Beatrix Potter in the Lake District

Table of Contents

Hill Top
World of Beatrix Potter
Wray Castle
Derwent Water
Beatrix Potter Gallery
The Armitt Library and Museum

Beatrix Potter has deep roots in the Lake District. She made her home there, and the tourist industry in the National Park embraces the association. There are several places around the Lake District that you can learn more about Beatrix Potter and her colourful cast of characters. Most of them are child-friendly attractions too. Here are some suggestions if you are seeking Beatrix Potter in the Lake District.

Hill Top

Location: LA22 0LF

Cost: £32.50 for a family of four (under 5s and National Trust members are free) (Click here for up to date prices)

Hill Top is Beatrix Potter’s farm in the village of Sawrey near Windermere. She never lived here, but it was very much her property, and she filled it with personal possessions. The National Trust now owns the house and gardens and manages it for visitors. The house is preserved as Beatrix Potter would have known it in the early 20th century. The gardens are well kept and a joy to walk around. The National Trust always make sure that young visitors are entertained too. There are separate trails and activities in the house and gardens.

It’s a small and popular place with limited parking so I would recommend getting there early. Entry to the house itself is staggered to prevent it from becoming overcrowded, but you can spend as much time as you like in the gardens.

World of Beatrix Potter

Location: LA23 3BX

Cost: £22 for a family of four (under 3s are free) (Click here for up to date prices)

The World of Beatrix Potter attraction is an independent attraction in the town of Ambleside. Beatrix Potter’s 23 stories are lovingly recreated as models so that visitors feel like they are walking through the pages of her books. The attraction also has a cafe, museum area and a small garden. We were sceptical about this attraction, but it’s a fun place to spend a rainy afternoon in the Lake District.

Wray Castle

Location: LA22 0JA

Cost: £27.50 for a family of four (under 5s and National Trust members are free) (Click here for up to date prices)

Wray Castle is another National Trust property close to Windermere in the Lake District. The castle is actually a Victorian replica. It was bequeathed to the National Trust without its contents. Instead of filling the empty rooms with antique furniture, they decided to make an indoor attraction for children. Each space is filled with fun things for kids to do, including a lot of imaginative play.

Beatrix Potter was a visitor to the castle, and one room tells her story. However, the best place to explore is the secret passageway which includes Mrs Rabbit’s house and Mr McGregor’s garden.

Derwent Water

Beatrix Potter spent many summers sketching at Derwent Water in the North of the Lake District. It is the inspiration for many of the locations in her stories, including Owl Island. Derwent Water is easily accessed from Keswick.

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Beatrix Potter Gallery

Location: LA22 0NS

Cost: £18.75 for a family of four (under 5s and National Trust members are free) (Click here for up to date prices)

The Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead houses original artwork. The building was once the offices of her husband, who was a solicitor.

The Armitt Library and Museum

Location: LA22 9BL

Cost: £5 per person (under 16s are free) (Click here for up to date prices)

Beatrix Potter was a member and major benefactor of the Armitt Museum. When she died, she left them her portfolios and many botanical drawings which are on display here.

Thinking of Becoming a National Trust Member

If you are planning a visit to the Lake District you should definitely consider becoming a member of the National Trust. The trust owns 23 properties and 30 car parks in the Lake District which means you can easily get your money’s worth on a short trip!