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Queens Head, Hawkshead
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS England
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Room & Suite (49)
Dining (28)
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About
4.5
#1 of 3 inns in HawksheadLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Welcome! We're glad to have you with us. Since the early 17th century we’ve been welcoming weary travellers and visitors to the village of Hawkshead. Whether you want to drink, dine or unwind, you will find The Queen’s Head the perfect base to explore the beautiful South Lakes of Cumbria and beyond.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Hiking
Fishing
Highchairs available
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Outdoor furniture
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Room features
Housekeeping
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Centrally Located
Quaint
Languages Spoken
English, Hungarian
Location
Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside LA22 0NS England
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Grade: 79 out of 100
79
Carlisle Lake District Airport
39.6 mi•
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Newcastle Airport
69.7 mi•
See all flights
Car Hire
15 Restaurants
within 0.3 miles
695Reviews5Q+A100Room tips
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
We have just returned from a fantastic two night stay at the Queens head. We had a wonderful break and really did not want to come home.
We booked direct with the hotel which I advise doing as you will get your parking and a bottle of prosecco included in your stay. (You need to quote the promotion on the website when booking)
We stayed in a Classic double room which was beautiful, lovely bathroom with powerful hot shower.
When booking the room we also booked to eat in the restaurant there both nights which again I advise to do as you may struggle to book a table if you wait until you arrive.
The restaurant there is fantastic, definitely in my opinion the best in Hawkshead. Food amazing and very high quality with good wines.
They have the summer menu which is the same each day or a specials menu which changes and we ordered from the specials each night.
The hotel has been well organised with all the new COVID restrictions but it didn't affect your enjoyment of eating out or staying in a hotel, you still felt like your on holiday but also safe.
Every single member of staff that work there are so friendly, welcoming and instantly make you feel at home. Absolutely nothing is too much bother, they will go out of their way to ensure you have a great time.
Hawkshead as a town is my favourite place to stay, it is a beautiful quaint little town with 4 good pubs with good food.
On our way to Hawkshead we decided to call to Ambleside for some lunch. (BIG mistake) We queued for 40 minutes just to get in to the town centre then queued for another 30 minutes round the main carpark before giving up and deciding to go straight to Hawkshead.
Ambleside was HEAVING! So we went straight to Hawkshead and it was a different place entirely. Much quieter, plenty of car park spaces and lots of shops, ice cream shop etc.
There are 4 pubs to eat in and you must book ahead of going for a meal as between 6pm and 8pm you will not get in anywhere for food unless you have booked beforehand.
Breakfast at the Queens Head is included and is gorgeous! They have had to make it all table service due to COVID restrictions but everything is served to you and if they notice your coffee has run low they will top it up etc.
A really wonderful stay, much needed after this year and we can't wait to go back
We booked direct with the hotel which I advise doing as you will get your parking and a bottle of prosecco included in your stay. (You need to quote the promotion on the website when booking)
We stayed in a Classic double room which was beautiful, lovely bathroom with powerful hot shower.
When booking the room we also booked to eat in the restaurant there both nights which again I advise to do as you may struggle to book a table if you wait until you arrive.
The restaurant there is fantastic, definitely in my opinion the best in Hawkshead. Food amazing and very high quality with good wines.
They have the summer menu which is the same each day or a specials menu which changes and we ordered from the specials each night.
The hotel has been well organised with all the new COVID restrictions but it didn't affect your enjoyment of eating out or staying in a hotel, you still felt like your on holiday but also safe.
Every single member of staff that work there are so friendly, welcoming and instantly make you feel at home. Absolutely nothing is too much bother, they will go out of their way to ensure you have a great time.
Hawkshead as a town is my favourite place to stay, it is a beautiful quaint little town with 4 good pubs with good food.
On our way to Hawkshead we decided to call to Ambleside for some lunch. (BIG mistake) We queued for 40 minutes just to get in to the town centre then queued for another 30 minutes round the main carpark before giving up and deciding to go straight to Hawkshead.
Ambleside was HEAVING! So we went straight to Hawkshead and it was a different place entirely. Much quieter, plenty of car park spaces and lots of shops, ice cream shop etc.
There are 4 pubs to eat in and you must book ahead of going for a meal as between 6pm and 8pm you will not get in anywhere for food unless you have booked beforehand.
