Lake District

Hawkshead in the Lake District is a picturesque village that feels as if it has been frozen in time, with cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and the absence of cars on many of its pretty lanes

There’s a stunning village tucked away in the Lake District that transports visitors straight back in time.

Hawkshead, situated in the heart of the National Park, provides a charming window into days gone by. With its cobblestone pathways, whitewashed homes, and vehicle-free lanes, the village appears completely untouched by modern life.

Beatrix Potter remains the village’s most celebrated resident and one of its greatest champions. The Tale of Peter Rabbit writer purchased vast expanses of countryside surrounding Hawkshead after developing feelings for solicitor William Heelis, whom she encountered in the village and subsequently wed, reports the Express.

Potter’s fierce dedication to preserving the countryside, as a distinguished member of the agricultural community, led her to collaborate with the National Trust to maintain the picturesque landscape in its natural state. She wasn’t the sole writer to discover creative fuel in Hawkshead.

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“His experiences in and around Hawkshead, where William and Richard Wordsworth began attending school in 1779, would also provide the poet with a store of images and sensory experience that he would continue to draw on throughout his poetic career,” writes the Poetry Foundation.

It’s hardly surprising that Potter and the poet laureate drew such creative inspiration from Hawkshead, which boasts a modest population of just 500 residents.

Hawkshead’s car-free village centre, featuring its winding lanes and passages, remains completely protected from motor traffic. Nestled amidst breathtaking natural landscapes, Hawkshead serves as an ideal hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

With a plethora of hiking trails, cycling routes, and water activities in nearby lakes such as Windermere and Coniston, there’s something for everyone, from seasoned hill walkers to those who prefer a leisurely stroll. The local fells offer both accessible paths and more challenging hikes.

Among the popular walks are the sculpture trail through the neighbouring Grizedale Forest and the route to Tarn Hows, one of the most cherished beauty spots in the entire Lake District.

After working up an appetite, you can quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger at one of the village’s four quaint country pubs, including The Queen’s Head. This dog-friendly inn has been welcoming guests since the 17th century with its roaring fires, cask ales, award-winning food, and overnight accommodation.

On a sunny day, what could be more delightful than savouring an ice cream while meandering through the village’s charming streets or pausing for a cuppa and homemade cake at a traditional tearoom?

You can even take a piece of Hawkshead back home with you, in the form of jams and chutneys from Hawkshead Relish, or some Grasmere Gingerbread. The renowned bakery has its only shop outside of Grasmere in the village.

The tranquil pace, picturesque scenery, and rows of unaltered, listed houses in Hawkshead have made it a firm favourite among visitors.

Local resident Ruth, writing for Lakeland Hideaways, describes the charm of her town: “The higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets lead you to village shops, bakeries, cafes and boutiques. Cars are banned from the village which makes this a particularly nice place to wander about and soak up the Cumbrian culture”.

She proudly adds, “Our village has been described as the ‘prettiest village in the Lake District’.”

Long-time visitor Clive Wheat shares his fond memories: “When I think of the Lakes I think of Hawkshead. I have been visiting this village for over forty-five years and even stayed here on our honeymoon. It’s always a pleasure to revisit this wonderful Lake District village.”

In its guide to the town, Choose Where paints a nostalgic picture: “Hawkshead feels like a step back into a quieter, more romantic version of England.”

They continue, “Hawkshead is worth visiting for its unspoilt character, literary heritage, and position as a gateway to some of the Lake District’s loveliest countryside. Unlike some Lake District towns that have been heavily modernised, Hawkshead retains its medieval street plan and historic charm, with car-free lanes winding past ancient buildings.”

Nestled between Coniston and Windermere, the village centre is car-free, but there is a large pay-and-display car park on the outskirts. Public transport options, including the 505 Stagecoach bus service, connect Hawkshead with nearby towns like Ambleside, Coniston, and Windermere.

