Hawkshead

Hawkshead is a village in the Lake District, England and is one of the main tourist areas within the South Lakeland area. Situated north of Esthwaite Water, in a valley to the west of Windermere and east of Coniston Water, Hawkshead is the ideal spot for enjoying walks throughout the famously stunning scenery of the Lake District.

Hawkshead itself is one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District with many buildings dating from the 1600s and features a lively community with many pubs to cater to everyone’s individual taste.

Hawkshead has a seemingly timeless atmosphere and features a number of curious alleyways, overhanging gables and a series of medieval squares and the National Trust now owns a large amount of the land in and around the village. There are a number of places in which to stay, as well as plenty of walks and roads linking you to the other nearby tourist attractions the Lake District is so well known for.

Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead LA22 0LF (01539) 436269

Once the home of prolific author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter; Hill Top is now displayed as a fascinating time-capsule of her life.

She wrote 23 books here, including the stories of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. Each room has also been lovingly furnished with her personal items and treasures by the National Trust.

A timed-ticket system means that waiting times can be long; but the wait to see such an evocative house is well worth it.