Things To Do
Hawkshead is such a pretty village in the Vale of Esthwaite. Whitewashed houses topped with lakeland slate, cobbled streets and hidden yards and an ancient church. All steeped in history and surrounded by stunning scenery. The village, once a medieval market town renowned as the wool trade centre of the north west, now bustles with shops, great pubs and cafe's aswell as historical heritage and attractions. Wordsworth stayed at Ann Tyson's Cottage and attended Hawkshead Grammar School, which is really worth visiting. Beatrix Potter's house at Hill Top, Near Sawrey is a must, the Tower Bank Arms and the Cuckoo Brow Inn are both really good for food (booking advisable) and serve Loweswater Gold (brewed at Esthwate) the ale of choice for most locals. Over the hill from Far Sawrey is the vista of Windermere and a short walk to the viewing station pictured above affords stunning views. Stand around and wait a while and the RAF will fly very low and very fast up the Lake. A trip to Windermere is incomplete without taking a trip on the cruise ships Swan or Tern Walk Claife Heights or to the top of Latterbarrow or up Vicarage Lane to Grizedale Forest. From April to October Ospreys fly over Esthwaite Water, there are a few nests locally, and you can take a guided boat trip from Hawkshead Trout Fishery to get a closer look at these amazing birds, there's also a great cafe, see link. Tarn Hows is so picturesque and has a lovely two mile circuit walk. Hike up Coniston Old Man, or visit Brantwood, home to the notable Victorian John Ruskin, Coniston's Ruskin Museum could be a choice if the weather isn't kind. Hawkshead is the centre of the Lakes and nearby is Blea Tarn and the Langdales, Coniston is only a few miles away, as is Ambleside (great restaurants, museum, shops, cruise ships) - Zeffirellis is so popular as a vegetarian restaurant and cinemas, they do a film and meal deal, you won't get out of Hayes Garden Centre without spending money, but it's great! Grasmere is a couple more miles north, and you do need to buy some special ginger bread. We hope we've given you a few ideas whether you wish to take your break relaxing and visiting places or hiking hills, it's all here at Hawkshead. Click here to see local events throughout 2023.
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Pic Esthwaite