Reviews Hawkshead
Please see below people's reviews of the Hawkshead Area.
Dr John EVANS
In and Around Hawkshead
Hawkshead Village
Once a prosperous mediaeval wool town, it is a very historic place, with connections with the poet William Wordsworth (who attended Hawkshead Grammar School between 1778 and 1787 - visitors can still see the desk on which he carved his name) and Beatrix Potter, who lived at Hill Top, Near Sawrey, two miles from the village. The Beatrix Potter Gallery, a National Trust museum displaying original illustrations from her famous children's story books is housed in the office once used by her husband, a solicitor.
Hawkshead is a wonderful place to wander round, with many buildings of architectural and historic interest - even the street names (Leather Street, Flag Street...) are reminiscent of earlier times.
The village has a very relaxed feel, and is full of quaint old shops as well as an abundance of inns and cafes from which to soak up the atmosphere.
picture show of kings arms
Near Hawkshead
Beatrix Potter lived at Hill Top, Near Sawrey, two miles outside Hawkshead and now a National Trust property open to the public.
To the west of Hawkshead is Grizedale Forest, 9,000 acres of woodland with many nature trails dotted with sculptures and picnic sites, as well as an award winning sculpture trail suitable for wheelchairs and very good for children!
There are many walks around Hawkshead, from Tarn Hows on the west to Latterbarrow and the Claife Heights on the east. All afford beautiful views of the Lake District. Esthwaite Water, to the south of Hawkshead, can be easily reached by a public footpath - and visitors can try their hand at fishing by hiring a rod from the Hawkshead Trout Farm, which also sells trout from the lake.
Further afield
The Lake District's primary attraction is its landscape, but you don't have to be a mega-keen hiker to enjoy it! As well as many shorter walks and footpaths, there are several local attractions that can be put together to make a very pleasant day out. Try catching the Coniston Launch or the Gondola from the pier in Coniston, across to Brantwood, John Ruskin's old home. The house and gardens are well worth a visit, and the walk back round the lake to Coniston is gentle and very nice. Another trip that combines water and land could take you on the steamer from Lakeside to Waterhead, then by open-topped bus to Brockhole Tourist Information Centre, where there is a lot to do and see, and back to Lakeside, again by steamer. Lakeside is also a quick boat ride away from Fell Foot, a beautiful lakeside park run by the National Trust, and a station for the Lakeside-Haverthwaite steam train.
What a fantastic Location will be back