The Beatrix Potter Tour

To celebrate the launch of the new Peter Rabbit film, we have put together all of our favourite Beatrix Potter locations across the Lake District! From walks to attractions, gift shops and even the former home of the much-loved children’s author. Why not consider a short weekend break at The Daffodil in Grasmere for your base to explore? With so much to see and do, where will you visit first?

HILL TOP FARM – BEATRIX POTTER’S HOUSE

Hill Top Farm located in Near Sawrey close to Hawkshead was one Beatrix Potter’s properties, a 17th century farmhouse. The author purchased the farm in 1905 and left it, along with 15 other Lake District farms, to the National Trust in 1943.

Hill Top provides a time capsule of Beatrix Potter’s life, containing all of her favourite things. The house and surrounding countryside acted as great inspiration for many of her characters including Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddle-Duck. You’ll soon see why Beatrix loved this farmhouse so much as you step through the cottage gardens which features flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables.

Open all year round, Hill Top should be high on your list of things to do whilst visiting the Lake District! Why not take the ferry over from Bowness and make a day of it?

THE WORLD OF BEATRIX POTTER

Experience the magical recreation of Beatrix Potter’s stories at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. Work your way around the exhibition whilst seeing all your favourite characters including Jemima Puddle-Duck’s woodland, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen and Mr McGregor’s greenhouse. Potter out to Peter Rabbit’s garden before enjoying a coffee and cake in the tea room! Don’t miss this fantastic family friendly attraction.

HAWKSHEAD VILLAGE

The pretty Lakeland village of Hawkshead features in many of Beatrix Potter’s story illustrations including The Pie and The Patty Pan and Johnny Town-Mouse. Bursting with character and quaint charm, it’s easy to see why Beatrix fell in love with this area.

Take a walk through the narrow lanes of Hawkshead and discover charming pubs, local gift shops and independent tea rooms. Don’t forget to pop into Beatrix Potter’s Gallery which was formally her husband, William Heelis’ solicitors practice. On a sunny day, pay a visit to The Little Ice Cream Shop where they stock over 20 unique flavours made in the village itself!

WRAY CASTLE

Wray Castle is a Gothic style castle on the shores of Lake Windermere with traditional turrets and towers. Beatrix first stayed at Wray Castle aged 16 during her summer holidays. One of the authors favourite rooms in the building was the library which has recently been restored to its former glory. Wray Castle is a great place to visit on a family day out, the younger visitors can even dress up as kings and queens for the day whilst the adults can learn more about the buildings history.

Whilst visiting, don’t miss cBeebies Peter Rabbit adventure rooms where children can help Mrs Tiggy-Winkle in the kitchen, plant vegetables with Mr McGregor and nestle down in the tree-house dresses as Lily Bobtail or Benjamin Bunny.

TARN HOWS & MONK CONISTON

In 1930 Beatrix Potter purchased the 4,000 acre Monk Coniston Estate, including Tarn Hows to prevent the land being sold. Tarn Hows, located between the villages of Coniston and Hawkshead and just 25 minutes drive from The Daffodil is one of the Lake District’s most popular circular walks which takes you through stunning Lake District countryside. Don’t forget to pack a picnic as there are many scenic stop off points to enjoy your lunch, especially on a sunny day!

MOSS ECCLES TARN

About a mile from Near Sawrey up a bridleway known as Stoney Lane you will find Moss Eccles Tarn, a popular fishing and walking beauty spot. This is where Beatrix kept her rowing boat and where she spent many happy hours with William, developing characters such as The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher.