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Welcome to Hawkshead, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria. Standing just north of Esthwaite Water, its pretty collection of stone houses and cobblestone streets have enchanted figures like William Wordsworth – who went to school here – and later, Beatrix Potter, who lived at nearby Hill Top House. Today, a fantastic selection of shops, cafes and pubs awaits, with an abundance of culture and history to discover.
Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Hawkshead is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of hiking trails, cycling routes and water activities in the nearby lakes like Windermere and Coniston. There’s something for all to enjoy, with family friendly strolls and accessible paths as well as more challenging hikes in the local fells.
A new leaflet detailing travelling to Hawkshead, things to see and do, plus great places to eat, drink and stay is now available.
View and download the leaflet here
Fancy exploring on foot? Take a look at a downloadable map of walks around Hawkshead and the surrounding area.
View and download the map here
Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through history, Hawkshead offers something for everyone. Come and discover the timeless beauty and rich heritage of this charming Lake District village.
Food & Drink in Hawkshead
From cosy, 17th century inns to award-winning food producers, Hawkshead is home to some fantastic food and drink options.
Enjoy a warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere at one of the village’s cosy country pubs, like The Queen’s Head. Browse locally made jams and chutneys at Hawkshead Relish, or pick up some Grasmere Gingerbread®, who have their only store outside of Grasmere here. Treat yourself to an ice cream to enjoy as you stroll through the village’s pretty streets or stop for a brew and homemade cake at a traditional tearoom. Try your hand at making your own creation at The Chocolate Factory and take an edible souvenir of your visit home with you.
Culture & Heritage
Hawkshead was originally part of the Furness Abbey estate, with the monks residing at Hawkshead Hall just outside the village – only the National Trust-owned Hawkshead Courthouse remains. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536, Hawkshead developed primarily as a market town, with most of the buildings you see today built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Did you know? William Wordsworth went to school here, attending Hawkshead Grammar School from 1787. Today, the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum shines a light on school life between 1585, when the school was founded; and 1909, when it closed. The ground-floor classroom still has desks with carvings by the boys, including William Wordsworth himself.
Nearby, you’ll find Hill Top House – where Beatrix Potter lived. The house can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes and is open to visitors who can explore the author and illustrator’s former home.
Surrounding Areas
Near Sawrey - Beatrix Potter was particularly fond of the Hawkshead area having spent holidays here with her parents. In 1905 she bought Hill Top Farm at Near Sawrey out of the proceeds from her recently published book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Grizedale - The extensive conifer plantations and woodlands of Grizedale Forest are home to a whole raft of activities. Walk or cycle along miles of woodland tracks, follow the sculpture trails, try your hand at a Go Ape treetop adventure or learn more about the forest and its inhabitants on a guided walk with a forest ranger.
Wray Castle – On the shores of Windermere, just three miles from Hawkshead, stands Wray Castle: a National Trust owned, Gothic Revival castle with an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths. It can also be reached by boat with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Tarn Hows – a picturesque tarn, which can be reached via a scenic walk from Hawkshead village. A path winds its way around the tarn; as a Miles Without Stiles route, it’s accessible for trampers, which are available to hire; and pushchairs too.
Coniston – the village of Coniston can be found just a short drive or bus trip from Hawkshead; it can also be reached on foot or by bike. Surrounded by fells, it’s home to several interesting museums and attractions, and great places to eat.
Did you know?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Hawkshead. Click for more details
Highlights
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
With stunning views of Lake Windermere on the private Graythwaite Estate, our course is a real gem…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate on the shores…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat. We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment. Following an…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to…
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Number of results: 53
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Address
Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
Address
Graythwaite Adventure | Outdoor Activities | Water Sports | Off Road Driving | Clay Pigeon Shooting |, Graythwaite Estate Nr, Hawkshead, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
With stunning views of Lake Windermere on the private Graythwaite Estate, our course is a real gem taking in the natural landscape with instruction delivered by our qualified team. We’re stoked to teach first time drivers and improve the skills of…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Graythwaite Adventure | Outdoor Activities | Water Sports | Off Road Driving | Clay Pigeon Shooting |, Graythwaite Estate Nr, Hawkshead, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate on the shores of Windermere, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Graythwaite Adventure, watersports site, Stable Yard Cottages, Graythwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and canoe hire. Journeying…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Graythwaite Adventure, watersports site, Stable Yard Cottages, Graythwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and board hire. Stand up…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
CumbriaThe pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
Address
Cunsey Farm, Graythwaite Estate, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0LUTelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Address
Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Address
Graythwaite Adventure, watersports site, Stable Yard Cottages, Graythwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a completely different perspective. Why not allow us to share the experience with you, on board our BRIG Navigator. …
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Cumbria
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is the largest. Take in the views of the high fells across Windermere on a traffic – free path by the lake shore to Wray.
Address
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTAmbleside
The pretty village of Hawkshead will once again become a picture postcard setting for their annual Christmas Fair on 7th & 8th December 2024. With a range of local artisanal gifts, food tents and entertainment it’s got plenty of ideas for Christmas…
Address
Hawkshead, CumbriaCumbria
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new to mountain biking. Its tree-covered slopes are bisected by bridleways and tracks that are at no point difficult, but do provide great sport with…
Address
Yewfield Vegetarian Guest House, Hawkshead Hill, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
015394 33826Ambleside
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat.
We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two they can keep our lives on an even keel. This trip seeks to offer some lovely wild swimming, in true Swim the Lakes style combined with an excellent…Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the Grizedale Forest Park. Further information is available from the visitor centre where maps for all the trails can be purchased.
Address
Pure Lakes Handmade Natural Skincare, Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLTelephone
01539 822 999Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Coffee Morning at Pure Lakes, Far Sawrey; in aid of St Mary's Hospice.
Address
Chocolate Factory Hawkshead, Main St, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36075Hawkshead
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other chocolate products made on site and a range of other food products from carefully selected, predominantly local suppliers, there truly is something for…
Address
Grasmere Gingerbread®, Hawkshead, The 'Corner Shop', Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
015394 35428Main Street, Hawkshead
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan takeaway coffee, delicious Grasmere Gingerbread®, exclusive Grasmere Gingerbread® ice cream and a wide selection of unique ginger-themed foodstuffs - most…
Tourism For All
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Address
Hawkshead Relish Company Ltd, The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 36614Hawkshead, Ambleside
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made products available to taste before you buy. Hampers made up whilst you wait.
Tourism For All
Address
Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
01539 266015Hawkshead
We have thirteen comfortable guest rooms all with private bathrooms and all individually styled and furnished. We've been a firm favourite for people visiting the Lakes for generations.
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