Beatrix Potter's Favourite Countryside

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Please note: We do not allow children under the age of 5

Your tour at a glance

Cruise on one of the famous lakes

Hawkshead, a picturesque medieval village where Wordsworth once studied.

Hill Top Farm, you will have chance to visit the Gardens & Shop. (Only visited in summer)

Explore stunning landscapes and visit renowned Lake District beauty spots

Experience some of Beatrix Potter's favourite countryside.

Please note this tour is not operating until February 2021. 

Taking in many places associated with the famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, this tour is an ideal opportunity to see some of the scenery which inspired her. 

This afternoon tour takes you to Hawkshead and Hill Top Gardens. (There is an additional charge for Hilltop House and it is not open Fridays or in the Winter).

The tour also introduces you to the incredible landscapes and cultures which shaped Beatrix Potter's incredible stories. Travel through valleys and forests and visit the beauty spots which inspired her work which is beloved the world over.

You will take a lake cruise, where you can marvel at the beauty of the Lake District from the tranquil waters themselves. If the cruise is cancelled an alternative extra will be included in the tour.

This tour is ideal for fans of Miss Potter, taking in some great locations in a scenic afternoon. Even if you’re not a fan of Beatrix Potter you can sit back and enjoy some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer.

Tour Itinerary

Hawkshead large image

Hawkshead

Hawkshead is a charming medieval village of narrow alleys and characterful squares in the valley between Windermere and Coniston. Hawkshead is home to a Grammar School, established in 1585, where the famous Lake District poet, William Wordsworth went to school. There has been a church on the hill overlooking the village since the 14th Century but the current church was built in the 16th Century.

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Hill Top large image

Hill Top

Hill Top was bought by Beatrix Potter in 1906 eventually leaving it to the National Trust on her death in 1943. It was opened to the public by the Trust in 1946 and displayed many of her original drawings but these have subsequently been moved to the old offices of William Heelis where they are currently displayed. Hill Top remains open to the public as a museum to Beatrix and still retains the character of the house as it was when she died.

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Lake Windermere large image

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England surrounded by spectacular mountains and small villages. It is fed by the rivers Brathay, Rothay, Cunsey and Troutbeck. The lake has 18 islands and the main fish in the lake are trout, char, perch and the top predator is the pike; growing to 1.5m in length. If you would like to enjoy a cruise on England’s largest lake, head over to the Windermere Lake Cruises website!

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Tarn Hows large image

Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a picturesque beauty sport just to the north of Coniston, originally three smaller tarns, Low, Middle and High, but the building of a dam raised the water level to create a larger body of water. Tarn How’s is accessible to everyone, regardless of age and physical ability due to it’s manageable footpath. The footpath around the tarn is just short of two miles long and offers the most stunning views!

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Tour

Prices

Summer 2021 (Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere and Oxenholme)

13th February 2021 - 31st October 2021

Adult Senior Student Child
£41 £39 £39 £37

Tour Days

Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere & Windermere

13th February 2021 - 31st October 2021

Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

Oxenholme Railway Station

13th February 2021 - 31st October 2021

MonTuesWedThuFriSatSun

Duration

Half day Windermere 12:00 - 16:00 / Oxenholme 11:10 - 16:30

Activity Level

This tour is a guided scenic mini-coach tour, but there are times when you will have the option to walk up to a few hundred metres to take in a view or point of interest.

Language

English

Group Size

16 passengers maximum

Includes

  • Transport in a comfortable 16 seater minibus
  • Knowledgeable Driver Guide
  • Many stops on route
  • Lake Cruise

Departure

Main Departure point

Windermere Tourist Information Centre

How to find us

Pickup Service

  • Tour pick-ups are available from certain accommodations in Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside.
  • Pick-ups are also available from Oxenholme Train Station (Mon - Sat) 

Know before you go

Restrictions

This tour is unsuitable for children under 5.
All passengers must have their own seat.

We have private hire options available for those who have children under 5.

Luggage on board

There is space on-board for hand luggage, for anything larger there is luggage storage at the Windermere Tourist Information Centre.

Lunch

Lunch is not included, however there will be a stop in Hawkshead with the opportunity to get something to eat and drink.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel 24 hours prior to departure & receive a full refund. After 24 hours no refund will be issued.

Tour Itinerary

Taking in many places associated with the famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, this tour is an ideal opportunity to see the scenery which inspired her. 

You will also cruise on one of the famous lakes. If the cruise is cancelled an alternative extra will be included in the tour.

This afternoon tour takes you to Hawkshead, Lake Windermere and much more. The route varies in the winter and summer due to Hill Top Opening Times and the weather. View the different itineraries below:

Summer 2021 - 13/02/2021 - 31/10/2021

Leave Windermere in the early afternoon and head along Lake Windermere, learning about the history of the area and lake along the way from our knowledgeable, local driver guides. You will catch several glimpses of the glittering lake as you drive towards the central Lake District.

If there is time you may be treated to a stop at the National Trust site, Wray Castle. A beautiful castle which stands tall on the north west shore of Windermere. Boasting beautiful views of the surrounding fells the castle is a popular destination for national park visitors. (Again, please be aware this stop is not guaranteed, it is dependant on timings and Hill Top entry times.)

Onwards we travel through more of the Lake District's landscapes, areas which inspired Miss Potter when writing her famous Tales of Peter Rabbit.

Next we visit stop at Hill Top Farm, once owned by the famous author this beautifully preserved building is as enchanting as traditional farm houses come.

You may choose to enter to house and see how she lived. This is additional and can be added to your basket when booking. Please check the house opening times before booking as it closes Fridays outside of UK school holidays. 

Onward to the beauty spot Tarn Hows, this man made tarn provides some of the most incredible views in the Lake District. On a clear day you can see the Langdale Pikes, a favoured adventure for walkers.Both our summer and winter tours are an ideal afternoon out for fans of Miss Potter, taking in some great locations in a scenic afternoon. Even if you’re not a fan of the author you can sit back and enjoy some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer.

Please note, Hill Top House is closed on Friday outside of UK school holidays and during the winter months. See their website for further details.

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