- Accommodation
- What's On
- Things to Do
- Food and Drink
- Explore Cumbria
- Areas of Cumbria
- Towns & Villages
- Lakes of the Lake District
- Travel
- Year of the Coast
- Dark Sky Cumbria
- World Heritage Cumbria
- Access for all - Adventure for Everyone
- Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens
- Mountains and Fells
- Wainwrights
- The National Trust in the Lake District
- Cumbrian Castles
- Cumbrian Churches
- Harbours & Marinas
- Tourist Information Centres
- Areas of Cumbria
- Ideas and Inspiration
- Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
- Lake District, Cumbria Bucket List
- Selfie Guide
- Suggested Itineraries
- Sunny day ideas
- Rainy day ideas
- Spa Breaks
- Romantic Breaks
- Family Holidays
- Dog Friendly Holidays
- Bespoke Holidays
- The Inn Collection Group in the Lake District
- Sustainable Stays
- Caring for the environment
- Live, Work and Study in The Lake District, Cumbria
- Starring Great Britain: The Lake District, Cumbria
- Weddings
- Conferences & Event Spaces
- Prizes & Guides
- Blog
- Plan your journey
- Special Offers
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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?
WRAY CASTLE
An imposing mock Gothic castle built by James Dawson in the 1840s using money from his wife's inheritance. Beatrix Potter stayed here in 1882 whilst on holiday with her parents. Grounds open all year round.
WILLIAM WORDSWORTH
William Wordsworth came here in 1779. His mother had recently died and he and his brother Richard were sent to Hawkshead Grammar School to finish their schooling. Both boys lodged in the village with Ann Tyson, a local widow (and later at Colthouse when Mrs Tyson moved there). His adolescent experience of the natural world around Hawkshead had a lasting effect, and was recalled in his poetry of later years.
BEATRIX POTTER
Beatrix Potter’s traditional Lakeland farm at Hill Top, was a special place for Beatrix, where many of her animal characters from her books were set in the house and garden and surrounding landscape.
THE CRIER OF CLAIFE
In earlier times it was the custom to call for a rowing boat when one was required. One stormy night, a call was answered by a ferryman who rowed across the lake to Bowness only to return in a state of shock. The next morning he developed a rapid fever and died. Thereafter, on stormy nights whenever there were strange calls for a boat from Ferry Nab, no-one would dare go. Eventually a priest exorcised the Crier of Claife to a quarry on Claife Heights, but occasionally the ghostly calls for a boat can still be heard.
HIGH WRAY
High Wray was the scene of a series of murders in 1672, all carried out by one man – Thomas Lancaster. Thomas wanted to marry a local girl from High Wray who was already betrothed to someone else, so he bribed her father to allow him to marry her instead; an event which took place on 1 Jan 1672. Shortly afterwards, Lancaster poisoned his wife, her father, her three sisters, her former fiancé, her aunt and a servant, and to make it look like a local epidemic, went on to poison some of his neighbours. At his trial he was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was hung from his own front door at High Wray Farm.
CLAIFE HEIGHTS
Densely wooded area with a myriad of bridleways, footpaths and forest tracks running through. These woodlands were once ‘worked' for charcoal production (to smelt iron ore and other minerals) and are dotted with old pitsteads (circular flat platforms). A viewing station, built in the 1790s gives impressive views of Windermere and is noted for it's stained glass windows which were supposed to enhance the seasonal variations.
Read LessHighlights
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Packed full of goodies from great gifts and tasty treats to over a hundred varieties of the finest…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat. We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
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, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
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…
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Packed full of goodies from great gifts and tasty treats to over a hundred varieties of the finest…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat. We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
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, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Show More
Prev
- 1Candle Masterclass Experience at Pure Lakes
- 2Easter Holidays
- 3Grasmere Gingerbread® at Hawkshead
- 4Archery and Axe Throwing with Graythwaite Adventure
- 5The Expedition Club
- 6The Chocolate Factory - Children's and Family Chocolate Workshop Activity Attraction
- 7Grizedale Forest Walking Trails
- 8St. Michael & All Angels Church, Hawkshead
- 9Chocolate Factory and Coffee Shop
- 104x4 Off-Road Driving (1 hour), INEOS Grenadier with Graythwaite Adventure
- 11Hawkshead Relish Company
- 12Hawkshead to Brathay
- 13Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat
- 14Graythwaite Estate
- 15Hawkshead to Claife Heights
- 16RIB Boat Tours on Windermere with Graythwaite Adventure
- 17Esthwaite Water
- 18Clay Pigeon Shooting, Graythwaite Estate with Graythwaite Adventure
- 19Forage and Nibble near Windermere
- 20Hawkshead to Cunsey
- 21Claife Heights from Hawkshead
- 224x4 Off-Road Driving (1 hour), Land Rover Defender with Graythwaite Adventure
- 23Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm
- 24Hawkshead to Rusland Valley
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 49
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale,
near Hawkshead is the perfect destination for outdoor
adventures and unforgettable memories. From 05/04/2025 to 21/04/2025,
join us for a thrilling Easter holiday experience in…-
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
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, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance to exercise your archery…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
-
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
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
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
Church Hill, Hawkshead, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0PQTelephone
01539 436301AMBLESIDE
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District church. It has literary connections with Wordsworth and was also the home the home of Archbishop Sandys in the 16th century.
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
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
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
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
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
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
Graythwaite Estate, Estate Office, Graythwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
01539531248Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Tourism For All
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
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
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, 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
Blind Lane Car Park, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQTelephone
+447852162142Ulverston
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild snack near Windermere.
