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 In medieaval times, Hawkshead was owned by the Monks of Furness Abbey, and was a busy centre of the woolen trade. It is a charming traffic-free town of whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, alleys, tea-shops and inns with strong links to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery was once the office of her husband and solicitor, William Heelis. Inside, the original water-colours, illustrations, and various other items relating to her life and times are on display.
 The old Grammar School, founded in 1585, closed in 1909. It was here that Wordsworth and his brother John were educated. Confirmation of his attendance is to be found on a desk in which his initials are carved.
 The 16th century Church of St. Michael stands on a raised mound above the village from where there are fine views across to the mountains of Helvellyn and the Langdale Pikes. The inner wall paintings of the church are an interesting feature.
The 9000 acres of the Grizedale Forest's nature trails, wood sculptures and picnic areas are close-by. The present day picnic and car-park position is the site of the former World War 2 prisoner-of-war camp for German officers. It was from here that "the one that got away" escaped, an event later made into a film of the same name.
 The neighbouring artificially created Tarn Hows is a much admired visitor attraction. The waters, surrounded by woodland, well trodden paths and extensive fell views is one of the Lake District's top photographic models.
 Hawkshead really is a delight. Everything about it conveys a calm untroubled air well suited to the visitor wishing to soak up the atmosphere of days gone-by.
As elsewhere in the National Park, the accommodation, local pubs, restaurants and cafes provide commendable value for money.
How to get there:
By rail: From the West Coast Main Line, change at Carnforth or Oxenholme for Windermere.
From Windermere, take one of the many buses or taxis.
By road: The village is reached from J36 of the M6 along the A590/A591 to Ambleside, and then the B5285.
Or from J36 to Bowness on the A590/591, and from there take the cross lake ferry to Sawrey and on to Hawkshead.
Local links:
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