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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.
A new leaflet detailing travelling to Hawkshead, things to see and do, plus great places to eat, drink and stay is now available.
View and download the leaflet here
Fancy exploring on foot? Take a look at a downloadable map of walks around Hawkshead and the surrounding area.
View and download the map here
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 and The King's Arms. 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.
Did you know?
WRAY CASTLE
An 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 WORDSWORTH
William 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 POTTER
Beatrix 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 CLAIFE
In 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 WRAY
High 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 HEIGHTS
Densely 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
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a…
Esthwaite Water is a natural lake extending to 280 acres. Rated as one of the finest waters in the…
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Ride on a traffic free route by Windermere lake shore. Climb through the trees to emerge on Claife…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to…
Join us for an inspiring planetarium show guaranteed to leave you excited and hopeful for the…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion…
Ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb out of the valley for grand views of the high fells.…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking…
Set within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park, the Montane Grizedale…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Home of the award-winning makers of relishes, pickles and preserves. There are over 100 hand-made…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
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Number of results: 57
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Address
Hawkshead Relish Company Ltd, The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 36614Hawkshead, Ambleside
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 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.
Address
Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJGrizedale, Ambleside
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no surprise then that meteor showers can be the highlight of the astronomical year – a chance to stand under dark skies and be mesmerised as they trail…
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
Pure Lakes, 7 Bryers Fold, Far Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LLFar Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
Address
Graythwaite Adventure | Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery and Axe throwing, Graythwaite Estate Nr, Hawkshead, Lake Windermere, Cumbria, LA12 8BATelephone
07498 574659Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore 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
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Address
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Hawkshead
A spacious village house with hot tub and parking in the heart of Hawkshead, ideal for families and multigenerational stays.
Address
Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJGrizedale, Ambleside
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to explore the darkest skies. As your eyes adapt you’ll see the universe as you’ve never seen it before – a glittering tapestry of stars, galaxies,…
Address
Meeting place: Benches outside public toilets/Hawkshead Chocolate Factory, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
01539431212Ambleside
Trace the steps of Beatrix Potter to discover the actual locations in Hawkshead which became settings for some of her stories. On this guided walk, we will see the places she captured in her realistic watercolours and sketches, modelling some of the…
Address
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
01539 468184Ambleside
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a great selection of cask ales, wines, and spirits. Whether you’re looking for places to eat in Hawkshead or a cosy pub near Windermere, the Red Lion Inn…
Tourism For All
Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
Address
Lands End Farm, Crosslands, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8JUTelephone
+441229860228Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
Address
Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
03000674495Hawkshead
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest.
Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky. Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.
Please bring…
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.
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Address
Kings Arms Hotel, 2 The Square, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NZTelephone
015394 68796Hawkshead
The King's Arms is a traditional country inn serving delicious, locally sourced food alongside local ales, in the Lake District.
The Inn also has 8 individually decorated rooms all named after Kings of England.Address
Grasmere Gingerbread®, Hawkshead, The 'Corner Shop', Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NSTelephone
015394 35428Main Street, Hawkshead
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan takeaway coffee, delicious Grasmere Gingerbread®, exclusive Grasmere Gingerbread® ice cream and a wide selection of unique ginger-themed foodstuffs - most…
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.
Address
Hawkshead, CumbriaCumbria
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new to mountain biking. Its tree-covered slopes are bisected by bridleways and tracks that are at no point difficult, but do provide great sport with…
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