About Hawkshead

Things to do in Hawkshead

Though renowned as Beatrix Potter’s home and as the inspirational setting of William Wordsworth’s schooling days, Hawkshead village feels like some little-known gem. Its location between Windermere and Coniston steers you slightly away from the madding crowds. The village itself is pretty and peaceful; whitewashed cottages, charming cobbled streets and a car-free village centre make for wonderfully lazy days of exploring.

There are glorious surrounding landscapes to explore; Esthwaite Water, spectacular Tarn Hows and Grizedale Forest with its cycling routes and magical sculpture trails. For hikers, Hawkshead is an ideal bolt-hole for leisurely or challenging local routes.

And of course, you have the run of the Lake District for endless days on the fells.

Nearby Esthwaite Water is one of the smaller, untouched lakes in the Lake District and in part a National Nature Reserve. Being the fictional home of Potter’s ‘Jeremy Fisher’, Esthwaite is carpeted with water lilies in summer, and all year round offers an atmospheric setting with excellent fishing.

For exploring

Hawkshead is only 15-20mins off the beaten path through the Lakes, which makes for an easy arrival and ample opportunity to explore elsewhere in our National Park. A great day out takes you across Lake Windermere on the ferry, to bustling Bowness.

For walking

There are plenty of easy walks in and around Hawkshead, perfectly combined with lunch or afternoon tea and with no need for a car. Grizedale Forest is the obvious choice for families and cyclists, while Tarn Hows offers a breathtakingly scenic circular route. If you’ve a little more

energy, Latterbarrow, Claife Heights and the more challenging ascents of Langdale, Coniston Old Man and Rydal are within easy reach.

For food & drink

The village centre has plenty of places to eat and drink, from cafés to hearty pub grub. Take a short drive to the Outgate Inn or the mouthwatering Drunken Duck. Try Poppi Red or the Minstrels’ Gallery for idyllic cakes and cream teas, and stock up your fridge at The Honeypot delicatessen; ‘a goldmine of Lakeland goodies’.