Hawkshead
Village
This village is one of the gems of the English Lake District. Situated five miles south-west of Ambleside, and equidistant from the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, Hawkshead was a thriving centre of the local wool trade It lies in the Esk Dale valley at the head of the small Estwhaite Water, a charming little lake, best knwon for its trout fishing.
Esthwaite Water
In the Middle Ages it was a wealthy market town, to which the present St Michael's church is one remainder. Its wealth is also still evident from the Hawkshead Grammar School, which was founded in 1585, and boasted among its pupils William Wordsworth. Even by his day the town, and its school were in decline, and the school finally closed in 1907. The village school continues as a state school in a school on Main Street, and the old Grammar School is open to visitors
The church, standing on a hilly knoll overlooks the modern village from its southern edge, and from its height magnificent views of the southern half of the Lake District are to be had. The church dates back to the norman period, but is best known for the illuminated psalms and other biblical extracts, painted in the 17th and 18th centuries. The graveyard climbs up above the church, and is worth the climb for the panoramic views to be obtained
Beatrix Potter also had associations with Hawkshead,having bought lands in the area, and having married a Hawkshead lawyer and there is a Beatrix Potter Gallery on Main Street.
Today the village is a charming place, abounding in hotels, inns, other eating places and many other shops, including the Post Office, a chemist and a supermarket, and also the clothing store which bears the name of 'Hawkshead'. That a village which fits compactly in a 600 yard square maintains so much trade is due to its enormous tourist potential, which in turn is sustained by the businesses. That it has not been totally spoiled hangs on the fact that the village centre is closed to traffic, with an enormous car park on its boundary. (please do note that there are quite high charges for using the Car Park, imposed by the National Parks Authority)
The charm of Hawkshead depends on its many squares and alleyways together with its colourwashed buildings. Main Street runs north-south down the eastern side of the village and which houses the Post Office and also the Queens Head Hotel. Off to the left is The Square, where a beer of glass of wine may be enjoyed on the open forecourt of the Kings Arms, and Red Lion Square.
Follow the pedestrain path toward the Post Office and there is Red Lion Square, with the Red Lion Inn
Village
websiteThis village is one of the gems of the English Lake District. Situated five miles south-west of Ambleside, and equidistant from the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, Hawkshead was a thriving centre of the local wool trade It lies in the Esk Dale valley at the head of the small Estwhaite Water, a charming little lake, best knwon for its trout fishing.
Esthwaite Water
In the Middle Ages it was a wealthy market town, to which the present St Michael's church is one remainder. Its wealth is also still evident from the Hawkshead Grammar School, which was founded in 1585, and boasted among its pupils William Wordsworth. Even by his day the town, and its school were in decline, and the school finally closed in 1907. The village school continues as a state school in a school on Main Street, and the old Grammar School is open to visitors
 School Room |
 Plaque showing School Heads |
The church, standing on a hilly knoll overlooks the modern village from its southern edge, and from its height magnificent views of the southern half of the Lake District are to be had. The church dates back to the norman period, but is best known for the illuminated psalms and other biblical extracts, painted in the 17th and 18th centuries. The graveyard climbs up above the church, and is worth the climb for the panoramic views to be obtained
Beatrix Potter also had associations with Hawkshead,having bought lands in the area, and having married a Hawkshead lawyer and there is a Beatrix Potter Gallery on Main Street.
 |
 Panorama from the churchyard and (left) St Michael's church |
Today the village is a charming place, abounding in hotels, inns, other eating places and many other shops, including the Post Office, a chemist and a supermarket, and also the clothing store which bears the name of 'Hawkshead'. That a village which fits compactly in a 600 yard square maintains so much trade is due to its enormous tourist potential, which in turn is sustained by the businesses. That it has not been totally spoiled hangs on the fact that the village centre is closed to traffic, with an enormous car park on its boundary. (please do note that there are quite high charges for using the Car Park, imposed by the National Parks Authority)
The charm of Hawkshead depends on its many squares and alleyways together with its colourwashed buildings. Main Street runs north-south down the eastern side of the village and which houses the Post Office and also the Queens Head Hotel. Off to the left is The Square, where a beer of glass of wine may be enjoyed on the open forecourt of the Kings Arms, and Red Lion Square.
Follow the pedestrain path toward the Post Office and there is Red Lion Square, with the Red Lion Inn
