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Just north of Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is a pretty market village marked by a jumbled collection of stone houses, old arches and squares that enchanted both William Wordsworth – who went to school here – and later Beatrix Potter, who lived at Hill Top – a five-minute drive away at Sawrey. The village is largely given over to tourism – there’s no shortage of teashops, inns and gift shops to enjoy.
Food & Drink in Hawkshead
Hawkshead village is a beautiful setting for a rich variety of cosy, old-world charm, tearooms, offering delicious homemade cakes and the traditional English cream tea, all served up with a friendly smile. And it’s not just about the food, there’s an array of leaved teas to choose from, along with a choice of filter coffees.
In the heart of the village you will find several characterful, ancient-beamed, 17th Century Inns with roaring log fires, offering you a warm welcome with only the best of locally sourced food for you to try. How about delicious Cumbrian Beef, polished off with a slice of Orange Cointreau Cheesecake! The menus offer great value for money and you’re always guaranteed a friendly welcome, whether it’s in the bar or in one of the restaurants.
Wherever you choose out of the pubs and restaurants of Hawkshead, you will always be guaranteed the very highest standard of food and an excellent standard of service. We mustn’t forget, there are also some great pubs on the fringes of Hawkshead, particularly the Lake District’s original gastro pub at Barngates, with its rustic chic, beamed bar and a menu to tempt the fussiest of eaters.
Just a small tip, before you leave delightful Hawkshead, take a jar of relish home with you.
They make the very finest selection of relishes here and it makes a tasty gift.
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.
Of greatest interest are the Old Grammar School, originally founded in 1585 but closed since 1909. The ground-floor classroom still has desks with carvings by the boys, including William Wordsworth, who came to study here in 1787; and the Beatrix Potter Gallery, which dates from the 17th century and was once the office of solicitor William Heelis, who married Beatrix in 1913.
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 are an amenity for a whole raft of activities. Have a go at orienteering, cycle along miles of woodland tracks, follow the sculpture trails or learn more about the forest and its inhabitants on a guided walk with a forest ranger.
Did you know?
Wray CastleAn 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 WordsworthWilliam 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 PotterBeatrix 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 ClaifeIn 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 WrayHigh 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 HeightsDensely 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
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Closed relay event for BOF members
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
The Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 take place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter…
Beatrix Potter day! After breakfast we will make our way to Hill Top, owned by the National Trust,…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
A playful new exhibition for 2023, which explores eating and etiquette in Beatrix Potter's stories…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 47
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Address
Graythwaite Adventure Watersports Site, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
We may be biased but genuinely believe that we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Chocolate Factory, Main Street, 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
The Chocolate Factory, Main Street, 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 Watersports Site, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
We may be biased but genuinely believe that we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Graythwaite Estate, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate on the shores of Windermere, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Square, Hawkshead, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
01539436003AMBLESIDE
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but also a wide selection of quality kids toys to play, learn and discover.
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
Graythwaite Adventure Watersports Site, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
We may be biased but genuinely believe that we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
High Dale Park, Satterthwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8LJTelephone
01629 583037Satterthwaite
Closed relay event for BOF members
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.
Cumbria
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, 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 into the quiet Rusland valley. Climb ov
Address
Graythwaite Adventure Watersports Site, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions and boat hire. Journeying in these Canadian style boats is the ultimate in relaxation as you paddle around the small islands and bays off…
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 & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01257 251217Hawkshead
The Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 take place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The half marathon course is the first 13 miles of the marathon route and takes place on good forest tracks. The route is 'undulating'…
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Address
Graythwaite Estate, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone intending to take on an overland expedition or would like to experience the skills required to do so. Includes Off-road driving, camp craft, Bush…
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.
Address
Yewfield, Hawkshead Hill, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
015394 36765Ambleside
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering apartments – Rowan, Mulberry, Yewtrees and Swallows Nest. And across the stone wall with enclosed garden we have Rose How where Rose How 1 and Rose How 5…
Address
Graythwaite Adventure Watersports Site, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Near Hawkshead
We feel that no visit to the Lake District is complete without spending some time on the water, so why not experience England's largest lake, Windermere, on board our brand new BRIG Navigator. With seats for up to 9 passengers, there's plenty of…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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