Beatrix Potter: Exploring the World of the Famed Children's Author in the Lake District

Embark on a fascinating tour through the picturesque Lake District to explore the world of Beatrix Potter, the famed children’s author. Visit her former home, Hill Top, and other landmarks that inspired her beloved stories.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Wray Castle - Your morning starts with a visit to Wray Castle for spectacular scenery and lake views. This is the holiday home where Beatrix first fell in love with the Lake District. There will be plenty of time for photos.
  • Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House - While on holiday, Beatrix visited many of the small villages in the area and Near Sawrey became her favourite. This village features in many of her “little books” illustrations. The Tower Bank Arms is immediately recognisable as the place where Kep, the collie-dog goes looking for the two fox-hound puppies to rescue Jemima Puddle-duck. You will be amazed when you see it, exactly like it is in the book!

One of the reasons why Beatrix visited Near Sawrey so often was because while staying on holiday in the area, the Potter’s coachman and his family were lodging at a farm there. That farm was Hill Top and is the one Beatrix later bought with the profits from publishing Peter Rabbit. She often visited her ‘holiday home’ Hill Top and wrote many more books here which were inspired by the people and the places around her in this beautiful part of England.

We stop at Near Sawrey and Hill Top for you to see the locations which are so recognisable in the books and the place where Beatrix Potter lived. Entry to Hill Top IS included in the price of this tour. Your guide will take you on a guided walk through the village to show you actual places illustrated in Beatrix’s books.

  • Esthwaite water trout fishery - Close by Hill Top is Esthwaite Water where Beatrix walked while courting her future husband, William Heelis. This was a favourite spot for Beatrix who thought it “the most beautiful of the Lakes”.
  • Hawkshead Grammar School Museum - We now stop off in Hawkshead. Your guide will take you on a walking tour around this medieval village pointing out all of the important locations.
  • Beatrix Potter Gallery - William Heelis was a solicitor who advised Beatrix about her land purchases. His offices were in Hawkshead village. They are now the Beatrix Potter Gallery.
  • Tarn Hows - Beatrix bought a lot of land in the Lake District and owned the beauty spot Tarn Hows. Here you will have a photo opportunity here.
  • Coniston Water - Coniston Water is the third largest lake in the Lake District and is the straightest. You will have a short stop here to admire the view and see the famous fell of Coniston Old Man towering over the village and the lake.

Beatrix also owned a lot of farms in the area and as we travel down the Yewdale Valley back to Ambleside, you will see Yew Tree Farm, famous as a location in the film “Miss Potter”.

  • Windermere - This is one of our pickup points
  • Bowness-on-Windermere - This is one of our pickup points
  • Ambleside - This is one of our pickup points
What's Included
  • Relaxed and friendly small-group tour of no more than 7 guests
  • Comfortable minivans with air-conditioning, WiFi and charging points
  • Regular photo and comfort stops
  • Professional Guides sharing expertise in English
  • Entry to Hill Top (Beatrix Potter’s house) included
  • Convenient central departure and return points
  • All entrance fees for itinerary locations included
What's Not Included
  • Food & drink
Additional Information

This expedition offers a captivating adventure through the scenic Lake District while uncovering the universe of the esteemed author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. It’s the perfect experience for those keen to delve into the life and work of a cherished icon in British children’s literature. As part of the tour, a visit to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s previous residence, is arranged where explorers can wander around the quaint cottage and stunning gardens that served as inspiration for many of her adored tales. Bonus visits to other significant locations tied to Potter’s existence and career are also included, promising a thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening morning tour.

  • The English Lake District weather can change quickly, even in the summer months. Please bring a waterproof coat with a hood in case of rain or windy weather
  • As there is a little walking involved on the tour, some uphill and on uneven or wet terrain, please wear suitable, comfortable shoes
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • All passengers, including children of any age, must have a seat purchased for them
  • We will collect you from the departure point linked to your chosen option. Please do not change to a different departure point without informing us in advance as we don’t automatically go to every departure point. If we don’t know you have changed your departure point we may not pick you up for the tour!
Location
Windermere
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(119 Ratings)
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737murrayr
Aug 28, 2024
Wonderful visit to Beatrix POtter's Home and Surrounding Area - Even though it was raining that morning, we had a wonderful visit to Beatrix Potter's home (Hilltop), Wrey Castle, Conniston Water, etc. Guide was excellent. Learned a lot about a remarkable, complex woman. My wife had read most of her books as a child, I had not. But, was very impressed with her story.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julieb8217
Aug 8, 2024
Beatrix Potter - Tim was a fantastic guide - knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. I learnt so much more from this tour than l would have through a DIY visit. It was an enjoyable tour and l would highly recommend. There is more to Beatrix Potter than Peter Rabbit!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anna_b
Aug 7, 2024
Informative and interesting tour - Very informed tour guide who gave history on Beatrix Potter plus some Wordsworth sites and history. Great scenery and plenty of time given at each stop. Highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
Maryjane_w
Jul 14, 2024
Well worth the price! - Wonderful overview of the whole area and Beatrix Potter's connection to it! Great for us since we did not rent a car, so this allowed us to see much of the beauty of the area that we otherwise would have missed. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly!
Review provided by Viator
M2575ukgarys
Jul 11, 2024
A pleasant and leisurely tour - A pleasant and leisurely tour, made all the more enjoyable by our very knowledgeable tour guide Tim. The surrounding countryside and particularly the gardens are beautiful at this time of year. Hill Top House was very interesting and a nice place to take a break. A few stopping points along the way, including small adventures taking in some of the local history, successfully rounded off the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacquelinere624bb
Jul 5, 2024
Fabulous - This was a fabulous tour - really brought Beatrix Potter to life as a woman who was so much more than just a writer. Our guide Tim was so informative and we really enjoyed the morning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gillian_e
Jul 3, 2024
Highly recommended - A very informative trip, we learnt so much, not only about Beatrix Potter but about the Lake District. Our guide was Tim, and he was so knowledgeable explaining the geographical and historical facts about the lakes and the full life history of Beatrix Potter and her lasting legacy. Leave the car, let someone else navigate those narrow roads, save the parking stress and be educated at the same time, what's not to like? Ten out of Ten, thank you Tim.
Review provided by Viator
Annie_d
Jun 27, 2024
Wonderful experience! - Our guide was wonderful! He was very knowledgeable and showed us so many connections between Beatrix Potter and the entire Lake District. Hilltop, of course, was beautiful and I loved spending time exploring it. Seeing all the area around it, as well, was so lovely! I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves or just knows about Beatrix Potter.
Review provided by Viator
O7199nkmichaelg
Jun 27, 2024
Definitely recommended - This was a really enjoyable tour, visiting many great locations connected with Beatrix Potter. Tim was an excellent guide and kept us entertained throughout the morning with his vast knowledge and humour. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keith_r
Jun 11, 2024
Beatrix Potter Tour - Tim shared many stories along the tour. Our favorite part was when he pointed out all of the locations that were illustrated in B. P. 's books. He was friendly, helpful, and informative. We really enjoyed the tour and highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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