introduction to hawkshead...

In the heart of this attractive area lies Hawkshead. Its cobbled streets and clusters of whitewashed cottages huddled around secluded courtyards give the village a sense of intimacy that is rarely found elsewhere in the Lake District. Narrow passageways with interesting names such as Leather, Rag and Putty Street (now Wordsworth Street) invite exploration, and at every turn there are interesting architectural features - jettied frontages, external stairways, truncated corners and an old spinning gallery or two. Add a few ancient coaching inns and cosy tea rooms and Hawkshead has everything for an unhurried afternoon sojourn.

The Quaker hamlet of Colthouse has a Meeting House dating from 1688 (still in use) and its own burial ground. To the north is the Baptist community of Hawkshead Hill, with its interesting chapel, cemetery and outdoor baptismal, whilst Methodism is represented with a simple chapel in the heart of Hawkshead.

The tranquil lake of Esthwaite Water, fringed by lush meadows and overlooked by the seemingly endless wooded slopes of Grizedale and Claife Heights, is noted for its trout fishery. At its southern end lie the twin villages of Far and Near Sawrey; the latter famously associated with Beatrix Potter's house at Hill Top, where she wrote and illustrated several of her famous books.

Hawkshead is halfway between the lakes of Windermere and Coniston Water and to the north of its own lake - Esthwaite Water - with easy access to the woodland activities of Grizedale Forest Park or the scenic splendours of Tarn Hows. Nearby are Coniston and Ambleside, whilst a short ferry crossing connects with Bowness on the far side of Windermere. All these destinations are accessible by various forms of public transport without resorting to use of a car.