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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
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter…
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…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
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…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
The famous Kings Arms Inn is a friendly, family-run, village centre Inn. Good food, real ales and…
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally…
Childrens chocolate workshop with a retail store selling a large range of chocolates.
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Starting and finishing at Hawkshead, the 16K Hawkshead Trail Race, 16K Hawkshead Trail Challenge…
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
Our restaurant, awarded an AA rosette, has a menu to suit all tastes but, at its core, still serves…
A unique and interactive experience for children that is truly unforgettable. Childrens chocolate…
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Number of results: 39
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Ambleside
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter and next door to Hill Top her former home. A traditional country pub with log fire and flag floors.
Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better quality mountain bikes. Please be aware that this trail is not for tag-alongs or trailers bikes.
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
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.
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.
Address
Hawkshead Market Hall, Market Square, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
+447748188143Hawkshead
A selection of Artisan and makers selling their local products
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
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
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.
Address
2 The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 36614Ambleside
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made products available to taste before you buy. Hampers made up whilst you wait.
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
Church Hill, Hawkshead, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0PQTelephone
01539 436301AMBLESIDE
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.
Address
Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Ambleside
Gerry Judah's BENGAL : The Four Elements will open at Grizedale Forest Gallery on 21st July. This solo exhibition marks a unique collaboration between Grizedale Forest and internationally acclaimed artist Gerry Judah, bringing together a striking…
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
CumbriaThe pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Address
The Square, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 36372Hawkshead
The famous Kings Arms Inn is a friendly, family-run, village centre Inn. Good food, real ales and warm surroundings make this 500 year old inn an ideal stopover in the historic village of Hawkshead. Children and pets welcome.
Hawkshead
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally situated for walking and enjoying this exquisite region of rare natural beauty and inspiration of the Lakeland poets. Set in 80 acres of grounds by the…
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Address
CumbriaGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Address
The Chocolate Factory, Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36075Hawkshead
Childrens chocolate workshop with a retail store selling a large range of chocolates.
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