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by Lizi MacGregor / News
The inspiration behind her world-renowned novels, Beatrix Potter’s Lake District was filled with imagination and curiosity. Her home for 40 years, Potter left her legacy in the Lakes.
One of the Lake District much-loved literary icons, Beatrix Potter is often remembered for her life in the lakes. Not only the author of the ‘The Tales of’ series, Potter was also a farmer, conservationist and businesswoman.
Originally from London, Beatrix Potter moved to the Lake District after visiting as a child and falling in love with the landscape.
Visiting in 1882, Potters first experience of the Lake District was with a visit to Wray Castle in Ambleside. Idyllically positioned on the shores of Windermere, the spectacular scenery sparked her interest in sketching before serving as the backdrop for her writing.
Beatrix Potter bought her first home in the Lake District in 1903 using the proceeds of her famous book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Hill Top, in the village of Far Sawrey, is a 17th century farmhouse full of fascinating artifacts of her life. You’ll find paintings of Jemima Puddle-Duck and drawings from The Tale of Two Bad Mice.
Beatrix Potter’s Lake District is perfectly captured in Hill Top House. You can almost imagine Beatrix sat in front of the fire writing whilst Mr. McGregor tends the garden.
Today, the property is under the care of the National Trust and attracts visitors from all over the world. Head Gardener, Pete Tasker, has worked tirelessly for the last 30 years to restore the garden to its former glory.
2022 sees 127 years of the National Trust, and Beatrix had a big part to play in its development. Her friend and lifelong mentor, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, was one of the founders of the Trust.
After a lifetime’s interest and activity in farming and conservation, Beatrix left 16 farms and acres of land to the Trust in her will. This haul included Yew Tree Farm in Coniston, which served as the backdrop of the authors home in the film Miss Potter.
These spectacular buildings and landscapes have each become much-loved National Trust attractions today.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery in the centre of Hawkshead is also under the care of The National Trust. The building was originally William Heelis’ solicitors office, Potters husband since 1913.
A fascinating assortment of the author’s drawings and illustrations are on display in the gallery, which rotates its exhibits every year.
The first on our list is Wray Castle in Ambleside. This gothic turreted castle rests on the shores of Windermere, and it was here that Beatrix spent many happy summers as a child.
Head here for lakeside walks and cycle rides with fabulous views over the glistening waters. There’s also informal grounds for little ones to run around in, lots of indoor places to explore, and a café. Wray Castle is a real family-friendly place to spend an afternoon.
Hill Top House and the Beatrix Potter Gallery are, of course, well worth a visit. Here you can immerse yourself in the life of Beatrix, her collections, her writing and her passions of the outdoors and Herdwick sheep farming.
You can even stop off for a spot of lunch and a pint by the fire at the Tower Bank Arms, located next door to Hill Top house. Potter fans will recognise this cosy village pub from The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is a must-see whilst you’re in the area. A great place for children of all ages, this interactive exhibition celebrates the literary adventures of Peter Rabbit and his friends.
So, go on, unleash you inner child, explore Beatrix Potter’s Lake District and see what new things you can discover.
The Lingholm Estate positioned on the shores of Derwentwater is a beautiful spot to visit. Frequented by Beatrix as a child, the writer credits the enchanting scenery as the inspiration behind The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin and Benjamin Bunny.
Her inspiration for A Tale of Mrs. Tiggywinkle came from the countryside beyond Catbells and the Newlands valley. Similarly, the Lingholm Kitchen Garden served as the inspiration behind Mr McGregor’s garden in iconic novel, The Tale of Peter Rabbit.
Following an afternoon of exploration, sit back and relax with a bite to eat, a steaming cup of coffee and far-reaching views at the on-site café.
Fancy walking in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter? Browse our range of cottages in the Lake District and secure your break today.
For a getaway closer to the action, choose from our hand-picked collection of cottages in Hawkshead, Sawrey and Lakeside.
You can even plan your holiday itinerary ahead of time by giving our 25 things to do in the Lake District this Summer blog a read!
Images courtesy of: Kirk Siang – (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0); James@hopgrove – (CC BY-SA 3.0); Ann Lee – (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This blog post was updated by Lizi MacGregor on the 22nd of June 2022
by Lizi MacGregor / News
Hello, I'm Lizi, and I joined the team in May 2021. My favourite staycation destinations include Cornwall, Northumberland, and as ...
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