BRIT holidaymakers heading to the Lake District are likely to visit places like Keswick and Ambleside – but there are plenty of other lesser-known towns and villages that certainly deserve some attention.
One of those places is Hawkshead, a quaint village tucked inside the Lake District National Park.
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Home to cobbled streets, historic buildings and independent shops, the small village was originally part of the Furness Abbey estate, which was once one of the largest monasteries in the north-west of England.
The abbey was destroyed during the English Reformation in 1536, with Hawkshead transforming itself into a market town in the 17th and 18th centuries.
At present, Hawkshead is home to around 500 residents, many of whom live or work in buildings that were built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
The tiny village also has strong links to William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter – two of England’s most famous literary figures.
During the 18th century, William Wordsworth attended Hawkshead Grammar School.
Brit holidaymakers who want to learn more about the poet’s education can visit the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, which showcases what school life would’ve been like between 1585 and 1909.
The ground-floor classroom still contains desks that school boys, including William Wordsworth, carved messages in.
Fans of the poet should also head to Wordsworth Street, which has been named after the literary figure, and is lined with white buildings and colourful hanging baskets.
There are plenty of other attractions in the town, including the Hawkshead Relish shop, which makes a range of homemade jams, marmalades and chutneys, including a black garlic ketchup.
In addition to the savoury sauces, there’s also The Chocolate Factory, which sells around 100 different varieties of chocolate.
Families can also book themselves onto an interactive masterclass at The Chocolate Factory too.
The tiny village is also a great base for exploring Beatrix Potter related attractions too, including Hill Top House, where the English writer once lived.
Located just a few minutes away from the Cumbrian village, Hill Top House is home to Beatrix Potter’s favourite belongings.
There’s also a small garden with flower beds and vegetable patches that are reminiscent of scenes from Peter Rabbit.
Entry tickets to Hill Top House cost £15 for a full-paying adult and £7.50 for children.
Other Beatrix Potter attractions include Yew Tree Farm, which was once owned by the English writer.
The three-bedroom farmhouse is a Grade II listed building, where holidaymakers can book to stay overnight.
The Lake District farm also runs the Herdwick Experience, which gives holidaymakers the chance to learn more about Herdwick Sheep.
Because of its location in the Lake District National Park, Hawkshead is also a great base for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, cycling routes and water activities all nearby.
Holidaymakers who’ve worked up an appetite should head to The Queen‘s Head – a cosy country pub set in the tiny village.
There are plenty of accommodation options in the village too, including the Old School House.
Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays at the Old School House for £64.50 per night, based on two people sharing a room.
Hawkshead is a 20-minute drive from Lake Windermere, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Ambleside.
There are plenty of other quirky villages to visit in the UK too, including Bournville in Birmingham.
Bournville, Birmingham
Located in southwest Birmingham, Bournville is a tiny village that was built by the Cadbury family.
While the model village may sound fairly idyllic, it isn’t without its quirks.
Because of its Quaker heritage, there are no pubs in Bournville, so those residents, and tourists, who fancy a swift drink need to visit boozers in other parts of Birmingham, like Selly Oak and Stirchley.
Painswick, Cotswolds
Often dubbed the “Queen of the Cotswolds” by travel experts and tour operators, Painswick has also been called the “most magical” town in the UK by holidaymakers on TikTok.
Even though Painswick is fairly small, there are several sites for day trippers to explore including St Mary’s Church.
The church lies in the heart of the town and is surrounded by a churchyard dotted with graves, tombs, and 99 Yew trees.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Another tiny village in the UK has been compared to a retro 1940s film set.
And an abandoned village in England only opens to tourists once a year.
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