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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.
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.
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.
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?
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor…
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.
Closed relay event for BOF members
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
A playful new exhibition for 2023, which explores eating and etiquette in Beatrix Potter's stories…
Beatrix Potter day! After breakfast we will make our way to Hill Top, owned by the National Trust,…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Near 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…
Near 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…
Near Hawkshead
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking an outdoor experience. We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and…
Hawkshead
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip wires. Or, for a more down-to-Earth adventure, why not whizz along the forest floor with our Segway safari?
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Ambleside
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband, now houses an annually changing exhibition of Potter's original artwork.
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
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
The 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.
Near 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…
Ulverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Satterthwaite
Closed relay event for BOF members
Hawkshead
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.
Grizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Near Hawkshead
With stunning views of Lake Windermere on the private Graythwaite Estate, ours is the Lake District’s only purpose-built off-road course with British Off Road Driving Association (BORDA) instruction delivered by our expert team. We’re more than…
The pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
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.
Near 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…
Near 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…
Near Hawkshead
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the shores of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike. We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment.…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL