You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Hawkshead
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.
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.
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.
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
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale…
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment. Following an…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Hawkshead
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.
Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
Hawkshead
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,…
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.
Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Main 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…
Hawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
869 reviewsHawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to guest feedback and put together a 2-hour activity that combines 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Graythwaite
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsConiston
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms, and Rich Jones, a Cumbria based Professional Photographer.
The course will be held at Yew Tree…
Hawkshead, 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. Our bushcraft experiences are relaxed, fun and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake District. We make a wide range of skincare products including ‘Bath and Body’, ‘Facial Skincare’ and ‘Home.’ We also do an ‘Active & Therapeutic’ range…
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
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment. Following an introduction by your instructor there'll be a briefing on all-important safety and gun mounting before we move on to hitting clays. We’ve a great track…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Grizedale, Hawkshead
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, we have adventure covered.
AMBLESIDE
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL