Plan your trip

A serene lake surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills.

Find Family-Friendly Hotels in Hawkshead

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

    Save instantly and earn perks with One Key

    Learn about One Key

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

    • Check prices for these dates

    Check prices for these dates, 13 – 14 December 2026

    View in a map

    Our top choices for Hawkshead family-friendly hotels

    1. Red Lion Inn

    A building with a sign reading "The Red Lion Inn."

    2. Pickle Pot Loft- 2 bedroom apartment in Hawkshead

    A bedroom with a large bed, a wooden dresser, and a colorful rug.

    3. Jenny's

    A room with a radiator, a white shelf, a mirror, and a door leading to another room.

    4. Betty's Mews

    A white building with two wooden doors, each marked with a number. There are flower boxes with pink and white flowers on the steps.

    5. Betty's Loft

    A wooden directional signpost with arrows pointing towards 'Grasmere 2 miles' and 'Ambleside 2 1/2 miles'.

    6. Swallows Nest Cottage

    A dining area with a wooden table set for four, surrounded by chairs. A staircase leads to an upper level, and a kitchen is visible in the background.

    7. Hilltop At Hawkshead Hill

    A balcony with a view of a green landscape, a table with food, and a seating area.

    8. Columbine Cottage

    A cozy living room with a brown leather sofa, a plaid armchair, a wooden coffee table with magazines, and a dining area with a wooden table and chairs.

    9. The Granary

    A stone wall with a gate leading to a green field.

    10. Pippins

    A white door with a wooden coat rack and a welcome sign, a window, and a wooden picnic table outside.

    Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

    View all properties

    Choose what matters most at family-friendly hotels in Hawkshead

    Breakfast included

    Pool

    All-inclusive

    4 stars

    5 stars

    Top Hawkshead Hotel Reviews

    Hawksmoor Guest House

    A stone wall with a sign for the Hawksmoor Guest House, a warning sign for a closed circuit television, and a sign for enjoyEngland.com.

    Elder Grove

    A cozy living room with a fireplace, plush seating, and a small table with a bottle and glasses.

    Briery Wood Country House Hotel

    A house with a pathway leading to it, surrounded by trees.

    Queens Head Hotel

    A cozy room with a stone fireplace, wooden chairs, a wicker basket, and a caution sign.

    Rothay Garth

    A garden with a variety of flowering plants, a pathway, and a church spire in the background.

    The Ryebeck Hotel

    A snow-covered street with houses adorned with holiday lights.

    Victorian House

    A room with two beds, a star-patterned tent, and a patterned rug.

    Cragwood Country House Hotel

    A large estate with a well-maintained lawn, a formal garden, and a prominent house with multiple chimneys.

    Lake View Country House and Self-catering Apartments

    A sauna with a digital control panel, a wooden interior, and a glass door.

    Ambleside Townhouse

    A lakeside property with a marina, multiple boats, and a large house with a white facade.

    Linthwaite House

    A person sitting on a stone wall holding a croquet mallet, with a bag of croquet balls and a croquet ball on the grass.

    Betty's Mews

    A white building with two wooden doors, each marked with a number. There are flower boxes with pink and white flowers on the steps.

    Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

    A coastal town with a marina, houses, and green hills in the background.

    Brookfield B&B Guest House

    A corner building with a bay window, stone facade, and a red door.

    Red Lion Inn

    A building with a sign reading "The Red Lion Inn."

    Merewood Country House

    A large, historic stone building with multiple windows and a covered porch, surrounded by lush greenery and a well-maintained lawn.

    Carlton 2

    A hallway with a framed map of Lake District and a framed map on the wall.

    Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa

    A bottle of Prosecco and two glasses of wine on a wooden table near a fountain.

    Find out more about Hawkshead

    Family friendly things to do in Hawkshead

    Hawkshead, nestled in the heart of the Lake District, boasts an array of family-friendly activities that promise to create lasting memories. Begin your adventure at the Beatrix Potter Gallery, where children can explore the enchanting world of Peter Rabbit and his friends through original illustrations and engaging exhibits. Just a short stroll away, the Hawkshead Brewery offers brewery tours that can be enjoyed by the whole family, with a delightful beer garden where parents can relax while kids play in the open space. For an outdoor experience, the nearby Esthwaite Water is perfect for family-friendly walks, picnics, and even fishing, allowing everyone to soak up the stunning views of the surrounding hills. Thrill-seekers will love Go Ape in nearby Grizedale Forest, where zip lines and treetop adventures await, ensuring plenty of excitement for older children. Finally, don’t miss the chance to visit the charming village itself, with its quaint shops and cafes, providing a perfect backdrop for family exploration. For accommodation, consider staying in the heart of Hawkshead, where family-friendly hotels offer spacious rooms and thoughtful amenities, making your stay both comfortable and convenient. Enjoy the local hospitality, where attentive service ensures your family feels pampered after a day of adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which area of Hawkshead is best to stay in for families?

