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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
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Packed full of goodies from great gifts and tasty treats to over a hundred varieties of the finest…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Looking for something unique to do in the great outdoors this February Half Term? Whether you're a…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 45
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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
-The attractive village of Sawrey is situated two miles from Hawkshead and is famous for Hill Top, a 17th century farmhouse owned by Beatrix Potter.
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.
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
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
Chocolate Factory Hawkshead, Main St, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36075Hawkshead
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children either on their own or families together make three delicious chocolate creations and best of all everything they make is theirs to take home,…
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
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Join us for a guided evening walk through the forest.
Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife living in the forest and experience the wonders of the forest in the dark and the night sky.Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around the…
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
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
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, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Herdwick Experience, Yew Tree Farm, Consiton, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
01539441433Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
Tourism For All
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
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, 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.
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, 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 different perspective.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
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
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
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