8 Hawkshead Shops not to be missed
From gift shops to galleries, delis to country clothing stores, and even a shop where you can sign up for a glass-blowing experience, the cobbled streets of Hawkshead are filled with interesting places to browse.
The best gifts, tasty treats, and souvenirs from independent Hawkshead shops
Read on for just a taste of what you can expect to find in this picturesque Lake District village…
The honeypot
Food, glorious food. Fifty types of honey. Forty types of cheese. Preserves and Chutneys. Charcuterie and cold meats. Sauces and relishes. Puddings and pies. Tea and coffee, gins, liqueurs, beers, and so much more.
Head to The Honeypot and fill your boots (or at least bring a bag to fill). A proud supporter of local producers, this delightful deli is crammed to the rafters with all kinds of foodie goodness to take home with you.
And, if you’re heading for the hills, they can whip you up a tasty sarnie or two to enjoy when you stop for lunch. They can also put together a welcome pack of goodies for you, which can be delivered to your holiday cottage.
Now, that’s what we call service.
The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop
Time was, you could only get Grasmere Gingerbread in the Grasmere shop. But now, there’s a shop in Hawkshead too. Happy days. And not only can you pick up some their world-famous gingerbread to munch on, you can also order a freshly roasted artisan coffee to take away if you can’t wait to tuck in – to dunk or not to dunk?
You can also buy a range of food and food-related products from small Cumbrian businesses in the shop – we’re talking things like chocolates, fudge, rum butter, sauces, books, cards, ornaments, and stuff to make you smell nice.
Did somebody say Grasmere Gingerbread ice cream? Yep, in the summer months, you can treat yourself to a creamy, gingery treat too.
Peter Rabbit and Friends
With its Beatrix Potter connections (she lived close by in Near Sawrey at Hill Top), it would be a poor show if there wasn’t a shop dedicated to the charming characters in her timeless stories in Hawkshead. Happily, there is. Peter Rabbit and Friends is Potter paradise.
Alongside all the Potter-themed books, toys and games, you’ll also find a wide range of family-friendly games, crafts and activities to get young imaginations fired up.
Hawkshead Relish
From their beginnings as a small café in Hawkshead offering a few home-made chutneys, relishes and preserves to accompany the food they served, Hawkshead Relish has grown into a hugely respected and successful artisan producer, with over 60 Great Taste Awards under its belt and customers from all over the world.
The café may be no more, but the original premises is now home to a shop dedicated to selling the range, all of which is made nearby in a 16th-century barn on the edge of Esthwaite Water.
Stocking marmalades and curds, chutneys, pickles and relishes, savoury jellies, sweet sauces and honey, jams and lots more deliciousness besides, everything has been made by hand using open pans and top-quality ingredients with no nasty additives or preservatives.
We challenge you to come away empty-handed.
Stewardsons of Hawkshead
Looking for a bit of Barbour? Or a pair of Hunter wellies? Perhaps a quilted jacket? You need a trip to Stewardsons of Hawkshead.
Family-run, they’ve been in the quality outdoor gear and classic country clothing business for over 40 years, so they know what’s what when it comes to the good stuff. You can find brands like Joules, Aigle, Merrell, Failsworth, and more.
And, if you were wondering where you could get hold of a waterproof tartan dog coat so your pooch is dressed for the country too – well, now you know.
Fitzwilliam Gallery
Run by an art-loving couple, the Fitzwilliam Gallery in Hawkshead (they have another gallery in Grasmere) is home to a collection of traditional and contemporary paintings by established artists whose work can be found in galleries all over the world.
If you’re particularly interested in art depicting the Lakeland landscape, they have the largest collection of Edward H Thompson’s Lakeland watercolours for sale in the country.
Hawkshead Chocolate & Fudge Co
Coniston Old Man Caramel Crunch Thins. Skiddaw Salted Caramel Thins. Handcrafted dark and white chocolate. Chocolate truffles… now we’ve got your attention.
The Hawkshead Chocolate & Fudge Company does just that – makes chocolate and fudge. And as if that wasn’t enough, next door to the shop is the Chocolate Factory, where kids can enjoy chocolate-making workshops – adults can take part too.
Don’t leave without treating yourself to something chocolatey in the café either – a warm Belgian waffle smothered in creamy milk chocolate perhaps?
Handmade in Hawkshead
As well as selling locally blown glass, homeware and gifts, including the iconic Herdy range, Handmade in Hawkshead has another trick up its sleeve.
You can sign up for a glass-blowing experience where you’ll learn how to melt borosilicate glass tubes and rods to make your own pendants and other items. Cool, right?
Suitable for complete beginners, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours, and you’ll come away with a unique gift you’ve made yourself.
Start Planning your Next Lakeland Retreat
Whether it’s a last-minute grab the kids and get away, or you’re planning to experience the Lakes in the vibrant colours of Autumn.
We’ve got the home-from-home for you.
Feeling inspired?
The Lakeland Retreats guide to Hawkshead
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