From paddling in Lake Windermere to scenic cruises, our wholesome Lake District escape had something for the whole family to enjoy: kids, grandparents and even our dog

The goal was a five-day UK getaway that three generations of our family would enjoy, so we ditched our usual Cornwall hotspot and instead headed north to the Lakes.

We stayed in Ada’s Hideaway, booked via Sykes Cottages, a tucked‑away barn conversion hidden in the rural countryside of Stainton near Sizergh, just a few miles from Kendal in Cumbria. It’s part of a cluster of luxury cottages on a working farm, meaning gentle agricultural life just adds to its charm (expect to hear livestock or see farm vehicles). From the back garden we had rolling views across fields and could see horses in adjacent paddocks – a quiet, pretty glimpse of country life that felt like a real treat.

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Because it is off the beaten track, having a car is essential as there isn’t anything on the doorstep. We stocked up at the local supermarket (there’s a Lidl and Asda in Kendal) as we wanted to keep costs down by making our meals every night – plus with young kids, we find evenings in, where they can run around the house and play games, is the easiest option.

What to do around Lake Windermere

One day we headed out to Fell Foot, a National Trust site on the southern tip of Lake Windermere. It’s a dream for families – huge lawns for picnics, shallow lake waters for paddling and swimming, and the option to hire boats or give paddleboarding a go. Visiting in warmer weather, the children loved trying out the water activities and paddling with Charlie, our cockapoo. After a row around the lake and plenty of splashing about, we tucked into a picnic, but there’s also a lovely café on site.

Another day we parked near the Beatrix Potter museum in Bowness and strolled down to the pier, where you can hop on a cruise that’s not only child‑friendly but dogs can also travel for free. We took the 75-minute ‘red’ package that goes via Ambleside. Gliding across the lake watching the kids wave at passing boats while their nan enjoyed the views of the striking peaks made it the perfect activity for all generations.

On a previous trip to Windermere we booked onto a different boat trip from the Jetty Museum, which we highly recommend too as it has an excellent café and a large car park – but we had our furry friend with us on this visit, and they’re not allowed on these restored boats.

Why it works for families

The Lake District is famous for its scenery, but what struck us most was how easy it was to include everyone. From dog‑friendly attractions to gentle walks, boat trips and open green spaces, nothing ever felt stressful. We could plan big adventures or simply slow down with ice creams by the water.

Ada’s Hideaway was an excellent place to base ourselves, and evenings spent here were relaxed and low‑key – board games, family meals and a glass of wine once the kids were tucked up. If your ideal break is part-cosy cottage, part-lakeside fun and part-quiet countryside reset, this really delivered.

How much does it cost?

Stays at Ada’s Hideaway start at £602 for seven nights. Book via Sykes Cottages.

For other options for Lake District cottages, have a browse of Holidaycottages.co.uk or Rural Retreats.

A woman has shared a ‘hidden gem’ in the Lake District, as she takes her viewers on a tour of the picturesque and stunning trail she found while visiting the area

There are so many hidden gems in the UK, and with the rise of staycations, people are sharing their travels across the country.

Now one woman has taken to TikTok to walk through a ‘heavenly’ cave in the Lake District. Posting under the username @ adventureamore1 the TikToker shared her trip, as she took viewers along the scenic route to the cave nestled in Little Langdale in the Lake District.

The cave consists of a network of abandoned tunnels and chambers which all find themselves tucked away amongst the rural beauty of the Little Langdale, which offers a tranquil setting to observe the history and geology.

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In the video caption, the TikToker said: “This trail takes you on an epic adventure into one of the lake districts most beautiful spots .. cathedral cave. This otherworldly cave is famous for it’s heavenly light that spills down into the cave from a huge opening above.

“This spot can be viewed from from the opening or from the bottom. I recommend seeing it from the bottom first to get the real sense of wonder. Suitable for dogs and kids, this amazing spot is definitely one to add to your list.”

However she noted that for those wanting to visit, “Parking isn’t the easiest and we ended up having to Google a small car park around a 20 mins walk from this entrance but it was worth it.” She noted how the trail “takes you to somewhere you won’t forget” and called the middle of the cave a true “hidden gem”.

