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Hawkshead

Situated in the heart of the Lake District is Hawkshead, with its cobbled streets, and picturesque houses. Whitewashed cottages are built around old courtyards to give visitors a traditional taste of the Lake District.

Narrow passageways and alleyways are worth exploring and you will find some fascinating architecture down Rag and Putty Street. Dotted around the streets are intriguing old coaching inns and cosy tea rooms, which add to Hawkshead´s laid back atmosphere.

The Quaker hamlet of Colthouse has an old Meeting House dating back to 1688, with its own burial ground. The house is still in use, and to the north you will find the Baptist community of Hawkshead Hill, plus a simple chapel in the heart of Hawkshead.

The quiet lake of Esthwaite Water is surrounded by lush green meadows, which are overlooked by the woods of Grizedale and Claife Heights, which is well known for its trout fishery. The twin villages of Far and Near Sawrey are situated close by, and the latter is well known as being associated with Beatrix Potter´s house at Hill Top where she wrote most of her famous books.

Hawkshead is midway between the lakes at Windermere and Coniston Water and Esthwaite Water. Easy access is available to the woodland activities at Grizedale Forest Park. Coniston and Ambleside are also nearby, and visitors can take advantage of a short ferry crossing to Bowness and the far side of Windermere.

Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels

The Parish Church of St Michael and All Angels enjoys an elevated position to the south west of the village, and the views over the open countryside are stunning. The walls inside the church are adorned with biblical texts, and an old chest made from a huge oak beam once stored the parish registry documents.

 

Old Grammar School

The Old Grammar School was founded by Archbishop, Edward Sandys, in 1585, and was renowned for its teaching of Latin, Greek and mathematics. William Wordsworth attended the school from 1779 to 1787, and one of the desks is inscribed with his name.

The Old Courthouse

The Old Courthouse was built in the 15th Century, and once belonged to Furness Abbey. This is where the villagers once came to pay their rents, and also the place where wrongdoers were tried and punished. More serious crimes were punished by sending offenders to the gallows on a nearby hill.

 

Hill Top

Hill Top is a 17th Century farmhouse where Beatrix Potter once lived, and it proved the inspiration for many of her books, including Jemima Puddleduck. The house remains much the same as when she lived here, and visitors can view paintings, furniture and china, as it was in the 17th Century.

Wray Castle

Wray Castle is an imposing gothic building which was constructed by James Dawson in the 1840´s. Beatrix Potter stayed here in 1882 whilst on holiday with her parents. The grounds are open all year round.

The Quaker Meeting House

The Quaker Meeting House is situated on a narrow back lane in Colthouse. During the 17th Century, Quakers were persecuted for their beliefs, which forced them to meet in secret. Nearby is a Quaker cemetery.

Grizedale Forest Park

Grizedale Forest Park has extensive conifer plantations and woodland, which offers a wide range of activities. Visitors can try orienteering, cycle along woodland tracks, follow the sculpture trails or enjoy guided walks with a forest ranger.  Specially organised events for children take place regularly.

Claife Heights

Claife Heights is a thickly wooded area with a maze of bridleways and forest tracks which attract walkers and hikers from all around the Lake District. The woodlands were once worked for charcoal production, which was used to smelt iron ore and other minerals.

Wray Castle gardens

Wray Castle gardens were first designed in the 1840s to emphasise the romantic and picturesque landscape of the area. Exotic tree  species can be found in the gardens and visitors can enjoy stunning views down to the lake.

Latterbarrow

For one of the best views of Hawkshead, take a trip up to the top of Latterbarrow. The short walk is well worth it for the amazing views of lakes and mountains from the top. Ambleside is clearly visible, along with Helvellyn, Langdale Pikes and The ´Old Man´ of Coniston.


Visitors to Hawkshead can find some great attractions, events, pubs, restaurants and festivals on the doorstep. Close to Coniston and Windermere, with a great selection of boutique hotels, themed hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast accommodation, there is something to suit every requirement and budget at Hawkshead.

 

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