to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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
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
.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: 47
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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
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
Graythwaite Adventure, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Near 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…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0845 6439215Hawkshead
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.
Address
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
015394 36269Ambleside
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
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
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
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Address
High Dale Park, Satterthwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8LJTelephone
01629 583037Satterthwaite
Closed relay event for BOF members
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
CumbriaGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Address
Graythwaite Estate, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Near 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…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
CumbriaThe pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
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
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
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 Adventure, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Near 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.…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
