A Visitor’s Guide to Hawkshead: 21 Best Things to Do in the Lake District’s Prettiest Village

There are some places in the Lake District that just get under your skin, and for me, Hawkshead is one of them.

Tucked away between the great waters of Windermere and Coniston, this is a village where you can genuinely step back in time.

The moment you wander into its heart, leaving the car and the modern world behind, you’re greeted by a wonderful maze of cobbled lanes, higgledy-piggledy whitewashed cottages, and secretive archways that beg to be explored.

It’s a place that’s high on the pretty and scenic list, a spot where history whispers from every slate roof and ancient timber beam.   

It was once a bustling medieval market town, thriving on the wool trade after being owned by the monks of Furness Abbey.

Today, that history is beautifully preserved, but the village offers so much more. It’s a place that inspired the poet William Wordsworth and the beloved author Beatrix Potter, and their presence can still be felt.

Whether you’re here for a gentle wander, a bit of history, or as a base for pounding the fells, Hawkshead delivers.

This guide is born from a love for this special village, combining its historical charm with all the practical tips and hidden gems you need to plan the perfect visit.

Planning Your Visit: Getting to Hawkshead, Parking & Top Tips

Before you lose yourself in the timeless lanes, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to make your arrival smooth and your visit perfect.

How to Get to Hawkshead

By Car: The drive is scenic, whichever way you come. From the south (A590 at Newby Bridge), you’ll take the A592 and then the B5285, which winds beautifully past Esthwaite Water.

From Ambleside in the north, it’s a simple case of following the B5286 south directly into the village.   

By Public Transport: The 505 bus is your best friend here, running regularly from Ambleside and dropping you right at the village visitor centre.   

By Ferry: For a truly memorable approach, take the Windermere car ferry from Bowness. It’s a short but iconic trip that offers stunning lake views. In summer, you can use the Cross Lakes Shuttle, a combined boat and bus ticket that connects you to Hawkshead and Coniston.

Parking in Hawkshead: What You Need to Know

The absolute charm of Hawkshead’s centre is that it’s gloriously car-free. This is non-negotiable and a huge part of its appeal.

There is a large pay-and-display car park on the edge of the village, so the best plan is to arrive, park up, and forget about your car for the day.

Insider Tip: If the main car park is full, extra spaces can sometimes be found at the Hawkshead Primary School, which operates on a friendly honesty box system.   

Top Insider Tips for Your Visit

Come Prepared for the Weather: This is the Lake District! Sturdy footwear and a waterproof jacket are essential, even if the sun is shining when you set off.   

Book Your Meals: The village’s pubs are fantastic but popular. If you’re planning on having dinner, especially on a weekend, it’s wise to book a table in advance.   

Embrace the Digital Detox: Mobile phone signal can be patchy in and around the village. See it as the perfect excuse to put your phone away and soak up the atmosphere.   

The 21 Best Things to Do in and Around Hawkshead

From literary landmarks to treetop adventures, Hawkshead is the perfect base for exploring some of the best the Lakes has to offer.

A Walk Through History & Literature

1. Explore Hawkshead Grammar School: Step into the very classroom where a young William Wordsworth studied.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century education, and you can still see the desk where the future poet carved his name.

2. Browse Tabitha Twitchit’s Bookshop (The Former Beatrix Potter Gallery): The charming old building that was once the office of Beatrix Potter’s husband, solicitor William Heelis, has started a new chapter.

For many years it housed the Beatrix Potter Gallery, but the National Trust has since closed the gallery to better preserve her delicate original watercolours from the building’s humidity.

Now, it has been wonderfully reimagined as Tabitha Twitchit’s Bookshop, a delightful second-hand bookshop filled with charm.

It’s a wonderful nod to her literary legacy, and you can still feel the history within the walls of the place where she and her husband first met.

For those wishing to see her original artwork, a selection is now on display at her nearby home, Hill Top.

3. Visit Hill Top: Just a short, scenic drive away in Near Sawrey is Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s beloved 17th-century farmhouse.

Preserved by the National Trust, it feels as though she has just stepped out for a walk, with her personal belongings filling every room that inspired so many of her tales.

4. Climb to St Michael and All Angels Church: Perched on a small hill, this beautiful medieval church watches over the village.

It’s worth the gentle climb not just for the peaceful atmosphere and historic architecture, but for the breathtaking panoramic views over the rooftops to the fells beyond.

For the Adventurer & Nature Lover

5. Conquer the Treetops at Go Ape Grizedale: A few miles away in Grizedale Forest, you can unleash your inner adventurer.

