Things to do in Hawkshead

2026 Global 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions

Windermere

Windermere is located within the Lake District National Park in England, stretching approx. 18 km in a narrow north-south band. It was formed at the end of the last glacial period, when meltwater gathered in the valley to create the lake. The lake body is divided into two basins: the northern basin rests on hard volcanic rock, while the southern basin lies on soft shale, and this geological difference gives the two stretches of water distinct characters. More than ten small islands are scattered across the lake, among which Belle Isle lies opposite Bowness and features a private residence on the island, presenting a distinctive charm when viewed from the water. Since the railway reached it in the 19th century, Windermere has been a popular holiday destination in England, with lake and mountain scenery surrounded by the peaks of the Lake District. Taking a boat on the lake is a classic way to experience it: cruise routes run the full length of the lake, from Lakeside at the southern end to Waterhead near Ambleside at the northern end, calling at piers such as Bowness along the way, with sweeping views of the lake's islands, the wooded shores, and the layered distant fells. A cable ferry that carries vehicles also crosses the lake between the east and west shores, a distinctive local way of crossing. Visitors who enjoy being on the water can also rent a boat near the piers and row out themselves, or walk or go cycling along the lakeside paths to take in the scenery from different angles. Every winter, flocks of migratory birds pass through the Lake District on migration, and gatherings of waterfowl are often seen on the lake. Windermere also has a profound literary heritage. The poet Wordsworth once depicted the magnificent scenery overlooking the lake from a hill in his poem The Prelude; the writer Arthur Ransome's children's literature classic Swallows and Amazons is based on this lake and Coniston Water, telling the adventure story of children sailing on the lake. Children's literature author Beatrix Potter lived in the Lake District for a long time, and the pastoral scenery by the lakeside provided inspiration for her Peter Rabbit series of stories.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Lancashire

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park is located in the Cumbria region of northwest England and is a well-known area of mountain and lake scenery. The park is characterized by glacial lakes, rolling mountains, deep valleys, stone-built farmhouses, and traditional villages, where natural scenery and rural life intertwine, creating a distinct landscape characteristic of Northern England. It covers an area of approx. 2,362 square kilometers and features numerous mountains, lakes, valleys, woodlands, and rural settlements, offering a rich variety of scenery. In addition to its natural beauty, it also preserves traditional stone walls, farms, historic buildings, and villages with local character, reflecting the long-standing coexistence between people and the mountainous environment. The park is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain hiking, cycling, boating, kayaking, and lake sightseeing.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Lake District National Park

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction is located in the village of Bowness in the Lake District, Cumbria, England, United Kingdom, and is an indoor exhibition attraction themed around classic stories. The venue uses 3D scenes, character models, sound, and visual effects to bring the plots of works like "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" to life for visitors, making them feel as if they have stepped into the world of a storybook. The exhibition area recreates the rural environments, gardens, and animal living scenes from various stories, showcasing characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. Finely crafted animal models, combined with sets and lighting, present the pastoral scenery and daily scenes common in the illustrations. With its main features being the recreation of fairy tale scenes, 3D model displays, and family-friendly interactions, it is suitable for family visitors and readers who love the Peter Rabbit stories.

High Street

This street preserves many historic buildings and independent shops, offering a charming shopping environment for visitors. You can find a wide variety of shops here, including boutiques, art shops, handicraft shops, and shops selling local specialties. The shops offer many unique items such as handmade art, souvenirs, local food, and handcrafted jewelry.

Hawkshead

There is a book titled "The Rose Villages of England" that features a total of 42 picturesque villages and towns in the United Kingdom. The Lake District claims three of them, and Hawkshead is one. It is the birthplace of the Lake Poets, and William Wordsworth, the founding poet of the British Romantic Lake Poets, had a deep connection to this place. With his fresh, natural style and clear, fluent language, he pioneered the British Romantic style of poetry. Hawkshead is also a historically significant ancient village and was once a famous hub for wool products.

Bowness Bay

Wordsworth Grasmere

In the vast land of Zhonglingyuxiu in the Lake District, the poet Wordsworth left a sentence "I wander like a cloudless sky" (Iwanderedlonelyasacloud) that touched the heartstrings of many British people, making thousands of tourists feel the sky high in the Lake District. Yun Dan's life is rushing. On display in the museum are a large number of poetry manuscripts and letters of the British native romantic poet, as well as his life experience in the Lake District, such as the buildings that are close to life like thatched huts, and the galleries that are a strip of water from the museum exhibits. Visitors bring a sense of leisurely rural life. If you want to take away some souvenirs, a feather pen from the Wordsworth era is the way to go.

National Trust - Wray

Frey Castle is located on the west bank of Lake Windermere. The castle is full of ancient paintings, furniture and antiques. Visitors can join a free tour to learn the complete story of the castle. If you bring children, you will find that there are playgrounds for children, rope swings and many other outdoor activities to participate in, as well as beautiful gardens and courtyards. It should be noted that the parking lot of the castle is very small, and it is often full by 11:00. A boat from Ambleside is recommended, or a bus between FerryNabvia HillTop and Hawkshead.

Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house

Blackville Art and Industrial Villas is a holiday home built by architect MH Baillie Scott, 2 miles south of Bowness town. Today, it is one of the most charming historic buildings in the Lake District. Most of the furnishings in the house are still in their original state. You can see rare burlap decorations, leaf-shaped doorknobs, plaster sculptures, etc. Furniture, you can learn about Arts&CraftsMovement. In addition, walking on the terrace by the garden is also a good experience.

Hayes Garden Centre