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Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey are two small neighboring villages in Cumbria, England, located in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Dating back at least to the fourteenth century, these peaceful villages are best known for their traditional stone cottages, rolling farmland, and strong connection to Beatrix Potter.

Tucked between Hawkshead and the western shore of Lake Windermere, Near and Far Sawrey offer visitors a slower, more authentic Lake District experience. They are perfect for travelers who enjoy literary history, countryside walks, and quiet village exploration.

Both villages sit along the B5285 road, which connects Hawkshead to the Windermere car ferry. Because the villages are small and public transport is limited, having a car is strongly recommended. This also allows you to explore nearby attractions such as Hawkshead, Esthwaite Water, and the western lakeshore.

If you are planning to stay overnight, there are charming guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages nearby. Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia are excellent places to search for accommodation in or near Near Sawrey.

Exploring Near Sawrey

Arriving in Near Sawrey feels like stepping into a classic English countryside scene. On one side of the road you will see open green fields and grazing sheep. On the other, a line of whitewashed and stone cottages, some operating as inns and bed and breakfasts, others still private homes.

There is public parking near the Sawrey House Hotel and Restaurant, which is convenient if you are visiting for the day. There is also very limited parking near Hill Top, but spaces fill quickly, especially in peak season.

Hill Top Farm

The main reason most visitors come to Near Sawrey is Hill Top, the former home of beloved author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. This seventeenth century farmhouse is a beautiful example of traditional Lakeland architecture.

Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905, and many rooms were the inspiration for scenes in her books. Before her death, she left the property to the National Trust. Today, it is a Grade II listed building and operates as a writer’s house museum, preserved much as she would have known it.

Inside, you can see original furniture, personal belongings, and rooms that appear almost exactly as they did when she lived there. Outside, the cottage garden is just as charming, filled with flowers, vegetables, and quiet corners to enjoy.

Hill Top also has a gift shop and an independent café serving baked goods, savory snacks, locally roasted coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. If you would like to visit Hill Top as part of a guided tour, you can check these options. Otherwise, you can book your tickets through the original website.

Walking Along the B5285

After visiting Hill Top, take time to walk along the B5285 road. This stretch is one of the most scenic parts of the village. Dry stone walls border the road, cottages dot the landscape, and open fields roll into the distance.

In spring and summer, the area is especially beautiful, with daffodils, wildflowers, and colorful cottage gardens lining the route. This short walk alone makes Near Sawrey worth visiting.

Stones Lane and Countryside Views

As you continue through the village, you will come across Stones Lane. Along this small road you will find a few local services, more accommodation options, and a quieter residential feel.

Walking up Stones Lane leads you away from the cottages and into open countryside. Follow the path bordered by old stone walls, and you will reach a viewpoint where the village fades behind you and farmland stretches out ahead.

This is a peaceful dirt track where you can often see sheep and cows grazing. It connects to additional footpaths that lead beyond the village and into the surrounding Lake District countryside, making it ideal for gentle walks and photography.

Tower Bank Arms

After exploring, the Tower Bank Arms is the perfect place to stop for a meal. Located right next to Hill Top, this historic inn is full of character and offers classic pub dishes alongside local drinks.

Whether you stop for lunch, dinner, or just a warm drink, it is a wonderful place to rest and soak in the atmosphere.

Exploring Far Sawrey

Far Sawrey is even quieter than Near Sawrey and feels more spread out across fields and country lanes. Most buildings date from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries and are surrounded by irregularly shaped farmland.

Public footpaths connect the village to the surrounding countryside, making it a lovely base for scenic walks toward Lake Windermere, Esthwaite Water, and the Claife Heights area.

St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church was completed in 1869 and built from local stone in the Early English style. Although the parish itself has only around 150 permanent residents, the church is surprisingly large and seats about 400 people.

Visitors are welcome to attend services or simply step inside to admire the architecture and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Claife Viewing Station

One of the highlights near Far Sawrey is Claife Viewing Station. These atmospheric ruins once formed part of a residence where each room had differently colored glass windows, designed to change the appearance of the landscape with the seasons.

From Claife, there are gentle walking paths along the western shore of Lake Windermere, offering beautiful lake and mountain views. The area is ideal for relaxed lakeside walks and photography.

There is also an independent café nearby serving baked goods, light meals, and hot drinks, making this a pleasant place to pause during your walk.

Why Visit Near and Far Sawrey

Near and Far Sawrey are perfect for travelers looking to experience the quieter, more traditional side of the Lake District. With literary history, historic churches, scenic footpaths, and timeless village charm, these villages offer a peaceful contrast to busier towns like Bowness and Ambleside.

They are ideal for Beatrix Potter fans, slow travelers, couples, and anyone who wants to immerse themselves in English countryside life.

To enhance your experience in the area, click HERE to book a tour in the Lake District!