People were loving the video, and one person who had also visited commented: “been there, amazing place … peaceful beautiful,” while a second chimed: “This was on my list when I visited last year but didn’t have time for it. More reason to return to the Lakes!” A thid said: “That’s a nice hidden gem indeed.”

Also known as Cathedral Quarry, the site was once used to extract green slate. This slate is still used today to build walls and roofs throughout the local area. According to LakeLovers, throughout the nineteenth century, the site provided slate to aid in the boom in house building, drilling the rock and using explosives to source the material.

“In 1929, the quarry was purchased by world-renowned author Beatrix Potter. Beatrix gifted the site to the National Trust, who ensured quarrying continued until the 1950s.

“Nowadays, the site is preserved and maintained by the National Trust as an important place of geological interest and history in the Lake District,” the site added.

Ever dreamt of stepping foot inside some of the incredible houses won through the Omaze prize draws? Well, now you can, as a couple of them are available to book

Winning one of the stunning Omaze houses in the competition’s monthly prize draws might be a dream for many, but now you can get a taste of what it’s like to live in some of them, as two Omaze mansions are now available for holidaymakers to book via Sykes Cottages.

As, if you’re the lucky Omaze winner, the house is yours to do with as you please, whether that’s live in it, sell it or rent it out, we assume that the winners of these two properties chose to do the latter.

One in the Lake District and one just outside Bath, these two properties allows you to get a taste of how the other half lives, even if just for a week or long weekend. And they’re perfectly properties for a luxury stay with family of friends – and they’re clearly proving popular, as available dates are going fast.

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Deer Close is a modern build on the shores of Conisiton Water in the Lake District that sleeps 10, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, balconies with beautiful views over the lake, and even its own wellness suite.

The next available dates to book are in January, when a three-night stay costs £2,500 – split between 10 people, that’s £83 per person per night.

In completely contrasting style, Batheaston House, a few miles from Bath, looks like something straight out of Bridgerton, a Georgian country pile that retains plenty of period features and considered decor. With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, Batheaston House sleeps 12 people and pets are allowed.

There aren’t really any bookable dates left at this property in September so you’d need to be looking at October onwards; a three-night stay from 17-20 October is currently discounted from £6,060 to £2,798, working out at, if you fill each bed, around £77 per person per night.

Of course, these are at the grander end of the many holiday cottages that Sykes offers. For something smaller (and cheaper) in the Lake District, we like the look of the historic Courtyard cottage in Cumbria, whereas this four-floor townhouse in Bath gets our vote too (but there’s loads to choose from on the website).

Other sites to browse for similar UK self-catering holiday lets include Holiday Cottages (this Cartmel cottage looks very cute), and Rural Retreats, which has over 900 countryside cottages across the country.

If your summer holiday saw screen time soar, you’re not alone. New research shows kids spend up to 67 per cent of their time on them while off school. Mum-of-two Hannah Britt reveals how cutting back made her feel like a better parent – and you can do it too

Our summer was full of sea, sand, sun… and screen time. K-Pop Demon Hunters, anyone? But with September now in full swing, it’s time to crack down – and fast. And I am by no means alone. In fact, the latest statistics show that, for primary-aged children, 29 per cent spend two or more hours per day on screens during the school week, but that number jumps to an eye watering 67 per cent during the holidays.

Parenting expert Kirsty Ketley explains. “School provides children with structure and built-in limits on screen use, and of course, once home, there are less hours in the day for screens, but once the holidays arrive, that structure disappears,” she says. “Parents are often juggling work, childcare, and the cost of keeping kids entertained, so screens naturally become a convenient option. On top of that, digital entertainment is designed to be engaging and hard to switch off from, so it’s no surprise children gravitate towards it when they have long stretches of free time.”