The high ropes courses and thrilling zip lines offer a brilliant family day out and a unique perspective on the forest canopy.

6. Discover Sculptures on a Grizedale Forest Walk: Grizedale is also famous for its unique outdoor sculpture trail. Dozens of artworks are dotted throughout the forest, making a simple walk feel like a journey of discovery.

7. Take the Scenic Walk Around Tarn Hows: This is easily one of the most beautiful and accessible short walks in the entire Lake District.

The well-maintained path circles a stunning tarn, with magnificent views of the surrounding fells. It’s perfect for all ages and abilities.

8. Hike up Latterbarrow: For a relatively easy climb that delivers spectacular rewards, head up Latterbarrow.

This “outlying Wainwright” offers incredible views of the Langdales and Coniston Fells, making you feel on top of the world with minimal effort.

9. Go Fishing or Spot Ospreys at Esthwaite Water: This tranquil lake, a favourite of Beatrix Potter, is a haven for wildlife.

It’s a renowned trout fishery, and from April to September, you can join an osprey safari to see these magnificent birds hunt.

10. Explore the Views from Claife Heights: For a classic Lakeland walk, the trail up Claife Heights offers some of the most stunning vistas of Lake Windermere you can find.   

Fun for the Whole Family

11. Make Your Own Treats at the Chocolate Factory: A perfect rainy-day activity! Join a fun, hands-on workshop and create your own delicious chocolatey souvenirs to take home.

It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

12. Explore the Mock-Gothic Wray Castle: This isn’t your typical historic castle. With its turrets and towers on the shores of Windermere, this quirky National Trust property is fantastic for kids to explore, with plenty of space to run around.

13. Take a Spooky Tallow Tales Ghost Walk: As dusk falls, discover the village’s eerie side. These guided evening tours share chilling local legends and haunted tales as you wander the atmospheric cobbled streets.   

A Taste of Hawkshead: Food, Drink & Shopping

14. Sample Award-Winning Preserves at Hawkshead Relish Co.: You can’t visit Hawkshead without popping into this local institution.

With over 100 chutneys, jams, and relishes made in the village, you can sample your way to finding the perfect foodie souvenir.

15. Browse the Local Delicacies at The Honepot Deli: This historic shop is a treasure trove of local pies, cheeses, and other gourmet treats.

It’s the perfect place to stock up for a picnic.

16. Enjoy a Pint at The Queen’s Head Inn: There’s nothing quite like stepping into the warmth of this classic 17th-century pub.

With its roaring fires, ancient oak beams, and reputation for excellent food, it’s the quintessential Lakeland inn experience.

17. Have a Hearty Meal at The Red Lion Inn: As one of the village’s oldest coaching inns, this pub is steeped in history and offers a wonderfully traditional and friendly atmosphere for a meal or a local ale.

18. Grab a Treat at The Little Ice Cream Shop: On a sunny day, the queue outside says it all. Choose from dozens of delicious flavours of small-batch gelato and sorbet—the perfect reward after a good walk.   

Unique Local Experiences

19. Visit Brantwood, John Ruskin’s Historic Home: A short drive away on the shores of Coniston Water lies the beautiful former home of the famous writer and artist John Ruskin.

The house and its stunning gardens are a peaceful and inspiring place to spend an afternoon.

20. See the Historic Quaker Meeting House: In the quiet nearby hamlet of Colthouse, you can visit the oldest Quaker Meeting House in England, dating back to 1688.

It’s a simple, peaceful building that offers a moment of quiet reflection.

21. Browse the Fitzwilliam Fine Art Gallery: Tucked away in the village is this lovely gallery, offering a chance to appreciate fine art in a beautiful, relaxed setting. 

Hawkshead for Families: A Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Hawkshead is a fantastic destination for families. Here’s a suggestion for a perfect family day out:

• Morning: Head to Wray Castle on the shores of Windermere. Let the kids run free, explore the castle-like rooms, and enjoy the adventure playground.   
• Lunch: Grab a hearty and welcoming pub lunch back in the village.
• Afternoon: Get creative at the Chocolate Factory with a fun-filled chocolate-making workshop—a brilliant experience for all ages.   
• Late Afternoon: Finish the day with a gentle stroll through the car-free lanes, perhaps grabbing an ice cream as a final treat.

Another great tip for a small walk in the area is to head to Near Sawrey and walk up to Moss Eccles Tarn. It’s another special spot for Beatrix Potter fans.

Frequently Asked Questions