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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 and The King's Arms. 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.
Highlights
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Whatever your ability level, Grizedale is a fantastic place to get on the trail and enjoy the fresh…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Nadejda String Quarter | Resol String…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Beth Williams, a local Beatrix Potter researcher, and welcome manager at Hill Top, will be joining…
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
In the heart of Hawkshead, the King’s Arms offers a warm welcome and a real taste of the Lake…
Petit Four is an Anglo-French restaurant in Hawkshead, focused on homemade, locally sourced food…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a…
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Number of results: 60
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Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
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
The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZAmbleside
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings.
Converted from a 15th century cottage in 1862, a small group of local Christians worshipped at 'Union Chapel'. The benefactor was Mrs Satterthwaite. In…
Address
Yewfield Guesthouse, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
07783881461Ambleside
2026 Spring Women's Wellness
Nature Retreat
April 16th - 19th 2026
A 3 night Lakeland escape in luxury accommodation with stunning views
Relax, reflect and revitalise with us at Yewfield, a very special retreat centre in a peaceful and quiet corner…Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
Tourism For All
Address
Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…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
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
Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
03000674495Hawkshead
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic couples’ getaway or a peaceful base to explore the Lake District, The Cabin provides a one-of-a-kind forest experience.
Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Beth Williams, a local Beatrix Potter researcher, and welcome manager at Hill Top, will be joining us to explore how WWI impacted Beatrix Potter & the residents of these Lakeland villages. Beth will talk about local genealogy & the complexities 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
Biketreks Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
015394 31245Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
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
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Whatever your ability level, Grizedale is a fantastic place to get on the trail and enjoy the fresh Lake District air. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of distances and difficulty levels there’s…
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
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Grizedale's Treetop Adventure Plus. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an…
Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the heritage of Coniston Coppermines: the story of the discovery of rich veins of copper at Coniston & the men, women & children who worked them over the…
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
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
01539 468184Ambleside
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional British dishes with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients. Set in a charming historic inn with exposed beams and a cosy atmosphere, the restaurant…
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.…
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