Hawkshead

The location:

Hawkshead, arguably one of the prettiest villages in Cumbria, is a collection of houses, archways, streets and squares that remain largely unspoiled and so maintain the charm and beauty which so captivated William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. Hawkshead is situated in the heart of the Lake District close to Esthwaite Water, between Windermere and Coniston. It’s ideally situated for trips to Windermere and Bowness (via the ferry), as well as Coniston, Grizedale, Grasmere and Ambleside.

Did you know?

If you fancy fishing, Esthwaite Water is the largest stocked lake in the north west of England. But you could find yourself in competition with the ospreys that visit the lake each year!

Famous people

William Wordsworth went to Hawkshead Grammar School and to prove it he carved his initials in one of the desks.

William Heelis, Beatrix Potter’s husband and a local solicitor, had his office in Hawkshead. This is now the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Things to do

Hawkshead has a large pub to population ratio so a good place to visit if you fancy a drink! Alternatively, with Grizedale Forest not far away, you could do a bit of mountain biking or even try Go Ape! Hawkshead Grammar School Museum is open from April to October if you fancy experiencing classroom life from around 200 years ago. Or the Beatrix Potter Gallery exhibits some of Beatrix Potter’s original illustrations.

See Also: The Hawkshead Suite in Windermere