Explore the Fantastical World of Beatrix Potter

Published on January 1, 2024 at 11:00 am

Born on 2 July 1886 and spending vast swathes of her childhood among the Lake District’s mercurial wonder, Beatrix Potter, who would settle in the park in 1905 and dedicate the rest of her life to protecting its singular landscapes, is one of England’s most beloved authors. Most famous for her whimsical, beautifully-illustrated children’s stories like The Adventures of Peter Rabbit, Potter is a central figure in the mythology of not just Lakeland, but the childhoods of countless British children. Her legacy is today felt resonating through the national park’s fearsome mountains and lush valleys; the mystical landscape that indelibly inspired her work, Potter is now celebrated and remembered throughout the Lake District, so come join us as we enter the author’s magical world of little animal friends.

Yew Tree farmhouse, where Beatrix Potter grew up.

Summary

Beatrix Potter’s House at Hill Top
Beatrix Potter Gallery and Hawkshead
World of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter’s House at Hill Top

Hill Top, where Beatrix Potter lived most of her life.

Nestled in the idyllic village of Near Sawrey in the Lake District National Park lies Hill Top, a charming 17th-century farmhouse. The former home of beloved children's author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, Hill Top now serves as a delightful attraction for visitors to explore the inspiration behind her iconic stories. As you step through the doorway of Hill Top, you'll be transported back to a time when Beatrix Potter walked these same floors. The impeccably preserved house displays many of her personal possessions, furniture, and artwork. The gardens surrounding the house are also carefully tended and showcase her passion for gardening and naturalist inclinations.

Hill Top is a tribute to Beatrix Potter's life and legacy, showcasing her artwork, photographs, and personal items within the exhibit. You'll find yourself standing in the very room where Peter Rabbit and his mischievous companions hatched their daring plan to sneak into Mr. McGregor's garden. The Tale of Tom Kitten and The Tale of Samuel Whiskers were both set at Hill Top, and you can't help but smile as you imagine the rascally feline, Samuel Whiskers, scampering about the rafters.

Practical Information

Opening times: Hill Top is open to the public every day except Fridays, from 10am to 5pm.

Admissions: An adult ticket to Hill Top is £15; children’s tickets cost £7.50. To book a ticket online, visit the website here.

Getting there:

On foot: There is an off-road path from the Windermere car ferry (2 miles), marked along the route. There is also a route (mostly off-road) from Hawkshead (2 miles).
By bus: You can get a Stagecoach bus to Hawkshead from Ambleside or Coniston and walk to us from there.
By car: Take the B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside (6 miles), or the B5285 from Coniston (7 miles). There is a small car park on site, however it is not accessible to camper vans or mobile homes.

Accessibility: Hill Top is generally not accessible due to the large number of steps, uneven surfaces, and small, often busy rooms. You can read the access statement here.

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Beatrix Potter Gallery and Hawkshead

In the fairy-tale Cumbrian village of Hawkshead is the Beatrix Potter Gallery, a National Trust property dedicated to presenting the author’s original book illustrations. Located in a gorgeous 17th-century home, the gallery displays original sketches and watercolours on regular rotation alongside various artefacts, knick-knacks, and information pertaining to the writer’s fascinating life.

The Beatrix Potter Gallery offers visitors a chance to admire the intricate illustrations and charming characters that have captivated generations of readers. The gallery displays some of her most famous works, including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, as well as lesser-known stories and sketches.

Beyond the gallery, Hawkshead is a quaint village that has preserved its traditional architecture and character over the years. It's easy to get lost in the charming streets, admiring the historical buildings and enjoying the slow pace of life. Hawkshead is also the starting point for many scenic walks and hikes that lead visitors through the stunning countryside that inspired Beatrix Potter's stories.

Practical Information

Opening times: Beatrix Pottery is open seven days a week from 10:30am to 4pm. It closes during the winters. Consult the website for more information.

Admissions: An adult ticket to the Beatrix Potter Gallery is £9; children’s tickets cost £4.50. To book a ticket online, visit the website here.

Getting there:

By bus: Stagecoach in Cumbria 505 from Windermere train station to Coniston, via Hawkshead.
By car: Take the B5286 from Ambleside (4 miles); or the B5285 from Coniston (5 miles). The gallery does not have its own car park, however there is pay-and-display parking about 300 yards away.

Accessibility: The gallery building is old, with narrow entrances and stairs/uneven terrain. Access is difficult for any visitors with restricted mobility. Read the full access statement here.

World of Beatrix Potter

The World of Beatrix Potter is a visitor favourite in the Lake District.

Beatrix Potter World is located in the Victorian time-capsule town of Bowness-on-Windermere and brings the fantastical world of Beatrix Potter to life through a variety of wonderful interactive exhibitions. The iconic tales of Peter Rabbit and Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, as well as of smaller characters such as Tom Kitten and Jemima Puddle-Duck, jump off the page, while visitors can explore Potter’s painstakingly recreated home and garden, marvel at the intricate miniature models, and simply take time to enjoy the carefully-curated sensory displays.

The attraction also offers a variety of experiences for visitors of all ages, including storytelling sessions, arts and crafts workshops, and a chance to meet and greet some of the beloved characters themselves. There's even an outdoor play area where children can run and play amidst the beautiful Lake District scenery.

A full, self-guided tour of the attraction takes about 45 minutes, while a shop selling charming Beatrix Potter trinkets and a café are also available on site.

Practical Information

Opening times: The World of Beatrix Potter is open seven days a week throughout the year, except Christmas Day. Between April and October it is open from 10am to 5:30pm. Between November and March it closes an hour earlier, at 4:30pm.

Admissions: An adult ticket to the World of Beatrix Potter is £9; children’s tickets cost £5. Tickets are not pre-sold on the website and can only be bought in-person at the attraction.

Getting there:

By bus: There are regular buses to Bowness-on-Windermere from around the Lake District. It can also be reached on the ferry via Windermere Lake Cruises.
By car: The World of Beatrix Potter can be found on Crag Brow in the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere. There is public pay-and-display parking nearby.

Accessibility: The World of Beatrix Potter attraction is fully accessible. For more information, visit the website here./?utm)source=easyvoyage).

by Jude JONES | Staff Writer

Jude Jones is a writer and editor from Manchester, England. He is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in History and Modern Languages at the University of Cambridge. He has a keen interest in art, film and literature.

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