Breakfast at the Queens Head is included and is gorgeous! They have had to make it all table service due to COVID restrictions but everything is served to you and if they notice your coffee has run low they will top it up etc.
A really wonderful stay, much needed after this year and we can't wait to go back
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The staff were lovely and friendly. A great location and very quiet. The rooms were nicely furnished and clean. The bed was rather firm but we slept well. The breakfast was amazing, would definitely recommend paying for breakfast as you get a lot of delicious food for your money!
You had to wear a mask at all times unless seated at a table or in your room and there was a lot of sanitiser on hand, so they are definitely taking social distancing seriously.
We will definitely be staying at the Queen's Head Inn again.
You had to wear a mask at all times unless seated at a table or in your room and there was a lot of sanitiser on hand, so they are definitely taking social distancing seriously.
We will definitely be staying at the Queen's Head Inn again.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Room 11 is very quiet as at the end of the hallway.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Queens Head Hawkshead, General Manager at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 18 Jun 2021
Good afternoon Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of the hotel. Our guests safety and enjoyment is our priority and I am very pleased, you enjoyed the services provided. We hope to welcome you back in the future. Kind regards David
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at this lovely hotel over the New Year period, and we had an absolutely wonderful stay.
The hotel is full of 17th century charm. Cosy and comfortable and very welcoming.
The staff are very attentive, professional and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble.
Rooms are charming and have everything you could possibly need. Spotless and perfectly furnished, super bathrooms.
Their food is superb, recommend booking in advance as the restaurant is always very busy. It’s a top class gastro pub with delicious meals and they happily accommodate diners with food allergies - breakfasts were delicious.
Location in the tiny and beautiful village of Hawkshead is perfect for great hikes from your doorstep or to venture further afield by car to more glorious hikes.
We loved every minute of our stay at this wonderful Inn and can’t wait to return, again and again!
The hotel is full of 17th century charm. Cosy and comfortable and very welcoming.
The staff are very attentive, professional and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble.
Rooms are charming and have everything you could possibly need. Spotless and perfectly furnished, super bathrooms.
Their food is superb, recommend booking in advance as the restaurant is always very busy. It’s a top class gastro pub with delicious meals and they happily accommodate diners with food allergies - breakfasts were delicious.
Location in the tiny and beautiful village of Hawkshead is perfect for great hikes from your doorstep or to venture further afield by car to more glorious hikes.
We loved every minute of our stay at this wonderful Inn and can’t wait to return, again and again!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Queens H, General Manager at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 5 Feb 2020
Hello Shortlineski, Thank you for your kind review. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Queen's Head. Look out for deals on our website for when you book direct.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I just spent two nights here. Hawkshead is a quaint little place perfect for those looking for a quiet location with lots of hiking available without having to drive.
Our room was a little on the small side and the shower tray for putting in soap etc needs to be replaced so that future guests don't have to put their soap on the floor. Other than that the room was fine.
Evening meals were limited in range but they were very good. Breakfast in particular was excellent.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Be aware that if you book direct on the hotel website you get free parking which is about 200yds away.
Our room was a little on the small side and the shower tray for putting in soap etc needs to be replaced so that future guests don't have to put their soap on the floor. Other than that the room was fine.
Evening meals were limited in range but they were very good. Breakfast in particular was excellent.
The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Be aware that if you book direct on the hotel website you get free parking which is about 200yds away.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robinsons Brewery, Owner at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 31 Aug 2021
Thank you for your great review. We hope to welcome you back again soon. Kind regards David
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were visiting Hawkshead for a family wedding. I researched the area and most accommodation had good reviews.
The Queen’s Head has quite a few rooms and so a lot of the family could stay there. There were 22 of us.
From our arrival, we had a warm welcome with offer of help unloading the car. (Hawkshead is quite a small area so you have to drop the bags at the hotel and get a parking permit then park in the main car parks 3-4 min walk away)
Luke was the member of staff who checked us in and couldn’t have been more accommodating.
We had a room for 3 a large room (no.2) which was absolutely lovely. There was a chilled bottle of Prosseco waiting for us we had booked directly with the hotel. We also had another room, 5. where 2 of the children stayed.
The bar was great and all the staff had time to speak and check everything was ok.
We ate at the Red Lion as we were such a big group which was good also.
Breakfast was great, Cumbrian Fry up was fantastic and there was a buffet choice of cereals and healthy options.
Others had the smashed avocados with poached eggs, if you don’t like Chilli flakes ask for it without!