    For families visiting Hawkshead, the village centre and the immediate surrounding areas are ideal, offering a superb blend of historic charm and easy access to natural beauty.


    Hawkshead village itself is wonderfully walkable, with traffic-free cobbled streets that are superb for little legs to explore without worry. You'll find charming shops, quaint cafes, and pubs that welcome families, often with outdoor seating for a relaxed meal. There's a lovely playground just a short stroll from the village centre, providing a great spot for children to let off some steam.


    Staying just outside the village offers the advantage of more spacious rooms, often with gardens, while still being within easy walking distance of all the village amenities. This area provides direct access to numerous footpaths and bridleways, superb for family walks or cycling adventures through the picturesque countryside. You can easily reach nearby beauty spots like Esthwaite Water, where you can enjoy gentle lakeside strolls and picnics.


    For stocking up on supplies, there's a well-stocked village shop in Hawkshead, and larger supermarkets are a short drive away in nearby towns.

    How much does a family hotel in Hawkshead cost?

    Travellers can find great deals on family-friendly Hawkshead hotels from £74 with Expedia. You may find hotels in Hawkshead that let kids stay for free, which can help you save. There are plenty of factors that can impact the price of family hotels, including location, amenities and the time of year. Sort Hawkshead hotels on Expedia by price to see our cheapest prices first.

    Is Hawkshead a family-friendly destination?

    Yes, Hawkshead is a wonderfully family-friendly destination, offering a charming village atmosphere amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District.


    Hawkshead village itself is a delightful place to explore on foot, with its car-free cobbled streets making it a joy for little legs to wander safely. You'll find quaint shops and plenty of spots for a picnic. The village is also home to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, where children can see original illustrations and learn about the beloved author.


    Just a short stroll from the village, you can discover lovely walking paths that are suitable for prams and young children, leading to picturesque viewpoints and quiet spots by the water. Nearby Grizedale Forest offers a fantastic day out with its walking and cycling trails, some of which are specifically designed for families, and wonderful sculptures hidden amongst the trees for children to discover.


    For meals, Hawkshead has several welcoming pubs and cafes that cater to families, offering traditional fare and often a children's menu. There are also local shops where you can pick up snacks and essentials for your adventures.

    What family-friendly activities should we do in Hawkshead?

    Some of the best family-friendly activities in Hawkshead include exploring the Beatrix Potter Gallery and enjoying the outdoors at Grizedale Forest.


    The Beatrix Potter Gallery, housed in the charming 17th-century building that was once the author's husband's office, offers a delightful glimpse into the world of Peter Rabbit and friends. Children will enjoy seeing original sketches and learning about the inspiration behind the beloved tales. It's a lovely, gentle activity that brings stories to life.


    For outdoor adventures, Grizedale Forest is just a short drive from Hawkshead and offers a fantastic day out for families. There are numerous walking trails suitable for all ages and abilities, many of which feature engaging art installations hidden amongst the trees. You can also hire bicycles and explore the dedicated family cycling routes, which are mostly traffic-free. There's a wonderful adventure playground for children to burn off some energy, and a cafe for refreshments.

    Can I cancel my family hotel reservation on Expedia?

    Many Expedia hotel reservations are refundable, provided that you cancel before the hotel's cancellation deadline. This is often within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. For maximum flexibility, use Expedia's "Fully refundable property" filter during your search to find the right family-friendly hotel in Hawkshead for you.

    How can I save on a family-friendly hotel in Hawkshead with Expedia?

    There are plenty of ways to save on a family-friendly hotel in Hawkshead. Join One Key™, our free travel rewards programme, to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices across a range of hotels. Typically, booking in advance will help you save on your family hotel booking.

    Explore a world of travel with Expedia