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Hill Top // Hawkshead

Hill Top

Take a tour around the former home of author Beatrix Potter and relive her famous tales.

Step back in time and visit the home of one of the Lake District's most famous residents - author Beatrix Potter. Hill Top is a 17th century farmhouse located near Nawkshead that tells the story of her life and this cottage and the surrounding countryside acted as inspiration for many of her famous books.

Explore this fascinating house, typical of the Lakeland style with its stone walls and slate roof, appearing just as if Beatrix has just stepped out of it herself. Each room contains a reference to a picture in a tale - the house, farm and nearby villages all feature in her books including The Tale of the Pie and Patty Pan, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Jemima Puddle Duck, The Tale of Samuel Whiskers and The Roly Poly Pudding.

While taking a tour around Hill Top there are a few features not to miss. The entrance hall has its original stone flagged flooring, it features reproductions of the range and wallpaper seeing her tales, while original clocks, chairs, dresser and cupboard can still be seen today. The palour with its chimneypiece and antique furniture, and staircase and landing are also not to be missed.

Hill Top is also set within pretty cottage gardens, brimming with flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Upon your visit you’ll walk up the garden path through these gardens to the front door.

Beatrix bought the house in 1905 following the success of her first book as a retreat away from her bustling London home, the Tale of Peter Rabbit. She left it to the National Trust following her death and it is now a Grade II listed building and very popular family attraction…almost three million visitors have walked through the six rooms at Hill Top!

 

Other attractions near Hill Top

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