Hawkshead & Grizedale 3 Day Itinerary... Let's Go.

From literary icons to outdoor adventures, the pretty village of Hawkshead and its surroundings has plenty to offer! Get away from it all and explore the area with this three-day itinerary.

St. Michael & All Angels Church

Day 1

Hawkshead

Spend a relaxed morning exploring the pretty village of Hawkshead, with its cobblestone streets and independent shops. Pick up homemade jams, chutneys and relishes at Hawkshead Relish, and visit one of only two Grasmere Gingerbread® shops to enjoy a slice of this delicious local delicacy, accompanied by a locally brewed coffee.

Grasmere Gingerbread® and Hawkshead Relish shops in Hawkshead

Be sure to take a walk up to the impressive St Michael & All Angels church: perched on a hill above the village, it offers beautiful views and is a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.

Today is also a great opportunity to get creative and try your hand at creating your own souvenir! In the village centre, the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead offers workshops for all ages where you can make your own chocolatey creation.

Hawkshead Chocolate Factory

Just a short distance from Hawkshead stands the Pure Lakes Skincare workshop, just a stone’s throw from the western shore of Windermere. Here, you can enjoy hands on workshop experiences offering you the chance to make your own candle or bar of handmade soap.

In the mood for an adventure? E-bikes are available to hire from the Tourist Information Centre in Hawkshead, managed by the Lake District National Park. They’re happy to offer advice on cycling routes around the area - including to the nearby Wray, a National Trust managed place offering acres of grounds to explore and located on the shores of Windermere.

Day 2

Literary Icons

Did you know? Hawkshead & its surrounds were once home to literary icons including William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter! Today, spend some time discovering their former homes and the places that inspired them.

In the centre of Hawkshead stands the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum - where William Wordsworth studied! The famous poet’s former school is now open as a museum, offering a fascinating insight into school life between 1585 - 1909. Discover historic classroom furniture (including the desk where Wordsworth carved his name!), 17th century artefacts, and plenty more. Plus, there’s a permanent exhibition on William Wordsworth housed in the Headmaster’s Study. 

Then, head out of the village to Near Sawrey and Hill Top House: formerly owned by Beatrix Potter. Here, she wrote many of her ‘little tales’, finding inspiration amidst the house’s rooms and its charming gardens. Today, it’s managed by the National Trust and is open to visitors to explore. A cosy cabin can be found in the garden serving drinks and light bites (think pasties & cakes).

Cross-Lakes Shuttle

Top tip: during the summer months, the Cross Lakes Shuttle offers a bus & boat service connecting Hawkshead & Hill Top with Bowness-on-Windermere on the other side of lake Windermere. Operated by Windermere Lake Cruises and Mountain Goat Tours, it’s a great way to get around.

Day 3

Grizedale

Today, it’s time to head to Grizedale Forest: around 3.5 miles from Hawkshead village and home to several activities and outdoor adventures to suit a range of ages and abilities. There’s a large on-site car park if you’re travelling by car; alternatively, get there on foot or by bike with off road access to the visitors’ centre. 

Grizedale Forest

Explore the forest with a great network of walking trails offering stunning views and welcome cover from the trees - great for sunny and rainy days alike! Younger visitors will love exploring the interactive family friendly trail themed around characters from the magical world of Julia Donaldson. There’s also tramper hire available, with a specially designed route to keep the forest accessible.

Prefer to explore on two wheels? Bike hire is available at Biketreks Grizedale, with several routes to choose from. 

Biketreks, Grizedale

Did you know? Grizedale is the UK’s first forest for sculpture! You’ll find over 50 artworks dotted amidst the trees, blending seamlessly with their natural surroundings. Meanwhile, a gallery in the Visitor Centre hosts art exhibitions on a regular basis. 

Top tip: keep an eye out for stargazing events including guided walks and photography workshops.

After a morning spent exploring the forest, it’s time to swing through the trees at Go Ape Grizedale: a treetop adventure course offering fun for kids and grownups alike. Choose from high ropes adventures including the family friendly Treetop Adventure Plus (ages 6 - 10), the exhilarating Treetop Challenge, and even a zip trekking adventure featuring one of the UK’s longest networks of zip wires.

Where to eat

The Queen’s Head, Hawkshead - located in the centre of Hawkshead village, this dog-friendly 17th century inn offers delicious pub food in a cosy environment. Relax by the fire or sit outside and watch the world go by, with Cumbrian classics and local produce on the menu.

Cafe Ambio, Grizedale - Tucked away in the heart of Grizedale forest, this cosy cafe serves up mouth-watering breakfasts and lunches, alongside hot and cold drinks and a great selection of delicious sweet treats.

Cafe Ambio, Grizedale

Where to Stay

The Queen’s Head, Hawkshead - 16 newly refurbished (2024) rooms await at The Queen’s Head in Hawkshead, including dog friendly options and a hearty breakfast to fuel your adventures.

Glamping at Graythwaite - From self catering cottages to glamping on the shores of Windermere, the Graythwaite Estate offers plenty of accommodation options. Located a short distance from Hawkshead, there are also on-site activities to enjoy thanks to Graythwaite Adventure - think archery, boat tours and off roading.

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