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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
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic…
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight…
The Red Lion Inn Hawkshead offers a refined Lake District dining experience, combining traditional…
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
HAWKSHEAD PARISH CHURCH MUSIC FOR A SUMMER EVENING 2026 All concerts start at 7.30 pm Tues. 2nd…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Aquarelle Guitar Quartet Bellinati Baião de…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
In the heart of Hawkshead, the King’s Arms offers a warm welcome and a real taste of the Lake…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
One of the oldest Methodist Churches in the world and possibly one of the most unique buildings…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
Red Lion Inn serves hearty, home-cooked food made with locally sourced ingredients, alongside a…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Petit Four is an Anglo-French restaurant in Hawkshead, focused on homemade, locally sourced food…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
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.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 60
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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
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA220NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
This talk will be led by Lucy Saint-Smith, a library & museum professional who has worked for the Quakers in the UK for the past 8 years. She is currently the Collections Officer at Swarthmoor Hall, Ulveston, the 17th century home of Margaret Fell &…
Address
Yewfield Guesthouse, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
07783881461Ambleside
2026 Spring Women's Wellness
Nature Retreat
April 16th - 19th 2026
A 3 night Lakeland escape in luxury accommodation with stunning views
Relax, reflect and revitalise with us at Yewfield, a very special retreat centre in a peaceful and quiet corner…Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Mark Hatton, a researcher and enthusiast of local mining history will be joining us to explore the heritage of Coniston Coppermines: the story of the discovery of rich veins of copper at Coniston & the men, women & children who worked them over the…
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
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.
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
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers.
Tourism For All
Address
Hawkshead Parish Church, Church Hill, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0PQTelephone
01539 266 200Hawkshead
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Aquarelle Guitar Quartet
Bellinati Baião de Gude
Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol (arr. William Kanengiser)
Ariel Ramírez and Félix Luna Alfonsina y el mar (arr. Roland Dyens)
Martin Hasta Alicia…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
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
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
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…
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all the family.
Address
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NTTelephone
015394 36674Hawkshead, Ambleside
Join us and our Accredited Conservator, Caroline Bendix. Caroline has 40 years' experience, working for major heritage sites and many private and municipal collections. She has been the expert collections advisor at Hawkshead Grammar School since…
Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
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, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance to exercise your archery…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop, Main St, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NSHawkshead
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every shelf holds a story. Come in and wander round, browse and lose yourself in the quiet magic of well-loved pages and forgotten treasures. Whether…
Address
Hawkshead, CumbriaHawkshead
Planning an adventure in the Lake District, Cumbria? Make sure you’re prepared for your route, the weather, and every possibility. Be AdventureSmart and check out our top tips on staying safe, and having fun before you go.
1. Hawkshead to Tarn…
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