near sawrey

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Near Sawrey itself is a perfect example of a traditional Lake District village; itself a conservation area within the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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For those with children, there is a playground just across the road, and directly opposite Beechmount; a great spot to wear off some early morning or late evening energy.

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100m down the road lies the National Trust's Hill Top House, Beatrix Potter's 17th Century farmhouse, and the inspiration for Mr. MacGregor's garden. Tickets are available on the day on a timed entry basis - you could not be better placed to amble down to book a slot.

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In reaching Hill Top, you will have passed the Sawrey House Hotel, which offers Afternoon Teas and dinner in its brasserie. 

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100m further down the road, you will reach the Tower Bank Arms, a CAMRA award winning pub known for its ales, its open fire, and its excellent food.

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Stroll a little further to reach Moss Eccles Tarn - directions here.

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Continue for a mile from Beechmount towards Far Sawrey, where you will find the Cuckoo Brow Inn, another excellent pub serving good beer and great food.

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esthwaite

 

Esthwaite Water lies at the foot of Near Sawrey, and can be reached via a gentle stroll down the hill.​ Esthwaite is a private lake (having famously been listed for sale on Ebay!) which remains unspoilt, whilst offering an excellent cafe and boating, fishing and birding opportunities.

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On the far shore of Esthwaite (a 1 mile stroll from Beechmount) there is an excellent cafe in the converted Boathouse at the Esthwaite Water Trout Fishery site). In addition, there is a Beatrix Potter nature walk, and opportunities for fishing, Osprey viewing, and boat hire - check out the Osprey Safari and Hawkshead Trout websites.

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HAWKSHEAD

The 'honeypot' village of Hawkshead lies 2 miles further afield, and is easily reached by car, or can be walked using the new footpath (though with part of the route on the road).

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Hawkshead contains a very useful Co-Op shop, as well as a number of excellent pubs serving food.

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In addition, check out:

The Chocolate Factory: Offering children's and family chocolate workshops

The Kittchen: Hawkshead's 'cat cafe'

The Honeypot Deli: a fabulous deli specialising in honey and many other Lake District specialities, as well as serving take away pizzas.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery: Beatrix Potter's original artwork on display in a 17th-C house

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Wray castle and claife viewing station

 

Only slightly further afield, you will find the National Trust's Wray Castle, a perfect day out with young children, though offers great views over Windermere for all ages.

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You can catch a Windermere Lake Cruises ferry from Wray Castle (or Lakeside, see below) taking you to Ambleside, Bowness and Brockholes.

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Near to the Windermere ferry (taking you to Bowness and beyond) is the Claife viewing station and cafe.

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lakeside

 

Near Sawrey is well positioned for the short 15 minute drive to Lakeside, with access to:

The Lakes Aquarium: a small but fun aquarium worth combining with a train ride or boat trip

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway: offering steam train rides and the occasional Thomas or Santa special.

The Windermere Lake Cruises ferry: taking you across and around Lake Windermere.

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further afield

 

We could go on for hours, but don't forget:

Brockhole: A brilliant day out for the family, with an excellent adventure playground, high ropes course, tree top nets and many other activities.

The Lakeland Motor Museum : a 20 minute drive to the south (or more or less en-route if heading to/from the M6)

South Lakes Safari Zoo: a 51-acre zoo said to house 1,000 plus animals (35 to 40 min drive)