Don't Miss
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Welcome to Hawkshead, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Cumbria. Standing just north of Esthwaite Water, its pretty collection of stone houses and cobblestone streets have enchanted figures like William Wordsworth – who went to school here – and later, Beatrix Potter, who lived at nearby Hill Top House. Today, a fantastic selection of shops, cafes and pubs awaits, with an abundance of culture and history to discover.
Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Hawkshead is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of hiking trails, cycling routes and water activities in the nearby lakes like Windermere and Coniston. There’s something for all to enjoy, with family friendly strolls and accessible paths as well as more challenging hikes in the local fells. Fancy exploring on foot? Take a look at this downloadable leaflet of walks around Hawkshead and the surrounding area.
Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a journey through history, Hawkshead offers something for everyone. Come and discover the timeless beauty and rich heritage of this charming Lake District village.
Food & Drink in Hawkshead
From cosy, 17th century inns to award-winning food producers, Hawkshead is home to some fantastic food and drink options.
Enjoy a warm welcome and a cosy atmosphere at one of the village’s cosy country pubs, like The Queen’s Head. Browse locally made jams and chutneys at Hawkshead Relish, or pick up some Grasmere Gingerbread®, who have their only store outside of Grasmere here. Treat yourself to an ice cream to enjoy as you stroll through the village’s pretty streets or stop for a brew and homemade cake at a traditional tearoom. Try your hand at making your own creation at The Chocolate Factory and take an edible souvenir of your visit home with you.
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.
Did you know? William Wordsworth went to school here, attending Hawkshead Grammar School from 1787. Today, the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum shines a light on school life between 1585, when the school was founded; and 1909, when it closed. The ground-floor classroom still has desks with carvings by the boys, including William Wordsworth himself.
Nearby, you’ll find Hill Top House – where Beatrix Potter lived. The house can be reached on foot in about 45 minutes and is open to visitors who can explore the author and illustrator’s former home.
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 Forest are home to a whole raft of activities. Walk or cycle along miles of woodland tracks, follow the sculpture trails, try your hand at a Go Ape treetop adventure or learn more about the forest and its inhabitants on a guided walk with a forest ranger.
Wray Castle – On the shores of Windermere, just three miles from Hawkshead, stands Wray Castle: a National Trust owned, Gothic Revival castle with an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths. It can also be reached by boat with Windermere Lake Cruises.
Tarn Hows – a picturesque tarn, which can be reached via a scenic walk from Hawkshead village. A path winds its way around the tarn; as a Miles Without Stiles route, it’s accessible for trampers, which are available to hire; and pushchairs too.
Coniston – the village of Coniston can be found just a short drive or bus trip from Hawkshead; it can also be reached on foot or by bike. Surrounded by fells, it’s home to several interesting museums and attractions, and great places to eat.
Highlights
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.…
A wide range of products for children and families focused around Peter Rabbit and Friends, but…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
Put yourself in the festive spirit here at Grizedale! Enjoy festive specials and mulled wine in…
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
A unique and interactive experience for children and families that is truly unforgettable! Children…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
They played a vital role in the war effort and spearheaded the careers of women working in the…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 December 2023 10am till 4pm Lot's of indoor and outdoor stalls. Local crafts…
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
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
.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: 51
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Graythwaite Adventure | Outdoor Activities | Water Sports | Off Road Driving | Clay Pigeon Shooting |, Graythwaite Estate Nr, Hawkshead, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment. Following an introduction by your instructor there'll be a briefing on all-important safety and gun mounting before we move on to hitting clays. We’ve a great track…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Address
Graythwaite Adventure, watersports site, Stable Yard Cottages, Graythwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and canoe hire. Journeying…
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
Yew Tree Farm, A593, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
07813699573Coniston
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms, and Rich Jones, a Cumbria based Professional Photographer.
The course will be held at Yew Tree…
Address
Grizedale Forest - Forestry England, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, CA12 5TWTelephone
07551094332Hawkshead
Put yourself in the festive spirit here at Grizedale!
Enjoy festive specials and mulled wine in Cafe Ambio, explore the fantastic range of makers and crafters working here in the forest and get out and about for a Christmas forest walk, you can…
Address
Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake District. We make a wide range of skincare products including ‘Bath and Body’, ‘Facial Skincare’ and ‘Home.’ We also do an ‘Active & Therapeutic’ range…
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.
Hawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Address
The Herdwick Experience, Yew Tree Farm, Consiton, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
01539441433Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
Tourism For All
Address
Graythwaite Estate, Estate Office, Graythwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
01539531248Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Tourism For All
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,…
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 | Outdoor Activities | Water Sports | Off Road Driving | Clay Pigeon Shooting |, Graythwaite Estate Nr, Hawkshead, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8AZTelephone
07498 574659Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
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
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
Hollin Bank Farm, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
07814690322Coniston
Join us for a day working in the woods as part of our community and ecological restoration project on our organic farm in the Lake District. Find our event here: https://www.eventbrite.co…
Address
CumbriaGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
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