I haven’t written a review before but as we had such a great time and the Hotel was fantastic I wanted to share our experience.
Would definitely return.
Photos are of Room 2
The Queen’s Head has quite a few rooms and so a lot of the family could stay there. There were 22 of us.
From our arrival, we had a warm welcome with offer of help unloading the car. (Hawkshead is quite a small area so you have to drop the bags at the hotel and get a parking permit then park in the main car parks 3-4 min walk away)
Luke was the member of staff who checked us in and couldn’t have been more accommodating.
We had a room for 3 a large room (no.2) which was absolutely lovely. There was a chilled bottle of Prosseco waiting for us we had booked directly with the hotel. We also had another room, 5. where 2 of the children stayed.
The bar was great and all the staff had time to speak and check everything was ok.
We ate at the Red Lion as we were such a big group which was good also.
Breakfast was great, Cumbrian Fry up was fantastic and there was a buffet choice of cereals and healthy options.
Others had the smashed avocados with poached eggs, if you don’t like Chilli flakes ask for it without!
I haven’t written a review before but as we had such a great time and the Hotel was fantastic I wanted to share our experience.
Would definitely return.
Photos are of Room 2
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Queens Head, Owner at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 2 Mar 2020
Hi SPLoz1, Thank you for you kind review and thank you for making us your first! We are so happy you enjoyed your time here with us and can't wait to see you again soon. Kindest Regards Luke :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
buzzbeeinc wrote a review Jan 2020
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom10 contributions17 helpful votesA fantastic trip away between Christmas and new year at this lovely welcoming pub..
Ideal location for walks and exploring local area. Arrived booked in and went to explore them back for lovely evening meal, then board games and drinks, beautiful breakfast day one, unfortunately an undercooked thick English pancake with defrosted frozen fruit on day 2 served as American pancakes were inedible, unfortunately due to busy service no staff to get breakfast replaced, then an indifference when mentioned to staff.
This came as a surprise as the staff on the whole were absolutely fantastic.. just a shame to end a fabulous trip paying for the uneaten breakfast..
Don’t let this blip put you off I’d definitely go back, but order the eggs benedict as these were delicious on day 1!
The photo is maybe a little more what I expected and what as a regular housewife took a few minutes to make..
Ideal location for walks and exploring local area. Arrived booked in and went to explore them back for lovely evening meal, then board games and drinks, beautiful breakfast day one, unfortunately an undercooked thick English pancake with defrosted frozen fruit on day 2 served as American pancakes were inedible, unfortunately due to busy service no staff to get breakfast replaced, then an indifference when mentioned to staff.
This came as a surprise as the staff on the whole were absolutely fantastic.. just a shame to end a fabulous trip paying for the uneaten breakfast..
Don’t let this blip put you off I’d definitely go back, but order the eggs benedict as these were delicious on day 1!
The photo is maybe a little more what I expected and what as a regular housewife took a few minutes to make..
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Queens H, General Manager at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 5 Feb 2020
HI buzzbeeinc! Thank you for your review,I am sorry to hear that breakfast was not to your liking, we are glad that this hasn't changed how you feel about the Queen's Head. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have visited here for both meals and overnight stays on numerous occasions before the change in management and both the meal choices, meals themselves and service has always been second to none. However I hate to say that on Saturday night I was really disappointed. Starting with my Ham Terrine, which was uninspiring and tasteless. My partner chose the rissotto for main course which he said was lovely, I chose the pie, which in itself was fine, but the runny gravy and oven chips that went with it were a spoiler for me. Wine at £9 per glass I personally thought was a bit excessive too. I'd already booked in for Christmas Day lunch as we are staying in the Croft Lodges, however after ringing numerous times for a confirmation email and even asking staff on Saturday night if they could provide a paper copy to confirm my booking, were less than helpful. They even said book online, even though the online booking isn't even open yet?! In hindsight I should've mentioned it on the night but hey ho! Not only that but I noticed the whole place is looking a bit shabby and dirty, and after enquiring about a member of staff who was there previously, was told 'Oh yeah I've heard nightmare stories about him, so no he doesn't work here anymore'... highly unprofessional I thought...
Please Queens Head get back on track we love visiting your pub!!!
