As the festive season fast approaches, many Brits are planning their day trip or mini break to experience Christmas markets across the country.
And while large cities like Birmingham and Edinburgh are well-known for their festive celebrations, a small village in the Lakes is throwing its hat in the ring.
Once home to two of Britain’s greatest literary figures, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, Hawkshead, a village in Cumbria, lies within the Lake District National Park.
Northwest of Windermere, the village, which has a population of around 500, is made up of narrow, cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and old cottages.
The main festive event in the village is the Hawkshead Christmas fair, which takes place between December 6 and 7 this year.
Jerry Rebbeck, a local expert at Wheelwrights Holiday Cottages, said: ‘Just a 30-minute drive from bustling Grasmere, Hawkshead is a true hidden gem, especially during the Christmas period.
‘The fair takes place across one weekend every year, taking over the centre of the village with stalls full of local produce, food and drink.
‘This tiny village comes alive with street performers, carol singing and even a lantern parade. It’s a fabulous thing to visit and be a part of.’
Once home to two of Britain’s greatest literary figures, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter, Hawkshead, a village in Cumbria, lies within the Lake District National Park
Hawkshead has been featured in various TikTok videos, including one showing the Christmas Market and village covered in snow
Pictured: Looking towards Hawkshead from Wansfell in the Lake District
Elsewhere in the village, there is a Grade I listed 12th-century church that overlooks the village and is known for its medieval frescoes and original wooden galleries.
The local expert continued: ‘There are attractions in Hawkshead which are incredible at any time of year but feel extra special at Christmas time.
‘For example, many of the businesses have vintage shop fronts and often do festive window displays – add that to the cobbled streets, and the village that looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas fairytale.
‘Another festive highlight is the Chocolate Factory Hawkshead, a shop and cafe that also hosts Christmas chocolate-making workshops for children and adults alike.
‘It’s a great place to source stocking fillers, and makes for a great rainy day festive activity for families.’
There are plenty of options for places to stay, either in Hawkshead village or the surrounding areas.
The village has been featured in various TikTok videos, including one showing the Christmas Market covered in snow with the caption: ‘You drive to the English countryside for a Christmas market and this happens’.
Another user posted a snowy scene from the village with the caption: ‘A magical Christmas weekend in Hawkshead’.
A grab from a Tiktok video of a daytripper enjoying a snowy day in Hawkshead
During the festive season, the businesses have vintage shop fronts and often do festive window displays
@myukstaycation
Yes, this really did happen! Last year the Lake District was turned into a picture perfect winter wonderland. We don’t do Christmas presents in our family, instead, for the last ten years or so, we’ve gone on a family staycation to the Hawkshead Christmas market and last year will be the one we never forget. 🎄Hawkshead Christmas Market, Lake District 📆 December 7th & 8th ❄️Snow unfortunately not guaranteed. 🍷Mulled wine and carols in the square guaranteed. #christmasmarkets #lakedistrict #hawkshead #winterwonderland
♬ Somewhere In My Memory – Iván Cairo
In the surrounding area, only a mile away, you can find holiday cottages in Outgate, as well as Ambleside, around five miles away.
The village is also close enough to cities such as Manchester, Liverpool or Leeds for a festive day trip.
It comes after we revealed the White Christmas Lodge, in the heart of Wales, which promises a festive escape with guaranteed snow.
Fully decked out in Christmassy decor and covered in snow, you could experience the first fully White Christmas in more than 15 years – and it’s almost open for 2026 bookings.
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