Hawkshead is a car-free village of cobbled streets and whitewashed cottages, with the old Grammar School and independent shops in the centre, Hill Top 3.2 km away, and Grizedale Forest just to the south.
Hawkshead has grown from its beginnings as a medieval market town. Today its car-free centre is one of the best places to experience the real Lake District: cobbled streets, squares and courtyards, and whitewashed cottages topped with local Lakeland slate give the village a magical feel.
There's plenty of shopping too, from local food to climbing and walking gear, and of course our own shop and coffee shop on Main Street.
In the village itself, in the building that was once the Beatrix Potter Gallery.
A crafting space and gift shop in the heart of Hawkshead.
Beatrix Potter's house at Near Sawrey, 3.2 km from Hawkshead, where she wrote many of her books. Full of her favourite things, it looks as if she has just stepped out for a walk, and every room links to a picture in one of the tales.
The museum in the Old Grammar School building holds a unique collection of objects from the ancient school, some dating back to the sixteenth century.
East of Coniston Water and south of Hawkshead. Walking and cycling trails, sculptures, wildlife, quiet spots and good food, plus Go Ape, whose zip trekking course runs seven tandem zip lines through the Douglas firs.
John Ruskin's former home: a historic house, museum and lively arts centre with plenty for the whole family to see and do.
A mock-Gothic castle on the shore of Windermere, with turrets, towers and informal grounds.
Fiona Wilson and her family have run The Honeypot deli in Hawkshead for over 30 years, continuing more than a century of selling food from this 17th-century building.
A few of our favourites in the village, all a short walk from the shop:
The Lakes Planner, a guide to the Lake District written by people who walk it, recommends the Chocolate Factory in its guide to things to do in Hawkshead.
Wet day? Read our guide to indoor things to do with kids on a rainy day in the Lake District. Visiting in December? See Christmas at the Chocolate Factory.
Our family workshops last 30 to 40 minutes and run on the hour from 10am to 3pm, every day in the school holidays and at weekends in term time, so they fit neatly around a day out.
4.5 stars from 494 Google reviews 200 five-star reviews from people who booked with us
An absolutely fantastic wet weather activity with our boys (4 and 10). The course leaders entertained them and they came home with some really delicious chocolate. We were not sure as these things can be a bit of a swizz but we got top value for money. Recommended.
Great little excursion. Something different to do in the lakes. Three things made and happy kids - recommend!
This could be the highlight of our holiday. Honestly, so much fun. The girls running the workshop were great with kids and adults alike. Everything was explained clearly and was done in a really fun way. You get to eat a fair amount of liquid chocolate and keep all the things you make (including the molds). I honestly can't recommend this highly enough.
