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Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop
Lake DistrictThe former Beatrix Potter Gallery is now reopened as Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop
Main Street, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0NS
Important notice
The bookshop will be closed on Sunday due to the high winds, as we are prioritising travel safety for the team. We are sorry for any inconvenience and hope to see you during the rest of the week.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 24 October 2026
Asset Opening time Second-hand bookshop Closed - Bookshop
- Car park
300 yards, in village, not National Trust.
- Dogs allowed
- Family friendly
- Toilet
In Hawkshead village car park, not National Trust.
- Seating available
- By road
- Take the B5286 from Ambleside (4 miles); or the B5285 from Coniston (5 miles).Parking: There is parking 300 yards away (pay and display), not National Trust.
- By train
- The nearest train station is in Windermere, you can catch a bus from there, see below for more details.
- By bus
- Stagecoach in Cumbria 505 from Windermere train station to Coniston, via Hawkshead.
- Cycling
- By ferry
- Take the car ferry from Ferry Nab in Bowness across Windermere to Ferry Head.
Highlights
Second-hand Bookshop
Named after one of Beatrix Potter’s most beloved characters, this delightful little bookshop is full of charm and character. Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of second-hand books, alongside a cosy space to discover other National Trust places.
Historic house
This charming building once housed the Beatrix Potter Gallery, but its story goes even deeper. It was gifted to the National Trust by William Heelis—Beatrix Potter’s husband and a local solicitor—who used it as his office. It’s believed to be the very place where the two first met.
Beatrix Potter's Hawkshead
Pick up a trail map (suggested donation £2) and explore the village of Hawkshead through the eyes of Beatrix Potter. Discover the places that inspired some of her most beloved illustrations, and learn more about her deep connection to Hawkshead and the wider Lake District.
Beatrix Potter's Hill Top
Combine a visit to Tabitha Twitchit's in Hawkshead with a trip to Beatrix Potter's farmhouse retreat, Hill Top, in close by Near Sawrey.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every shelf holds a story. Come in and wander round, browse and lose yourself in the quiet magic of well-loved pages and forgotten treasures. Whether you're hunting for a childhood favourite, a holiday read, or simply something unexpected, you'll find it nestled among the nooks and crannies of this cosy literary haven. It's the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ghost stories with Tallow Tales (27 & 29 October)
Join us for an intimate afternoon of spooky stories and frightening folklore in the cosy surroundings of our historic bookshop. Suitable for all ages. £6 adult and £4 child. Booking is recommended.
Festive Crafting (5 – 6 December)
Head to Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop during the Hawkshead Christmas Fair for festive crafting.
A Hill Top Christmas Tale (7 November - 13 December)
New for 2026! Step inside Hill Top to discover a cosy, storybook Christmas. Beatrix Potter’s characters have set the scene with twinkling decorations, soft music and playful festive touches.
Places to stay
Rose Castle Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
Trees
A 1930s log and stone cabin high above Lake Windermere with a sun terrace and great views.
High Strawberry Gardens
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak in Windermere.
Low Strawberry Gardens
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak into Windermere.
The Summer House
A cosy house in the old kitchen garden of Wray Castle with views of stunning scenery all around.
Low Wray Campsite
By Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by things to do and places to visit.
Tanner Brow
Sitting on the western shore of Lake Windermere, this first floor apartment is a cosy retreat.
Upcoming events
Event
The Tale of the Golden Rabbits
There are some golden rabbits hidden around the shop! Can you spot them all?
Event
Beatrix Potter's Hawkshead
Pop into Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop and pick up our Beatrix Potter's Hawkshead map for a suggested donation of £2.
Event
Ghost stories with Tallow Tales
Join us for an intimate afternoon of spooky stories and frightening folklore in the cosy surroundings of our historic bookshop.
Event
That's a wrap
Buying something from us as a gift? Why not let us wrap them for you? (Please note this is dependent on bookshop team capacity on the day.)
Event
Festive crafting
Head to Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop during the Hawkshead Christmas Fair for festive crafting.
About Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop
Step inside the charming world of Tabitha Twitchit's second-hand bookshop in Hawkshead, where every shelf holds a story. Come in and wander round, browse and lose yourself in the quiet magic of well-loved pages and forgotten treasures. Whether you're hunting for a childhood favourite, a holiday read, or simply something unexpected, you'll find it nestled among the nooks and crannies of this cosy literary haven. It's the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.
History
Article
Beatrix Potter
Discover how Beatrix Potter’s Victorian upbringing and fascination with animals culminated in a successful career as an author and illustrator and a passion for conservation.
Article
The stories behind the works of Beatrix Potter
Explore the stories behind the illustrations, sketches and letters of this legendary author, preserved by the National Trust at her former home in the Lake District.
