Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top House
Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF
Children’s author Beatrix Potter lived in the 17th-century Hill Top farmhouse for most of her life, and bequeathed it to the National Trust on the condition that it was left “as if I had just gone out and they had just missed me.” The farm was a huge source of inspiration for Potter, who based many of her much-loved books here.
The Basics
Hill Top is often visited as part of Beatrix Potter-themed tours of the Lake District, which typically include stops at Wray Castle, the holiday home of the Potter family; Tarn Hows, a beauty spot where Potter owned a significant plot of land; and the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, which showcases her original illustrations. Many literary tours combine Hill Top with literary landmarks such as Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth.
Many Lake District day tours or multi-day trips tend to include Hill Top in their itineraries, along with a cruise on either Lake Windermere or Coniston Water.
Things to Know Before You Go
There’s a timed ticket system in place to avoid overcrowding; tickets cannot be purchased in advance.
The farmhouse is not wheelchair-accessible.
There are no food and refreshments available at Hill Top though there are dining options in the nearby village of Windermere.
How to Get There
Hill Top is situated in Near Sawrey, about 5 minutes’ drive from Hawkshead. Ferries run from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ferry House at Far Sawrey. From there, either follow a signposted 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) path, or take the seasonal bus service run by Mountain Goat, which typically runs from April through October.
When to Get There
Hill Top is hugely popular and lines are therefore common. Waiting times are longest at weekends so try visiting midweek if possible. Arrive early to ensure you get a ticket.
What to Expect Inside the Farmhouse
Inside the stone farmhouse, the interior seems frozen in time, preserved to appear exactly how it would have before Potter’s death in 1943. More than 1,400 objects are displayed in the house, from antique furniture and original sketches to early Peter Rabbit merchandise as well as Potter’s own glasses, which would have aided her with her illustrating as her eyesight began to wane.
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