The Local Area
The cottage is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful
and varied local scenery, beloved by the poet William Wordsworth who went to school in Hawkshead -
a mile away. A short walk from the cottage takes you to the National Trust beauty spot Tarn Hows.
You can take a boat trip on nearby Coniston Water, visit Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse in Sawrey,
sample the pubs and old-world atmosphere of Hawkshead village with its mediaeval
buildings.
Hawkshead
Hawkshead village retains a quirky old-world charm, with cobbled alleys and timbered cottages with projecting upper storeys - nestling round the church on a hill at the edge.
There are four
pubs serving meals with real ale from the local micro brewery, a well-stocked grocers, delicatessen, pharmacy, newsagent and post office as well as an outdoor clothes store and an art shop.
The National Trust gallery has an exhibition of Beatrix Potter’s famous drawings in the
building which housed her solicitor husband’s office.
A bit of History
Until the 16th century the district was owned and managed by the monks of Furness Abbey, and it was the wool-trade that they fostered which made Hawkshead the local market.
Later it was home to Beatrix Potter, and briefly to William Wordsworth who was a pupil at the old grammar school – you can see his initials carved in one of the desks.