Five reasons to put Hawkshead at the top of your Lake District bucket list this year

It’s the perfect gateway to the lake and lower fells 

Torrential rainfall and limited time reduced our ability to hit the fells, but research before our visit showed several options for enjoying the great Lake District landscape.

You’re not too far from Windermere and the lower-level lakeside walks it offers, but higher-level routes are also in abundance.

Latterbarrow can be accessed on foot from the village if you fancy a longer walk, or there’s limited roadside parking from which you can make the hike straight up. A small but stunning Wainwright, this is a fantastic way of bagging a peak without having to be out of the door at first light.

Slightly further afield but still only a short car journey, Tarn Hows and the Coniston fells await. Regularly topping the polls as one of the most beautiful walks in the Lakes, Tarn Hows has it all – lake, forest, fells – and a big chunk of the route round the lake is part of the miles without stiles series of accessible walking routes.

It has the most pubs and cafes in one village that I’ve ever seen 

If your idea of the perfect weekend away is hopping from latte to light lunch, afternoon drinks by the fire, and a hearty evening meal, Hawkshead is the one for you. Home to not one, but three traditional village pubs, complete with open fires, rustic features and quality local and branded ales and lagers, Hawkshead is perfect for a leisurely weekend of conversation over food and drinks.

We set up camp for our pre-dinner drinks at 17th Century The Queens Head, sitting next to a roaring December fire and a window out onto the twinkling lights of the festive season. We’d chosen to eat at Billy’s Barr just down the road, but the plates passing by our cosy bar side perch looked to be topped with hearty winter fayre, well-presented posh pub food. The staff were warm and knowledgeable, helping me select the perfect Pilsner and creating a friendly environment for locals and visitors alike.

If pubs aren’t your place, there are also four cafes/ tearooms, and a bar. KITTchEN caters for a particularly niche market though it’s not exclusive – people who love both cats and IPA. (Very) sadly we didn’t have time to visit, as to say I was curious is an understatement. A browse round their website and through the window suggested a quirky and fun place to pass the time of day.

Billy’s Barr restaurant 

I’ve heard Billy’s dubbed the “the best roast in the Lakes”, and whilst I can’t confirm or deny that, I can confirm that they do a stunning evening meal.

Billy’s Barr, named for the founder of the family lodge park it is located in, is bougie dining without the stuffy setting. It’s all in one room, which in some settings can reduce the cosy vibes and leave you feeling that you’re part of everyone’s conversation, but that absolutely wasn’t the case here. Considered lighting and the right acoustics meant that you felt like you were having an intimate dining experience, but with the buzz of a busy restaurant.

We both opted for the classic menu – juicy sirloin steaks, chunky chips, peppercorn sauce and delicious and expertly crisped onion rings – but the dinner menu also features inventive options if you’re looking for something seasonal, or a little different.

Given that it was date night, we both found space for puddings we didn’t need, a perfectly proportioned sticky toffee pudding (for the man who has claimed he has never been full?!), and a chocolatey treat for me. Both delicious.

Nothing was too much trouble for the staff, and there was a real family feel with some of the team also working across other areas of the site. We’re both more likely to pick a pub over a restaurant if going out – but I was so glad we went to Billy’s. Fine dining doesn’t have to be exclusive or off putting… and Billy’s have achieved what many places fail to do… top standard food in a relaxing and warm environment.

Luxury accommodation at Hawkshead Suites

Whilst we’re usually to be found spending the night in our caravan, our trip to Hawkshead was a real treat – a luxury night’s stay in a boutique apartment in the heart of the village. The two Hawkshead Suites are crafted with relaxation in mind, and every single detail has been thought of to ensure that your weekend is stress free.

Set on one floor, with a mezzanine bedroom complete with an open sunken jacuzzi bath, woodburning fire and comfortable lounge area, you feel like you’re being spoilt the minute you step foot through the door.

A generous welcome basket of fruit and chocolates is gifted to you alongside a stocked mini bar, chilled for your arrival and ready to accompany you during a dip in the jacuzzi bath. Slippers and gowns are laid out in readiness, bath salts are provided… and if you like your baths with a hint of Bond, there are remote controlled dimmer lights and blinds for when you’re ready to hop in.

After our time exploring the village’s hospitality offer, we spent the latter part of our evening relaxing by the woodburner before a restful night’s sleep in the queen-sized bed. The following morning, a generous breakfast hamper is delivered to your door filled with fresh pastries, juices, yogurt and cereal – and if you’re peckish again by the time you check out, they even leave you with a “take home bag” – fruit, water and MORE chocolate for your journey home.

What a treat of a place.