‘Most beautiful’ English town that deserves a spot on everyone’s must-visit list
- UK Hidden Gems
- Nov 10, 2025
- 2 min read
The UK is packed with stunning towns and villages, but few are quite as beautiful as this hidden gem in the Lake District.
Found in Cumbria, this hidden gem sits within the boundaries of the Lake District National Park and is often described as one of the most picturesque spots in the area.
A visit to this place feels like stepping back in time, with its cobbled streets and car-free village centre.
The high street is lined with independent shops, cosy cafés and historic buildings that ooze character.
Much of the surrounding land is cared for by the National Trust, which also celebrates the town’s strong literary connections, including Beatrix Potter’s beloved farmhouse that inspired many of her famous stories.
Just a short drive from the village centre, you’ll find Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter herself.
Built in the 17th century, Beatrix bought the property in 1905 as a countryside retreat away from London.
When she passed away in 1943, she left the house and much of her land to the National Trust, where it remains a treasured landmark today.
Hawkshead also has ties to another literary great, the poet William Wordsworth. He studied at Hawkshead Grammar School from 1787, long before becoming one of Britain’s most famous writers.
The old grammar school now serves as a museum that tells the story of school life from 1585, when it opened, to 1909, when it finally closed.
Inside one of the old classrooms, you can even spot carvings on the desks believed to have been made by Wordsworth himself.
Hawkshead’s history stretches back many centuries and is thought to have Viking origins. Its name likely comes from the Old Norse “Haukr’s saetr,” meaning “Haukr’s summer farm” or “Haukr’s summer grazing land.”
The town later came under the ownership of the Cistercian monks from Furness Abbey, who were granted the land in 1137 and held it until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1500s.
When the abbey closed, Hawkshead and its surrounding lands were handed to the crown, and in 1608 the town was granted its official Market Charter.
Since the creation of the Lake District National Park in 1951, Hawkshead has grown into a peaceful retreat for visitors looking to escape the noise of modern life and soak up the beauty of the English countryside.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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