There is a beautiful village in the Lake District that feels as if you’re stepping back in time.
Hawkshead, nestled in the heart of the National Park, offers a picturesque glimpse into a bygone era. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and the absence of cars on many of its pretty lanes can leave you feeling as if it has been frozen in time.
Beatrix Potter was the village’s most famous child and one of its biggest supporters. The Tale of Peter Rabbit author bought up large stretches of land around Hawkshead, having fallen in love with solicitor William Heelis, whom she met in the village and later married.
Potter’s passionate advocacy for the countryside, as a prominent member of the farming community, saw her work with the National Trust to keep the idyllic landscape as untouched as possible.
She was not the only pen-wielder to find inspiration in Hawkshead. “His experiences in and around Hawkshead, where William and Richard Wordsworth began attending school in 1779, would also provide the poet with a store of images and sensory experience that he would continue to draw on throughout his poetic career,” writes the Poetry Foundation.
It is easy to see why Potter and the poet laureate found such inspiration from Hawkshead, which has a population of just 500.
Hawkshead’s pedestrianized village centre, with its narrow lanes and alleys, is free from the intrusion of motor vehicles.
Surrounded by stunning natural scenery, Hawkshead is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts. There are an abundance of hiking trails, cycling routes, and water activities in the nearby lakes like Windermere and Coniston. Whether you are a seasoned hill walker or someone who prefers a gentle stroll, there will be something for you to enjoy on the accessible paths as well as more challenging hikes in the local fells.
Popular walks include the sculpture trail through nearby Grizedale Forest, as well as the walk to Tarn Hows, one of the most-loved beauty spots in the whole of the Lake District.
Once you’ve built up an appetite, seek a refreshing drink and hearty dinner in one of the village’s four cosy country pubs. The Queen’s Head. The dog-friendly inn has been welcoming guests through its doors since the 17th century with roaring fires, cask ales, award-winning food and beds for the night.
On a sunny day, there are few more pleasant things to do than enjoying an ice cream to enjoy as you stroll through the village’s pretty streets or stopping for a brew and homemade cake at a traditional tearoom.
You can also take a bit of Hawkshead home with you in the form of jams and chutneys from Hawkshead Relish, or some Grasmere Gingerbread. The famed bakery has their only store outside of Grasmere in the village.
The pace, pretty scenery and rows of unaltered, listing houses in Hawkshead have made it a great hit with visitors.
“The higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets lead you to village shops, bakeries, cafes and boutiques. Cars are banned from the village which makes this a particularly nice place to wander about and soak up the Cumbrian culture,” writes local Ruth in Lakeland Hideaways.
“Our village has been described as the ‘prettiest village in the Lake District’.”
Clive Wheat added: “When I think of the Lakes I think of Hawkshead. I have been visiting this village for over forty-five years and even stayed here on our honeymoon. It’s always a pleasure to revisit this wonderful Lake District village.”
In its guide to the town, Choose Where writes: “Hawkshead feels like a step back into a quieter, more romantic version of England.
“Hawkshead is worth visiting for its unspoilt character, literary heritage, and position as a gateway to some of the Lake District’s loveliest countryside. Unlike some Lake District towns that have been heavily modernised, Hawkshead retains its medieval street plan and historic charm, with car-free lanes winding past ancient buildings.”
The village is located between Coniston and Windermere. While cars are not permitted in the village centre, there is a large pay-and-display car park on the outskirts. Public transport options, including the 505 Stagecoach bus service, connect Hawkshead with nearby towns like Ambleside, Coniston, and Windermere.