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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
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat. We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Looking for something unique to do in the great outdoors this February Half Term? Whether you're a…
Packed full of goodies from great gifts and tasty treats to over a hundred varieties of the finest…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
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Number of results: 45
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Address
CumbriaGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Cumbria
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife Heights, with grand views of the Coniston fells and pass the delightfully-named. Wise Een and Moss Eccles Tarns. Tis route is about 25% off r
Address
Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LFTelephone
015394 36269Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Tourism For All
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…Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
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
National Trust - Tarn Hows, Coniston, Cumbria, LA22 0PPTelephone
015394 41456Coniston
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns together. In 1929 it was bought by Beatrix Potter who sold it to the National Trust. There is a 1.5 mile, level footpath around the tarn.
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for something unique to do in the great outdoors this February Half Term? Whether you're a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family we have the adventure scene covered. Join us in…
Address
Chocolate Factory Hawkshead, Main St, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36075Hawkshead
Packed full of goodies from great gifts and tasty treats to over a hundred varieties of the finest hand made chocolates and enjoy our selection of freshly made butter and cream fudges. You’re sure to find something to tempt your taste buds.
Address
Various Locations, The Lake District, CumbriaTelephone
07967 630956The Lake District
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the wilder corners of Great Britain. All expeditions are led by highly experienced, qualified and insured instructors.
Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better quality mountain bikes. Please be aware that this trail is not for tag-alongs or trailers bikes.
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
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
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
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
-Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the Lake District, boasting excellent pike and trout.
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
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
High Hollin Bank, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41680Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Cumbria
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells. Descend to Dale Park past wild flower meadows and on to the quiet Rusland Valley.
Address
CumbriaThe pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
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