Beatrix Potter Tour

A day in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter. From the teenage Beatrix discovering the Lake District at Wray Castle to the author, farmer and conservationist who made this landscape her home, this tour is about much more than Peter Rabbit. Travel in comfort with Tour The Lakes on a memorable journey through Beatrix Potter country. From the place where her love affair with the Lakes began to her beloved Hill Top farmhouse, we’ll explore picturesque villages, peaceful waters and spectacular scenery along the way.

Itinerary Collection Times: Windermere 08:30 Bowness 08:40 Ambleside 09:00 Wray Castle Arrive 09:50 Our journey begins at Wray Castle on the western shore of Windermere. In 1882, a 16 year old Beatrix Potter stayed here with her family on their first Lake District holiday. It was at Wray that she met Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, who encouraged her artistic talents and later helped her towards publishing The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Take in the impressive Gothic Revival castle, beautiful grounds and views across Windermere. Please note that the castle interior is currently undergoing restoration and is closed during 2026, although the estate and grounds remain open. The National Trust plans a partial reopening of the interior in spring 2027. 30 minutes stop. Near Sawrey We continue into the tiny Lakeland village of Near Sawrey, the place Beatrix chose to make her own after years of visiting the Lake District. Its traditional cottages, farms, narrow lanes and surrounding countryside are intimately connected with her stories. Drive by. Hill Top 10:45 One of the highlights of our day is Hill Top, the 17th century farmhouse Beatrix bought in 1905 with proceeds from her books. Hill Top became her sanctuary and creative inspiration, and both the house and surrounding countryside found their way into many of her famous illustrations. Inside, discover Beatrix's personal possessions and rooms that still feel remarkably connected to her stories. Outside, wander through the cottage garden and recognise scenes featured in The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Pigling Bland and The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck. Hill Top House admission requires advance timed booking and is not included in the tour. Please ask us for your expected arrival time before booking your own admission ticket. 40 minutes stop. Esthwaite Water We then travel alongside beautiful Esthwaite Water, a quieter and particularly picturesque part of Beatrix Potter country. The lake is associated with The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher, showing how the real Lakeland landscape became part of the imaginary world of her books. Drive by. Tarn Hows 12:05 Leaving Hawkshead, we head into the countryside towards Tarn Hows, one of the area's most beautiful landscapes. Surrounded by woodland and fells, this scenic stop also introduces another side of Beatrix Potter's legacy, her passion for farming, conservation and protecting the Lake District landscape for future generations. 20 minutes Coniston Water Our journey continues to magnificent Coniston Water, surrounded by mountains and wooded shores. Although perhaps better known for its connections with Arthur Ransome, with Peel Island helping to inspire Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons, Coniston forms part of the wider landscape Beatrix worked to preserve. Drive by. Yew Tree Farm 12:15 Finally, we travel through the spectacular Yewdale Valley, passing one of the most recognisable farms associated with Beatrix Potter on screen. Yew Tree Farm was used as Beatrix's home in the 2006 film Miss Potter. It wasn't actually her home, Hill Top was, but Beatrix did once own Yew Tree Farm and helped its tenants establish their first tearoom. Surrounded by traditional dry stone walls, woodland and dramatic Lakeland fells, Yewdale provides a fitting finale to a day following Beatrix Potter's remarkable journey. Drive by. Drop off times: Ambleside 13:00 Bowness 13:20 Windermere 13:30

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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