Hawkshead

Hawkshead

Hawkshead lies west of lake Windermere a little above the head of Esthwaite Water. It has a charm, bettered only by Cartmel, that makes it one of the most popular villages in South Lakeland. Two interlinking squares lead off to a maze of little alleyways, the buildings an eclectic mix of stone, timber and whitewash, many overhanging the pavements. The town dates back to the middle ages and was big in the wool market, prosperous and happy, especially as it once boasted seven inns. Today that number has been shaved to a mere four. Overlooking the village is the 16th century church of St Michael. Placed high on its own little hill, it is well worth visiting for its design and historical records, especially those relating to the ‘burial in wool’ certificates. This was an act of parliament which ordered woollen shrouds for the dead, an attempt to stimulate more growth in the wool industry, and an itchy hearafter. Many of the buildings, most of which today date from the 17th century, are owned by the National Trust. There is a museum dedicated to Beatrix Potter set up in the former solicitor’s office of her husband, William Heelis. The story tells of her life and works and you can see a display of her original drawings and watercolours. At the southern end of the village is the old Grammar School dating from 1675. Perfectly preserved, it has the additional fame of being attended by the young William Wordsworth where on one of the desks, entombed under perspex, you can see where the lad carved his name.

Shopping - Dining - Entertainment

Popularity does bring some downsides to little villages, often in the shape of gift shops at the expense of all others. Though Hawkshead has its fair share of this genre it still retains a good chemist and post office, a village co-op, deli, the renowned Hawkshead Relish Company, along with an excellent bookshop. On the edge of the village is the Stewardson empire, run by Lee Stewardson. These two clothes shops have been here for years, one selling good outdoor gear, the other quality classical fashion wear such as Burberry. Hawkshead Clothing is another large outlet selling mid range affordable kit and last but not least, Sumit Treks selling pro Gear and offering all manner of activities. Sixpenny Bears is one of the largest bears shops in the UK, this, along with other shops selling an array of china, fancy lights, jumpers, art, and baskets. There are four pubs, of which the two best are The Queens Head, a very Elizabethan looking structure serving both good food and ale and The Kings Head, in ‘ The Square’, which has friendly staff, excellent beer and robust food. The starter of Yorkshire pudding, a great slab of gorgeous golden batter soaked in gravy would set me up on its own.

Out And About - Local Walks - Activities

Locally there are a number of places to visit, even more activities, both on and off nearby Coniston water, and endless hours of glorious walks, treks and climbs. In the village is the Grammar School and the museum dedicated to Beatrix Potter. At nearby Sawrey is Hill Top Beatrix's home and open to the public. Over at Coniston is the Ruskin Museum, along with Brantwood House, home of John Ruskin, where you can see an exhibition of Ruskin's life and work. For the adventurous there is Summit Treks with outlets both in Hawkshead and Coniston. Run by Ron Rutland, his teams will take you rock climbing, abseiling, aquasailing, canoeing and mountain biking. Similar are Joint Adventures, or you may like to try some avian pursuits, taking to the air with Coniston Paragliding. At the Coniston Boating Centre you can hire all manner of craft from sailing boats to canoes, windsurfers to little motor boats, all there for you to have fun mucking about in and on the water. Esthwaite Water lies a mile south of the village, a small tarn which is the home of the Hawkshead Trout Farm. Here you can hire fishing tackle, boats and bait and spend a day catching supper of rainbow trout, or dine in one of the pubs and tell your friends about the monster that got away. Finally, over in the Grizedale Forest, you have Go Ape, a great adventure, swinging, scrambling and zip wiring through the forest canopy, or bike trails