Private Tour: Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day All-Inclusive Tour with Expert

Windermere , United Kingdom

Private Tour: Beatrix Potter Afternoon Half Day All-Inclusive Tour with Expert

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About this experience

On this tour you will get to see:
• Wray Castle where Beatrix spent her 16th birthday and first discovered the Lake District.
• Near Sawrey village which Beatrix visited often, used as inspiration for her illustrations and where she happily settled and married.
• Hill Top, the house which Beatrix bought from the money she made from the publication of Peter Rabbit.
• Esthwaite Water where Beatrix fished from her boat.
• Hawkshead village
• Tarn Hows bought by Beatrix and regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Lake District.
• Coniston Water with spectacular views of the lake and Coniston Old Man
• Yewdale Valley where Beatrix owned farms and land including Yew Tree Farm used in the film Miss Potter.

Available options

Hotel Departure 2:00pm

Pickup included

What's included

Entry into Hill Top, Beatrix's home

Cruise on Windermere

Live commentary on board

Knowledgeable guide available throughout the tour

Detailed itinerary

Take a cruise on England's largest natural lake, Windermere

Stop 2

Your afternoon 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.

Close by Hill Top is Esthwaite Water where Beatrix walked while courting her future husband, William Heelis. This was a favourite spot for Beatrix who thought it "the most beautiful of the Lakes".

Stop 4

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.

Our guide will take you on a short walk through the village, pointing out the various locations Beatrix used in her books.

Stop 5

This is where William Heelis had his solicitors office and known well to Beatrix Potter.

Stop 6

Beatrix bought a lot of land in the Lake District and owned the beauty spot Tarn Hows. Here you will have a photo opportunity.

Stop 7

After a short scenic drive, Coniston Water comes into view. Coniston Water is the fifth largest lake in the Lake District and is the straightest. You will have a short stop here to admire the view and see the famous fell of Coniston Old Man towering over the village and the lake.

Beatrix also owned a lot of farms in the area and as we travel down the Yewdale Valley back to Ambleside, you will see Yew Tree Farm, famous as a location in the film "Miss Potter".

What's not included

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

All passengers, including children of any age, must have a seat purchased for them

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Important notes

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 may be a small amount of walking involved in the tour, some uphill and on uneven or wet terrain, please wear suitable, comfortable shoes.

No food or drink is included in the tour price.

About Windermere

Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, renowned for its stunning landscapes, outdoor activities, and charming lakeside villages. It's a haven for nature lovers, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Top Attractions

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, offering stunning landscapes, water activities, and scenic cruises. It's a hub for outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, cruises and activities vary in price

Beatrix Potter's Hill Top

Hill Top is the charming 17th-century home of the famous children's author Beatrix Potter. The house and gardens offer a glimpse into her life and the inspiration for her beloved stories.

Historical 2-3 hours £15-£20 for adults, discounts for children and families

Windermere Steamboat Museum

This museum showcases the rich maritime history of Lake Windermere, with a collection of historic steamboats, engines, and artifacts. It's a fascinating look at the lake's past.

Museum 1-2 hours £8-£10 for adults, discounts for children and families

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cumberland Sausage

A traditional sausage made from minced pork, seasoned with pepper and other spices, and formed into a distinctive twisted shape. It's often served with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Main Course Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or those with pork allergies

Grasmere Gingerbread

A traditional gingerbread made with spices, honey, and treacle, originating from the village of Grasmere. It's a sweet, spicy treat often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Dessert Contains gluten, not suitable for those with gluten allergies

Kendal Mint Cake

A popular confectionery made from sugar, glucose, water, and peppermint oil. It's a sweet, minty treat often enjoyed by hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Snack Contains sugar, not suitable for those with sugar allergies or diabetes

Popular Activities

Hiking Boating Water sports Cycling Mountain biking Boat cruises Spas and wellness Scenic walks

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and busiest time of year, with long daylight hours and plenty of outdoor activities available. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for hiking, boating, and exploring the villages.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) in winter, BST (UTC+1) in summer

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Lake District is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas and at night

Getting there

By air

Manchester Airport • 150 miles (240 km)

By train

Windermere Station

By bus

Windermere Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around, with regular services to nearby villages and attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bowness-on-Windermere Ambleside Grasmere

Day trips

Kendal

10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day

Kendal is a historic market town with a rich cultural heritage, offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and shopping.

Lancaster

20 miles (32 km) • Full day

Lancaster is a historic city with a rich maritime heritage, offering a mix of historic sites, museums, and shopping.

Glenridding and Helvellyn

5 miles (8 km) • Full day

Glenridding is a charming village at the northern end of Ullswater, offering stunning landscapes, water activities, and hiking trails. Helvellyn, the third-highest mountain in England, is nearby and offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views.

Festivals

Lakeland Book of the Year Festival • June Kendal Torchlight Carnival • Mid-November Windermere Jazz Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Pack layers and be prepared for changeable weather, even in the summer
Book accommodations, dining, and activities well in advance, especially during peak season
Explore beyond the popular tourist hubs and discover the hidden gems and quieter villages of the Lake District
Try local dishes and support local businesses, such as pubs, cafes, and shops