So what’s the issue? “It’s not that screens are inherently ‘bad’,” says Kirsty. “In fact, they can be educational, social, and even calming at times. However, when screen time dominates, it can crowd out other important activities like active play, real-world socialising, outdoor time, and rest. High levels of screen use are also linked to disrupted sleep, reduced concentration, and higher stress levels in both children and adults. The key issue isn’t the screen itself, but what’s being displaced when usage creeps up too high. It’s why having consistent boundaries around screen time is important, so that kids strike a healthy balance.”

Having done some serious Netflix parenting over the summer holidays, I decided to pull the plug – and go cold turkey when it came to screens. Indeed, experts agree the benefits of reducing screen time are huge. “Reducing screen time means more space for connection. Families who put healthy limits in place often find they talk more, laugh more, and feel less stressed,” advises Kirsty. “Sleep improves, behaviour often does too, and there’s more opportunity for shared activities – from board games to walks, to simply sitting around the table together.”

Looking around our home, my eyes glanced upon the TV, the iPad, various laptops, a Nintendo, the Kindle and two phones. So I booked an Airbnb, and we hopped in the car to the Lake District. And there the screen time stopped.

For our digital detox I chose Dodd’s Lee, a 17th Century farmhouse, located in the village of Dockray, near Ullswater. It was a Guest Favourite (easy to recognise as they have a special logo on the properties, and a collection of the most-loved homes on Airbnb, according to guests), and around £400 per night, with four bedrooms. It looked ideal – there was a pub at the end of the road, walks to Aira Force waterfall, Ulswater and more from the door and plenty of board games to enjoy while we were there. It was so well located, I wouldn’t even need Google maps to explore.

Once there, my partner John and I put our phones, along with Molly’s Kindle, and the TV remote in a little bag and hid them in an upstairs wardrobe. “What now”, I thought. “Can I watch Mr Bean?” asked my five-year-old, Molly. When the answer was no, she huffed. Getting out the board games, we started our digital detox by playing dominos. Then Monopoly. Molly’s grump gave way to laughter as she beat both me and her dad.

Then, it was time for a walk, for which we headed down the hill from Dockray to a little beach on the banks of Ullswater. I found myself reaching for my phone several times out of habit. Whatever I would have done on it, check Instagram, reply to a text, it could wait. Holding hands with Molly, we chatted all the way instead, and she told me stories, clearly happy her mummy was fully engaged. That evening came stories and songs, and when the children were in bed John and I set about talking away before we too hit the hay.

The next morning, Molly didn’t ask for her Kindle but to play snap. She beat us again. Lunch came in the form of a trip to the pub, where John tried in vain to teach us the rules to giant chess. We fell about laughing, getting our rooks mixed up with our pawns.

After three days, when checking out of our wonderfully cosy Airbnb, I almost didn’t want to get my phone out of its bag. And in fact, after just a few minutes of a Disney film in the car on the way home, Molly set her Kindle aside and asked for a family sing song. A complete digital wipeout might not be possible in the modern age in which we live. But a detox every now and again might be just what we need.

How to reduce your family’s screen time

Kirsty shares her advice:

OFFER ALTERNATIVES

For me, the most effective way isn’t to ban screens altogether, but to add in alternatives, and have rules and boundaries in place – they need to be fair and realistic, too. Children need things to do instead, whether that’s setting up playdates, encouraging outdoor activities, or giving them creative projects at home.

SCREEN-FREE ZONES

Having screen-free zones or times of day (like during meals or the hour before bed) also helps build natural boundaries. Start small and be realistic: shaving an hour off daily use by swapping it for something else is far more sustainable than trying to go cold turkey. Also, when creating boundaries for the kids, incorporate some as whole family rules – no screens at the table, after a certain time, in bedrooms, for instance.

SET AN EXAMPLE

Children copy what they see, so if we’re always scrolling, they’ll think that’s normal. Modelling balanced screen use is powerful. That might mean putting your phone away at dinner, not checking emails late into the evening, or choosing to read, cook, or go for a walk instead of defaulting to a device. Being honest with kids about your own screen habits can also help. If you explain, “I’m putting my phone down because I want to spend time with you,” it sends a strong message.