworth Grasmere offers the opportunity to get acquainted with the life, times and works of arguably the village’s most famous resident. 

Visitors can step into another century and experience Dove Cottage with the sights, sounds and smells of more than 200 years ago or step into the Garden-Orchard behind, which has been restored to resemble the ‘domestic slip of mountain’ that William and Dorothy lovingly created. 

The new museum tells the story of the poet through a collection of handwritten manuscripts, journals, letters, published poetry and personal items. 

The Westmorland Gazette: The Swan offers 38 en-suite rooms with king-size, twin, family, wheelchair accessible and single room options available as designated dog-friendly rooms.The Swan offers 38 en-suite rooms with king-size, twin, family, wheelchair accessible and single room options available as designated dog-friendly rooms. (Image: Submitted)

All guests staying at The Swan can experience this multimillion-pound attraction and the guided walk with the compliments of The Inn Collection Group free of charge. 

Zoe Cooper, The Inn Collection Group’s Digital Marketing Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be reopening The Swan after such a large refurbishment and can’t wait to share the day with both guests staying with us and visitors coming to Grasmere. 

“The new look is beautiful and has created a cosy inn to enjoy, whilst the bedrooms are fresh and relaxing, with stunning views overlooking the village and the fells available. 

“We’re delighted to be working both with Steve and Wordsworth Grasmere to add these little extras to those staying with us over the weekend and allowing them to enjoy the best of what the village is famous for.”