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UK village 'frozen in time' with car-free centre where people return year after year

A charming Lake District village has remained untouched by modern life so it's no wonder that Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth found inspiration here

[Traditional British village in English Lake District of Hawkshead Cumbria UK in summer with blue sky church and red roses]

This charming village has a rich history(Image: acceleratorhams via Getty Images)

Nestled in the Lake District is a beautiful village that takes visitors on a journey back in time. Hawkshead, located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, offers a delightful glimpse into the past. With its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and a car-free centre, the village seems untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The village's most famous resident and advocate is none other than Beatrix Potter. The author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit bought large swathes of countryside around Hawkshead after falling for solicitor William Heelis, whom she met in the village and later married, reports the Mirror.

Potter's strong commitment to conserving the countryside, as a respected member of the farming community, led her to work with the National Trust to keep the scenic landscape in its natural state. But she wasn't the only writer to find inspiration 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," notes the Poetry Foundation.

Given its charm and tranquillity, it's no wonder that Potter and the poet laureate found such creative stimulation in Hawkshead, which has a modest population of just 500 residents.

Hawkshead's car-free village centre, with its labyrinth of lanes and passages, remains largely untouched by vehicles. Tucked away amidst stunning natural scenery, Hawkshead serves as the perfect base for lovers of the great outdoors.

With a wealth of walking trails, cycling paths, and water sports on nearby lakes such as Windermere and Coniston, there's something to suit everyone, from seasoned ramblers to those who fancy a gentle amble. The local fells offer both easy-going routes and more demanding treks.

Among the favoured walks are the sculpture trail through the adjacent Grizedale Forest and the path to Tarn Hows, one of the most beloved beauty spots in the whole of the Lake District.

[Hawkshead Lake District National Park England uk on a beautiful sunny summer day popular tourist village known for William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter]

Hawkshead Lake District National Park (Image: acceleratorhams via Getty Images)

After working up an appetite, you can refuel at one of the village's four charming country pubs, including The Queen's Head. This dog-friendly tavern has been greeting guests since the 17th century with its crackling fires, cask ales, award-winning grub, and overnight lodgings.

On a sunny day, what could be more enjoyable than indulging in an ice cream while wandering the village's picturesque streets or stopping for a brew and homemade cake at a traditional tearoom?

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

[Hawkshead, Cumbria, UK, 15 August 2018 : Cemetery at the Saint Michael and All Angels Church, Anglican parish church in the deanery of Windermere. The church contains Gothic style of architecture.]

Cemetery at the Saint Michael and All Angels Church(Image: raagoon via Getty Images)

The peaceful rhythm, stunning landscapes, and rows of preserved, heritage-listed buildings in Hawkshead have cemented its status as a beloved destination amongst tourists.

Local resident Ruth, writing for Lakeland Hideaways, captured her town's allure: "The higgledy-piggledy cobbled streets lead you to village shops, bakeries, cafes and boutiques. Cars are banned from part of the village which makes this a particularly nice place to wander about and soak up the Cumbrian culture. Our village has been described as the 'prettiest village in the Lake District'."

Devoted visitor Clive Wheat recalls his cherished experiences: "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 town guide, Choose Where evokes a wistful image: "Hawkshead feels like a step back into a quieter, more romantic version of England."

[The Lake District is a national park in North West England. It is primarily famous for its lakes and mountains. Photo taken on the 25th of October 2023.]

Hawkshead is a truly charming spot(Image: by Andrea Pucci via Getty Images)

The guide elaborates: "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."

Tucked between Coniston and Windermere, the village centre is free of cars, but there's a sizeable pay-and-display car park on the periphery. Public transport options, such as the 505 Stagecoach bus service, link Hawkshead with neighbouring towns like Ambleside, Coniston, and Windermere.

*This article was edited on October 25 to clarify that Hawkshead is not completely car-free, but has a car-free central zone.

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