Please Queens Head get back on track we love visiting your pub!!!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robinsons Brewery, Owner at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 12 Apr 2022
Hi there Many thanks for taking the time to leave this review. I apologies that your visit with us on this occasion was not the best and would like to assure you that this is not our usual standard! We always strive to provide top quality service to every guest and ensure that training on this is upkept. I would like to invite you back to The Queens Head so we can show you just how great our team is and we can make your next visit with us a much better one. We hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel room was beautifully decorated with a lovely en-suite, coffee and tea making with flask of fresh milk and tunnocks tea cakes. Manager very welcoming. Breakfast was amazing - great choice, freshly cooked and poach eggs just right with oozing eggs. Amazing selection of Gins in the bar. Just a shame we were unable to book dinner.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Parking is in b the main car park - permits available T reception
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Queens Head Hawkshead, General Manager at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 12 Jun 2021
Good afternoon I am very pleased you enjoyed your visit. It was lovely to meet you and look after you during your stay. We hope to see you again soon. Kind regards David
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have just returned from a lovely couple of days staying here. We stayed in the family suite which is also dog friendly.
From arrival the staff were all lovely and welcoming to us all-including the dog who was given plenty of treats and fuss during our stay.
Obviously it is a difficult time for them to be working due to Covid, however they have approached necessary changes sensibly without being over the top.
The accommodation was immaculate and comfortable with pristine furnishings. We have previously stayed in the superior double room which we also found to be just as nice.
The breakfast included was very tasty and filling with lots of options to suit all appetites.
Any requests we had was no bother to the staff-we felt really well looked after throughout the stay.
We shall definitely be returning, this is now our go to place in the Lake District.
From arrival the staff were all lovely and welcoming to us all-including the dog who was given plenty of treats and fuss during our stay.
Obviously it is a difficult time for them to be working due to Covid, however they have approached necessary changes sensibly without being over the top.
The accommodation was immaculate and comfortable with pristine furnishings. We have previously stayed in the superior double room which we also found to be just as nice.
The breakfast included was very tasty and filling with lots of options to suit all appetites.
Any requests we had was no bother to the staff-we felt really well looked after throughout the stay.
We shall definitely be returning, this is now our go to place in the Lake District.
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a lovely three night midweek stay at this quaint, cosy inn / restaurant. The room was very spacious and comfortable, the only downside being the rather feeble shower in a very small cubicle. The bar /restaurant area was very cosy with an open fire. The food was excellent gastropub fare and the included breakfast was terrific. Great choice of craft beers too.
They did forget to clean our room on one of the days but we received a genuine apology for this and it did not spoil our stay. There is no parking in the centre of the village but we were given two free parking permits for our cars to park just on the outskirts. The staff were a relatively young team of people and were all very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended and we would not hesitate to return. Many thanks.
Allan & Mary.
They did forget to clean our room on one of the days but we received a genuine apology for this and it did not spoil our stay. There is no parking in the centre of the village but we were given two free parking permits for our cars to park just on the outskirts. The staff were a relatively young team of people and were all very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended and we would not hesitate to return. Many thanks.
Allan & Mary.
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robinsons Brewery, Owner at Queens Head, Hawkshead
Responded 27 Apr 2022
Hello Thegingerjinx, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! We always strive to provide top quality service to every guest, and are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience here at Queens Head, Hawkshead!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
"Parking immediately at the venue can be tricky but you can park and walk a tiny bit to get there"Read full review
"You have to park in village car park (pay and display) a short walk away but you do get a permit to park for free."Read full review
"If you come back late, the pub is shut so you need to go up the steps to the side of the building on the right and your key opens the door"Read full review
…
PRICE RANGE
£151 - £222 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
queens head windermere, hotel queens head
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaLake DistrictAmblesideHawkshead
NUMBER OF ROOMS
13
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Queens Head, Hawkshead
Which popular attractions are close to Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Nearby attractions include Hawkshead Grammar School Museum (0.05 miles), Beatrix Potter Gallery (0.05 miles), and The Chocolate Factory (0.06 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and free instant coffee during their stay.
Is parking available at Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Little Ice Cream Shop - Hawkshead, Sun Cottage Cafe, and Queens Head.
Is Queens Head, Hawkshead located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 miles away from the centre of Hawkshead.
Are pets allowed at Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Queens Head, Hawkshead?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Hungarian.
Are there any historical sites close to Queens Head, Hawkshead?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Townend (4.3 miles), Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts house (3.8 miles), and Brantwood (2.8 miles).