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Hawkshead can be found on the B5285, 4 miles [6km] south of Ambleside and close to the hamlet of Near Sawrey. The village of Hawkshead is a place of charm and character with an atmosphere which is timeless. It boasts whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, alleyways, quaint corners, courtyards and cobbled streets.

The village was once an important market town for the wool industry until its decline in the early 19th Century. Hawkshead is now a popular area with the tourists due to its association with William Wordsworth in his early days of his life. It was here that inspired William to write some of his earliest poems. In "The Prelude", completed in 1805, Wordsworth describes the village and the surrounding countryside.

You can see the Old Grammar school where William Wordsworth attended between the years of 1779 and 1787 and the cottage of Ann Tyson where he lodged. At the school you can see the original desks, including the one belonging to Wordsworth and still bearing his name carved into it.

Above the school is the Church of St. Michael which dates from the 16th Century and overlooks the village. Inside you will discover interesting wall paintings.

Several buildings in Hawkshead and land that overlooks Esthwaite Water was given to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter. In the village there is the Beatrix Potter Gallery which displays her original drawings and information about her life.

To the northwest of Hawkshead you will find Tarn Hows which is a picturesque area with a gentle walk around the tarn itself.

You are not allowed to park inside the village itself so that you can walk freely around the narrow streets. Close by you will find a car park which can fill up quickly around Bank Holidays and weekends.

Clicking on the various Level Maps below will show different map views of Hawkshead and District. Maps Courtesy of Multi Map.
County Level Map
Town Level Map
Street Level Map