Hawkshead
Welcome to Hawkshead: a picturesque village in the heart of the Lake District. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers plenty to see and do.
Dotted with whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, courtyards and squares, Hawkshead is packed with character and charm. Immerse yourself in the area’s history – the village has connections with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. It’s also a great place to pick up popular local delicacies such as Hawkshead Relish and Grasmere Gingerbread®.
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
This unique museum tells the story of school life since the founding of the grammar school in 1585. William Wordsworth was educated here and the current school building dates from 1675. The schoolroom has not changed much in 350 years – visitors are encouraged to sit at the desk where Wordsworth carved his name. Talks are available for groups and tours of the historic library can be pre-booked.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: 1st April – 31st October Thursday – Monday. Open daily during school holidays. Closed 1st November – 31st March.
Entrance Fees: Group rates available.
Parking for Coaches: Coach parking available in nearby public car park run by Lake District National Park.
Contact: Tel: 01539 436674 or email hgsmuseum@gmail.com.
Website: hawksheadgrammar.org.uk
Facilities: The museum does not have a café or toilets, but public toilets and cafes are within a shot walk of the museum.
Road Links: From Ambleside take the A593 and turn onto the B5286 for Hawkshead. Please note this road is narrow and bendy in places, however, it is a route used by the public bus service. SATNAV: LA22 0NT.
Hill Top –Beatrix Potter’s
House
Also nearby...
Continue the literature theme with a visit to Wordsworth Grasmere, which is approximately a 30 minute drive.
Wordsworth
Grasmere
National Trust’s Hill Top is a time capsule of Beatrix Potter’s life. Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix has just stepped out for a walk. Beatrix used the house and surroundings as the inspiration for the setting of many of her tales, including the well-known ‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’.
Please note that there is no coach parking at Hill Top and mini buses must be booked in.
Venue Details:
Entrance Fees: Pre-book tickets via National Trust website.
Parking for Coaches: Mini buses only. Larger groups will need to arrange mini bus transportation from Bowness-on-Windermere or Ambleside.
Contact: Tel: 015394 36269 or Email: hilltop.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/hill-top
Facilities: Toilets and gift shop.
Step back in time as you explore the bustling family home where William Wordsworth created much of his greatest work, and his sister Dorothy wrote her Grasmere journal. Stroll through the beautiful cottage garden and discover the story of this remarkable family in the Museum.
Venue Details:
Opening Hours: Open all year but please check website for opening hours.
Entrance Fees: Group rates available. Bespoke tours and experiences available for an additional fee.
Parking for Coaches: Coach parking available.
Contact: Tel: 015394 35544 or email bookings@wordsworth.org.uk
Website: wordsworth.org.uk
Facilities: Café, toilets and gift shop.
Road Links: J36 of the M6, A591 to Grasmere. SATNAV: LA22 9SH.
© National Trust Images
Here to Help...
Cumbria Tourism is the official Local Visitor Economy Partnership for the Lake District, Cumbria and is here to help you find the right accommodation for your customers, locate new experiences, secure guides and more. Our team will also help with introductions to contacts and suppliers who are happy and keen to work with the travel trade. We can also provide the travel trade with free access to our extensive library of images and video footage of which we own the copyright.
For further information email Francine Bult: fbult@cumbriatourism.org or sign up to receive our travel trade e-newsletters at www.cumbriatourism.org/traveltrade.
The Let’s Go Culture project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by Westmorland & Furness Council. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus