You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Hawkshead
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.
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.
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.
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?
Fun facts and tantaliaing trivia about Hawkshead. Click for more details
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Explore some of the quiet valleys of the South Lakeland, ride alongside Esthwaite Water and climb…
Claife Heights, an area of low fells lying west of Windermere, is an excellent venue for those new…
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District…
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the…
The atmospheric Grasmere Gingerbread Shop at historic Hawkshead sells freshly roasted artisan…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
With over 100 varieties of loose chocolate to choose from, as well as an extensive range of other…
We specialise in running relaxed sessions in a fun and informative environment. Following an…
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…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
Ride by Esthwaite Water, one of the smallest lakes in the Lake District, and Windermere which is…
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale…
This experience combines two of our most popular, all-year round, activities. We’ve listened to…
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 52
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
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
Cumbria
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…
AMBLESIDE
Grade I listed, it is one of the finest examples of a late medieval, vernacular Lake District church. It has literary connections with Wordsworth and was also the home the home of Archbishop Sandys in the 16th century.
Cumbria
This route explores the area north of Hawkshead, using quiet lanes and a cycle path beside the Hawkshead to Ambleside road.
Main 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…
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.
Hawkshead
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…
Hawkshead, 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsGraythwaite, 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.
Hawkshead
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,…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience. Our bushcraft experiences are relaxed, fun and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
330 reviewsGrizedale Forest Park offers the complete day out with an extensive range of internationally famous forest sculptures and way marked paths.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Graythwaite Adventure are privileged to be able to offer this expedition training course for anyone intending to take on an overland expedition or would like to experience the skills required to do so.
Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Far 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…
Grizedale, Hawkshead
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, we have adventure covered.
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.
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.
Hawkshead
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL