At a Glance
Step into the world of Beatrix Potter and discover the landscapes, villages and beautiful corners of the Lake District that shaped her life and inspired her much loved stories.
Overview
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
Wray Castle
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: 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
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
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.
- 45 minutes
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, making this a lovely place to point out how the real Lakeland landscape became part of the imaginary world of her books.
- Drive by
Tarn Hows
Leaving Hawkshead, we head into the countryside towards Tarn Hows, one of the area's most beautiful landscapes.
Surrounded by woodland and fells, this is a wonderful scenic stop and also introduces another side of Beatrix Potter's legacy. Her passion for farming, conservation and protecting the Lake District landscape for future generations.
- 30 minutes
Coniston – Lunch Stop
Enjoy a short stop in the picturesque village of Coniston, nestled beneath the Old Man of Coniston and close to the shores of beautiful Coniston Water.
There will be time to stop for lunch and refreshments, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this traditional Lake District village before continuing your Beatrix Potter journey.
- 45 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
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.
Herdwick Experience
Finish your Beatrix Potter journey with a wonderful Herdwick Experience, getting up close to one of the Lake District’s most iconic breeds.
Herdwick sheep were particularly important to Beatrix Potter, who became a respected Herdwick breeder and played an important role in protecting the breed and the traditional farming landscape of the Lake District.
This experience is a lovely way to round off the tour, bringing together Beatrix Potter’s love of animals, farming and the Lakeland countryside she worked so hard to preserve.
- 60 minutes
Meeting Point
Please arrive at your selected pickup point 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Your Tour The Lakes driver will meet you at the designated pickup area. Please remain at the agreed meeting point until your driver arrives.
If you have any difficulty locating your vehicle or driver, please contact Tour The Lakes for assistance. The tour returns to your original pickup area at the end of the day.
Kendal
Brewery Arts, 122A Highgate, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 4HE. Meet in the main car park by the parking meter.
Windermere Railway Station
Windermere Railway Station, Station Precinct, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 1AH. Face the railway station and the large yellow Pick Up bay is approximately 20 feet to the left. Your vehicle will meet you there.
Bowness Pier
Bowness Pier, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3HE. Meet immediately outside the Lakes Cruises ticket office, in the yellow ground bay marked Coaches.
Ambleside
Ambleside Bus Interchange, Kelsick Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0BZ. Meet at the bus interchange on Kelsick Road, opposite Ambleside Library. Your vehicle will meet you there.