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Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey are two neighboring villages in the county of Cumbria, England. The villages date from at least the 14th Century, and are located in the Lake District region.

Exploring the Villages of Near and Far Sawrey in the Lake District, England

Both Near and Far Sawrey lie on the B5285 road, which runs from the village of Hawkshead to the West Bank of the Windermere Ferry, a car ferry. Because these villages are small and the population is reduced, those who visit Near and Far Sawrey have the opportunity to see them in their entirety and enjoy other experiences in the neighboring villages. It is important to note a car is necessary to travel around these villages.

Near Sawrey

Upon entering the village of Near Sawrey, you will be greeted with the view of green pastures on one side of the road, and pretty white and stone cottages on the other. Some of these cottages are hotels and B&Bs, while others are private residential homes. There is public parking as you get closer to the “Sawrey House Hotel Restaurant,” which I advise you to use if you are just visiting for the day. Otherwise, there is a small parking space in front of Hill Top Farm.

You can find your next stay in or close to Near Sawrey here

Hill Top Farm

The main reason for visiting Near Sawrey is Hill Top farm—the home of the beloved children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter. The cottage is a 17th-century house and an example of Lakeland vernacular architecture. Before Beatrix died, she left the cottage to the National Trust and is today a Grade II listed building.

Hill Top is open to the public as a writer’s house museum, and it is shown as Beatrix Potter herself would have known it.

The house counts with a lovely garden, a shop with unique products, and an independent café serving baked goods, savory snacks, locally roasted coffee, teas, and hot chocolate.

Main Road (B5285)

As you exit Hill Top and walk along the B5285 road, soak in the view that surrounds you—the stone wall bordering the road, the green landscape and resting sheep, the beautiful cottages both near and far in the distance, and, if visiting during spring or summer time, the dancing daffodils and variety of flowers both adorning the road and cottages.

Stones Lane

As you walk up the main road, you will notice a street named Stones Lane. Here you will find a luggage store, a convenience store, and more lovely accommodation options, such as the Belle Green B&B and the Casle Cottage.

I suggest you take time to slow down the pace and soak in the peaceful atmosphere and view, always remembering to be respectful of the properties around you.

Landscape view from Stones Lane

As you continue to make your way up Stones Lane, you will come to a point where you won’t be able to see any more cottages. Follow the path aligned with the old stone walls, and enjoy the breathtaking view of the village and cottages in the distance. Here you can see different animals grazing on the landscape, such as sheep and cows. This is a tranquil dirt road to walk on for as long as you would like to, and it connects to other streets and trails that will lead you outside of the village boundaries.

Back to the Main Road (B5285)

After Stones Lane, you may choose to come back to the main road and head north to explore the rest of the village—you will only find more lovely homes and accommodation options at this point.

Tower Bank Arms

To calm your appetite and enjoy a hearty meal after exploring, you might want to consider eating at the Tower Bank Arms—a charming historic Inn located right next to Hill Top farm. Here you can relax, unwind, and refresh in an atmosphere you won’t soon forget.

Far Sawrey

Far Sawrey is yet another small village with attractive architectural and historic character. The buildings predominantly date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and are mostly dispersed and surrounded by irregularly shaped fields. The network of public footpaths links the village to the surrounding countryside.

St Peter’s Church

St Peter’s Church was completed in 1869 and was built of local stone in the Early English style. Even though the number of permanent residents in the parish is only about 150, the church is surprisingly large, with seating for about 400!

Services take a variety of different forms and are held every week. Visitors are always welcome to any of the services.

Claife Viewing Station

Overlooking the lake Windermere is Claife Viewing Station, the ruins of a residence where each room was glazed in differing colored glass to give the effect of viewing the landscape in the changing seasons.

From here, visitors can go on gentle walks along the west shore of Lake Windermere, with beautiful mountain views and lakeshore access. There is also an independent café serving baked goods, savory snacks, locally roasted coffee, teas, and hot chocolate.

The villages of Near and Far Sawrey are a lovely option for those wanting to escape to the beautiful English countryside and experience the northern part of the country. The peace and tranquility found in these places is unmatched, and will give you an increased desire to come back in the future for more. If you are wanting to explore what the Lake District has to offer, then Near and Far Sawrey are a must on your travel list!

To enhance your experience in the area, click HERE to book a half-day Beatrix Potter tour in the Lake District!