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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
Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop will be closed on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th September due to staff holiday. We hope to be open on 8th, 9th and 10th as normal; please check the website before visiting for any developments.
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 3 September 2026
Asset Opening time Second-hand bookshop 10:30 - 16:30 We will be closed on Sunday 14 June.
- 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
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.
My Dear Beatrix... (28 June – 6 September)
Last year, we asked you to send letters to Beatrix Potter. This year we're displaying them at Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop.
Conservation in Action (6 June)
Have you ever wondered how our conservation team cares for buildings like Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop? A special opportunity to witness work being done on the floorboards of our upstairs rooms in the old Heelis building.
Between the Pages (28 June – 6 September)
Discover what we've found between the pages of donated books...
The World of the Whispering Wild (1 October – 1 November)
Artist Lucy Pendrick showcases her watercolours and needle-felted creatures in the bookshop.
Festive Crafting (5 – 6 December)
During the Hawkshead Christmas Fair we will have for festive crafting upstairs.
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
My Dear Beatrix...
Last year, we asked you to send letters to Beatrix Potter. This year we're displaying them at Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop.
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
The World of the Whispering Wild
Artist Lucy Pendrick showcases her watercolours and needle-felted creatures in Tabitha Twitchit's Bookshop.
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.
