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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?
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to…
Our restaurant, awarded an AA rosette, has a menu to suit all tastes but, at its core, still serves…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
Childrens chocolate workshop with a retail store selling a large range of chocolates.
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Open Day and guided tour of a 300 year old historic early Quaker Meeting House, set in 12 acres of…
The property is situated in an extremely peaceful location, well within the Lake District National…
This charming 17th century building, which served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
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…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
A unique and interactive experience for children that is truly unforgettable. Childrens chocolate…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 33
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AMBLESIDE
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.
Hawkshead
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The Visitor Centre includes the Forest Shop, Cafe in the Forest and shop.
Hawkshead
Far reaching views of the Lake District fells, rolling Beatrix Potter countryside and a challenging mile-long climb up an ancient 'Coffin Trail' - Lakeland Trails in Hawkshead has something for everyone.
Starting and finishing at Hawkshead, the 16K…
Hawkshead
Our restaurant, awarded an AA rosette, has a menu to suit all tastes but, at its core, still serves humble pub food served with flair and only created using the freshest seasonal produce with help from local suppliers.
We have thirteen comfortable…
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?
The attractive village of Sawrey is situated two miles from Hawkshead and is famous for Hill Top, a 17th century farmhouse owned by Beatrix Potter.
Hawkshead
Childrens chocolate workshop with a retail store selling a large range of chocolates.
Cumbria
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is the largest. Take in the views of the high fells across Windermere on a traffic – free path by the lake shore to Wray Castle.
Grizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
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.
Ulverston
Open Day and guided tour of a 300 year old historic early Quaker Meeting House, set in 12 acres of ancient oak woodland. Admission free. Silent Quaker Meeting at 12.30-1pm. All welcome.
Near Hawkshead
The property is situated in an extremely peaceful location, well within the Lake District National Park, at the head of the beautiful and peaceful unspoilt valley of Dale Park.
Our minimum stay is 3 nights.
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.
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.
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
Ulverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
The pretty, narrow cobbled streets, squares, courtyards and whitewashed cottages of Hawkshead make for an idyllic Lakeland setting.
Hawkshead
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.
Ambleside
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.
Ambleside
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…
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