The UK is full of beautiful-looking towns and villages, and one example is Hawkshead in the Lake District. Located in Cumbria, Hawkshead is one of the few towns within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park and has often been referred to as the “most beautiful” of these. 

Visiting Hawkshead can feel like taking a step back in time thanks to its cobbled streets and car-free town centre. Alongside this, the high street is full of independent shops, quirky cafés and historic buildings. Much of the land in and around Hawkshead is now owned by the National Trust, and they highlight the town’s literary connections, including Beatrix Potter‘s farmhouse, which provided inspiration for a number of her books.

Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former farmhouse, is just a short drive from Hawkshead town centre. 

Originally built in the 17th century, Beatrix purchased the home in 1905 as her home away from London. Upon her death in 1943, she left the property to the National Trust.

The Peter Rabbit author isn’t the only writer with a connection to Hawkshead. The Romantic poet William Wordsworth attended Hawkshead Grammar School from 1787.

Today, the school stands as a museum showcasing school life between 1585, when it was founded, and 1909, when it closed. In one of the former ground-floor classrooms, you can even see desks with carvings by the boys, including some thought to be by the poet himself.

The history of Hawkshead stretches back centuries, and it’s believed it was once a Viking settlement, with the name originating from the Old Norse of Haukr’s saetr, meaning Haukr’s summer farm or Haukr’s summer grazing place.

The town was later owned by the Cistercian monks of Furness Abbey, who were granted the land in 1137. The land remained in their hands until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. 

Following the closure of Furness Abbey, its land, including the town of Hawkshead, was surrendered to the crown, and the village gained its Market Charter in 1608.

Since the formation of the Lake District National Park in 1951, Hawkshead has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for those looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.