Beatrix Potter: Morning Half Day with an Expert Guide - includes entrance fees
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour is a fascinating experience that takes you on a journey through the picturesque Lake District to explore the world of the famous author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. The tour is an ideal way to learn about the life and works of one of the most beloved figures in British children's literature. The tour includes a visit to Hill Top, the former home of Beatrix Potter, where you can explore the charming cottage and beautiful gardens that inspired many of her beloved stories. You will also get the opportunity to visit other landmarks related to Potter's life and work, making for a truly memorable and informative morning tour.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Relaxed and friendly small-group tour of no more than 7 guests
Comfortable minivans with air-conditioning, WiFi and charging points for most mobile devices
Regular photo / comfort stops
Professional Guides share their expertise of all the fascinating facts and stories in English
Entry into Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's house) is included in the price
Departure and return to convenient, centrally located meeting points
All entrance fees for locations on the itinerary are included
Food & drink
What To Expect
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.
Options
Windermere Departure 9:05am
Starting point:
Windermere LA23 1AH, UK
Bowness Departure 9:13am
Starting point:
Bowness on Windermere Ferry Terminal, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HQ, UK
Ambleside Departure 9:24am
Starting point:
2 Kelsick Rd, Ambleside LA22 0BP, UK
Reviews
148 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Take this tour to experience all things Beatrix Potter. It us time well spent
735rogerj,
Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a day touring the lake district with Tim and Jill of English Lakes Tours. Tim's enthusiasm for and love of the history that makes the Lakes District unique created a superb experience which set the stage for learning about the author Beatrix Potter. We learned so much about how Ms Potter and the eventual Mrs Heelis lived a life on her terms. The result is a legacy which continues to entertain children throughout the world and to preserve the Lake District for generations to come. Well done Tim! I am not ignoring Jill who was along capturing photographs to share in future media. Thank you both for a wonderful experience well worth the time.
Definitely recommend for all Beatrix Potter fans
ap630,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommended tour. Not only does it cover all things Beatrix Potter but our guide was full of information on the history of the area. Hilltop a definitely worth a visit. Very comfortable transport and both the guide and assistant helpful and friendly
This tour was so...
Sandy A,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was so beautiful and our guide was excellent! We saw some amazing scenery and fairytale settings. Our guide was so knowledgeable and had some fun stories, we really learned a lot, Beatrix Potter was so much more than a children’s author. We also appreciated the small group arrangement. We would definitely recommend this tour and this company.
A fantastic tour, very knowledgeable guide
Mick J,
Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an awesome tour. My wife and I had been looking forward to it for a long time and it didn’t disappoint. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about Beatrix Potter and showed us a lot of little things that we would have missed if it wasn’t for his expertise in this subject. He also offered a great knowledge of the area and other important people from the area.
Beatrix - writer, conservationist & philanthropist
162MarianneS,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tim, our guide told a wonderful story as he skilfully navigated the narrow winding roads. His description of the places of interest was well-crafted into a whole presentation. Included extensive info about Beatrix plus fascinating facts about the countryside. Highly recommended.
Excellent tour! !!!
nvgtemp,
Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Don't drive here yourself. The roads are very narrow and there 's lots of traffic. Book yourself this tour so you can relax and enjoy the landscapes. Our guide was very knowledgeable.
5 star tour *****top
B6863ZHmicheled,
Aug 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a wonderfull tour , especially the guide Tim made the tour worth it , he told us so many details about Beatrix Potter and has the most beautifull voice to listen to . Top*****
Beatrix Potter tour
Cathie K,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tim our tour guide is a credit to your company! From collecting us from the station first thing to leaving no stone unturned, very informative facts and information, really made our day. Would highly recommend this Beatrix Potter tour.
A lot more than “bunny books”
Jet05797445988,
Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If your only familiarity with Beatrix Potter is from her wonderful children's books featuring anthropomophised animals and their adventures in an idealized English landscape, then the Beatrix Potter tour put on by English Lakes Tours might surprise you. Potter had a depth that went well beyond the fantastically detailed illustrations and stories that still captivate and transport millions of fans, and it was this depth that the tour did such a good job of exploring. Her commitment to conserving the Lakes District lands she loved so well, her determination that women landowners should not be treated any differently, and her serious bona fides (and scientific paper) in the field of mycology are all a revelation if you only know Potter from her “bunny books”. Gillian (and her driver with nerves of steel) did a fabulous job of bringing all of this to life and fitting it in with her well-known books. Highly recommended!
One of the best tours I’ve taken
lascaryork,
Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend this tour - very enjoyable 4 hour tour taking in places associated with Beatrix Potter. Tim, our driver/guide had a wealth of information and stories to share with us as we visited places around the Hawkshead/ Coniston area. Personally, I would have preferred less time at Hill Top and more time in Hawkshead, but that’s just a minor issue, As a visitor without a car, I really liked getting off the beaten track and seeing wonderful country views. I will definitely book again with English Lakes Tours when I’m visiting the area.
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