Hawkshead Benefice

Welcome to our Church of England Benefice, situated in stunning scenery in the southern Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston Water.

It includes the villages of Hawkshead, Near and Far Sawrey, Satterthwaite and the communities of Rusland, and other hamlets.

The United Benefice is made up of four churches and four parishes and was formed on 1st May 2003, when the parishes of Rusland and Satterthwaite joined the Benefice of Hawkshead and Low Wray with Sawrey.

Please take a moment to explore our site, but even better, if you are able, please come and visit us in person.

Each church is usually open during the day to explore, or sit and think and pray; and of course you are very welcome to come to any of our services.

Service Times What's On

St Michael & All Angels, Hawkshead

We are the parish church in Hawkshead, situated in a fine position, overlooking the village with a good view of the surrounding fells.

St Peter's, Sawrey

St Peter's Church was completed in 1869 and designed by Robert Brass, a London architect and is built in a superb situation with views of the fells.

All Saints Church, Satterthwaite

Records show there was a chapel in Satterthwaite as early as the late 16th century.

St Paul's Church, Rusland

The Parish of St Paul, Rusland is a small country parish in breathtaking scenery.

Safe Guarding

At Hawkshead Benefice, we work hard to maintain a safe environment for all. We are committed to implementing the House of Bishops’ safeguarding policies and good practice guidance.

If you have any concerns or enquiries regarding safeguarding, please contact our safeguarding officers:
Mike Maxwell (children) mikemaxwell65@gmail.com
Peter Irvine (adults) peterirvine34@gmail.com

The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser is Joanna Van Lachterop and she can be contacted at safeguarding.adviser@carlislediocese.org.uk or at 07458 016884. Joanna’s working days are Monday to Friday.

Out of Hours Support:
If Joanna is unavailable and you are concerned that an adult is being abused, or at risk, you should report it by contacting Adult Social Care, Cumberland Council. Emergency Out of Hours - 01228 526690

If you are concerned about a child or young person, please contact Cumberland Safeguarding Hub on 0333 240 1727 (if it relates to a concern in the Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland area) or :

If you believe that a child or adult is in immediate danger or requires medical attention, call the emergency services on 999.
Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub on 0300 373 2724 (if it relates to a concern in the Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland area).
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child and need advice or guidance on what to do.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247(lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse or need help to report.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 0808 808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm)
Victim Support Cumbria: 0300 303 0157. Emotional and practical advice to help people affected by crime in Cumbria.
LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602

Hawkshead Benefice.

The Benefice of Hawkshead with Low Wray, Sawrey, Rusland & Satterthwaite