Hill Top Farm

Beatrix Potter’s love affair with the English Lake District is practically as famous as her children’s tales. Her numerous and extensive holidays in the bucolic North West England region included stays at the Hill Top Farm, which she bought in 1905. The celebrated author spent as much time as she could in her beloved house, where she found inspiration in the farm and neighboring villages. She even used the exterior of Hill Top Farm as the setting of some of her original tales such as The Tale of Samuel Whiskers.  As a major and longtime supporter of the National Trust, it was natural for Potter to bequest the six-room farmhouse and its flourishing grounds to the organization upon her death, with the condition that it be kept exactly as she left it, including china, furniture and decorative items. It has since been open to the public, with over 1.5 million visitors hailing from around the world since 1946.  The traditional cottage was built in the early 17th century. It is now the most famous literary shrine in the Lake District and offers an immersive, time-capsule type of look at how Beatrix Potter led her creative life within its walls.

Practical Info

The farmhouse is located near Sawrey, which can be accessed in less than two hours from Liverpool and Manchester via the M6, the A590 and B5285. A timed ticket system is in operation in order to avoid overcrowding, and tickets cannot be booked in advance. Visitors should consider visiting early in the morning to secure tickets, as they sell out frequently.