Hawkshead village in the Lake District, showing a stone church tower, rooftops, green fields, and distant hills under a bright blue sky.

A Family Guide to Hawkshead, Lake District

If you’re searching for the perfect destination for family-friendly adventures, Hawkshead in the Lake District could be just the place for you. With days-gone-by charm and connections to famed writers William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, along with cosy cafes, quirky shops, and outdoor adventures on its doorstep, there really is something for everyone.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a family guide to Hawkshead below.

Hawkshead at a glance

Best for: family village exploring + easy outdoor adventures
Vibe: historic, characterful, and wonderfully walkable
Great nearby add-ons: Hill Top (Beatrix Potter), Grizedale Forest, Esthwaite Water, Windermere
Base: easy day trip from Bowness-on-Windermere and The Ro Hotel

Why Hawkshead is perfect for family adventures

With charming, whitewashed cottages, historic courtyards, higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets and a traffic-free centre, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped back in time. Yet Hawkshead has everything you need for a great family day out — from quirky independent shops and public toilets to lots of cafes where you can grab much-needed refreshments.

The village centre is car-free, which means you and your little ones are free to explore and soak up the atmosphere without worrying about traffic through the heart of the village.

Situated between Windermere and Coniston, Hawkshead in the Lake District is also the perfect stop if you’re exploring more of the South Lakes. From The Ro Hotel, you can drop in to Hawkshead on your way to Coniston or nearby Grizedale Forest, or combine it with a trip to Ambleside.

Getting to Hawkshead from Bowness and The Ro Hotel

Passengers relax on a boat deck cruising a lake under a clear blue sky, with a Union Jack flag at the bow and scenic hills in the background.

At The Ro Hotel, we offer the ideal base for families looking to explore the South Lakes. In addition to spacious family rooms, our central location in Bowness-on-Windermere means that there’s plenty of family-friendly attractions and walks available on our doorstep, as well as treasured gems like Hawkshead village, which is within easy reach by car or public transport.

If you’re planning to visit Hawkshead, there are a couple of options for getting there from The Ro Hotel:

Option 1: By car

By car, it takes around 40 minutes via Ambleside (depending on traffic).

Option 2: Make a day of it — ferry + seasonal connections

For a fun option, hop on the Windermere Ferry from Ferry Nab (Bowness) to Far Sawrey. The crossing takes around 10 minutes.

From there, you can connect onwards in a couple of ways depending on the time of year:

The Cross Lakes Experience / Mountain Goat 525 is a popular seasonal service linking Bowness to Hill Top and on to Hawkshead. It runs on set dates, so it’s worth checking before you travel.

Beatrix Potter magic: Hill Top (plus a Hawkshead note)

Hill Top, where beloved children’s writer Beatrix Potter once lived, is now owned and managed by the National Trust, so it is a must-visit for families exploring this part of the Lakes.

Full of treasured possessions and details that feel straight out of her stories, children can enjoy experiencing their favourite books come to life. The stunning garden is also open to visitors, and many families love spotting the real-life inspiration behind her illustrations.

It’s a popular attraction, especially during peak holiday seasons, so booking ahead is recommended — and because parking is limited, it’s worth checking the National Trust visitor guidance before you set off.

Quick Hawkshead note

The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead is permanently closed, and the former gallery building has since been repurposed (including as a National Trust bookshop).

Forest fun and trails at Grizedale and beyond

Autumn view of Grizedale Forest with grazing sheep in the foreground and the peaks of the Old Man of Coniston and Wetherlam rising in the distance.

Just a short drive from Hawkshead, Grizedale Forest is the perfect destination for little ones to let off some steam after a morning exploring the village.

With walking and cycling trails, sculpture trails, family activities, playgrounds, and Go Ape high ropes adventures, there’s loads to keep the whole family occupied. It’s also a great shout if you’re juggling different ages, because you can mix shorter routes with longer adventures.

The forest has multiple car parks and uses an ANPR pay-on-exit system, so it’s worth checking the latest parking info before you arrive.

Lakeside adventures at Esthwaite Water and Windermere

If you’re looking for even more family-friendly things to do near Hawkshead, why not consider getting out on the water? You’ll find boat trips and hire options around both Esthwaite Water and Windermere (availability varies seasonally, so it’s best to check ahead).

Esthwaite Water is the closer of the two lakes, just a short drive from Hawkshead village. Quieter and lesser-known, it’s ideal for calmer lake days and wildlife spotting.

Windermere is a little further, but it offers more options — from lake cruises to a wide range of family-friendly waterside activities.

Rainy-day treats: workshops, museums and cosy cafes

If the weather turns (this is the Lake District, after all), Hawkshead still has plenty to keep families happy.

Chocolate-making fun

For rainy-day activities in Hawkshead, you can’t beat The Chocolate Factory. It’s an interactive experience where children can craft and decorate their own chocolate creations — perfect when you want a fun activity that doesn’t depend on the forecast. Workshop sessions and availability vary, so it’s best to check ahead and book if you can.

A museum that kids actually enjoy

Another great indoor stop is Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, with hands-on, family-friendly activities like dressing up, scavenger hunts and quill writing. Opening times vary across the year, so do check before you go.

Cosy café stops

Or you can simply wait for the rain to clear in one of the village’s many places to eat. Some of our favourites include The Queen’s Head for traditional pub classics, Billy’s Barr for more contemporary offerings, Minstrel Gallery for a classic tearoom, or Ginny’s Teapot (a great shout for vegetarian and vegan options).

Easy family walks and pushchair-friendly strolls

There are also plenty of walks to be enjoyed in and around Hawkshead in the Lake District. Some of our top family-friendly options include:

Hawkshead to Tarn Hows – A popular route of around two miles, with a mix of lanes and footpaths. It can get muddy, so walking shoes are recommended.
Latterbarrow from Hawkshead – A brilliant “little fell” nearby. If you’ve got small children, a carrier is often easier than a pram on this route.
Esthwaite Water from Hawkshead – A gentler leg-stretch option that works well after you’ve explored the village, with lovely lake views as your reward.
Wray Castle routes – A great adventurous day out, but route lengths and surfaces vary, so it’s best to check your chosen path if you’re planning pushchairs.

Why The Ro is a great base for family Lake District breaks

The Ro Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere at sunset, with warm interior lights glowing and a dramatic pink and blue sky in the background.

Situated in Bowness-on-Windermere, right in the heart of the Lake District, The Ro Hotel is perfectly located for family breaks in the South Lakes.

Our spacious family rooms come with sofa beds and are also dog-friendly, so you can be confident that every member of the family can relax after a busy day out exploring the Lakes.

Ready for your adventure? Book your family stay at The Ro

If you’re keen to explore Hawkshead and the Lake District with your family, book your stay at our hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere - the perfect base for village days, forest adventures and lakeside fun.