Beatrix Potter: Exploring the World of the Famed Children's Author in the Lake District
4.9
108 Ratings
Cumbria
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
(108 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
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
Xstitchqueen
Jun 2, 2024
Excellent tour! - This tour was excellent - really enjoyed seeing all the places Beatrix Potter frequented and where she lived. Tim was an excellent driver and knowledgeable tour guide! I highly recommend this for Beatrix Potter fans and is a great way to see the Lake District.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erink277
May 30, 2024
Highly Recommend! - Loved this tour! Our guide Tim was very knowledgeable about not only Beatrix Potter, but also other interesting sites in the area. It was lovely to do the tour in a small group and not be with the masses on a large bus. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
J_p
May 27, 2024
English Lake Tours! - Tim was an excellent tour guide for our group of four to visit Beatrix Potter’s home and surroundings in the Lake District. He was knowledgeable and shared his knowledge freely, and his driving skills on the winding narrow roads made us comfortable. We would highly recommend this tour!
Review provided by Viator
William_v
May 25, 2024
There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they'll take you - Tim was a great guide. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable.. Pick up and drop off was convenient and instructions were clear. Recommended!
Review provided by Viator
John_w
May 17, 2024
Such a great emerience - Our tour experience was incredible! Our guide Tim was so pleasant, entertaining and a wealth of information. Our four hours just flew by. Highly recommend this experience.
Review provided by Viator
Jonnaml
May 17, 2024
Loved it! - This was a wonderful tour! I did the Beatrix Potter tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting facts and stories of her life. We made some stops with some beautiful views as well. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherine_o
May 16, 2024
The Beatrice Potter you didn’t know.. - Tim, our guide was exceptional. His knowledge, humor and professionalism was outstanding. It was a tour to remember and recommend to all.
Review provided by Viator
Rmkelly2018
May 15, 2024
Fabulous Morning Tour - A lovely, interesting morning with our friendly, informative guide, Tim. Travelled in comfort with a small group so seeing and hearing everything was excellent. Would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alison
Jun 10, 2024
Beatrix Potter - Hi there, we were excited for this trip, the main feature being the visit to hill top farm, we could have done with an extra 1/2 hour here, we stopped at Words worth school, couldn't get in, so felt like a waste of time, it would have been better to do the village tour in Hawkshead, with time to stop at the fudge shop and the honey pot. Tried to fit too much in, the last stop looking over the 3 lochs, could also be omitted, it didn't add value. Otherwise, driver was informative and courteous.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Select Date and Tickets
up to 7 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today