Hawkshead has no train station. The nearest railheads are Windermere (about 10 miles east) and Ulverston (about 12 miles south-west).
By car is the practical choice for most visitors. From the M6, take junction 36 and follow signs to Windermere and then Hawkshead via the B5286. The village itself is traffic-free; there is a large car park on the edge of the village where you leave your vehicle. It fills quickly in summer — arrive before 10am or after 4pm if you can.
By ferry and bus is the scenic alternative from the eastern shore of Windermere. The Windermere Ferry crosses from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ferry Nab on the western shore (runs roughly every 20 minutes, carries cars and foot passengers). From there, the 505 bus runs to Hawkshead, continuing to Coniston. Services are infrequent outside summer — check Traveline before setting out.