This fantastic Lake District tour departs from Oxenholme, Windermere, Bowness, and Ambleside every afternoon throughout the summer. Taking in many places associated with the famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, this tour is an ideal opportunity to see the scenery which inspired her. This half day tour gives you a fantastic overview of the Southern Lake District in a short amount of time. It introduces the culture and history of The Lake District, which created the landscapes you see today. Learn the significant of farming on the Lake District and how it helped the National Park achieve UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017.
Leave Windermere in the early afternoon and head along the shores of Lake Windermere, learning about the history of the area and lake along the way from our knowledgeable, local driver-guides. You will catch several glimpses of the glittering lake as you drive towards the central Lake District.
If there is time, you may be treated to a stop at the National Trust site, Wray Castle. Wray Castle is a beautiful mock-Gothic castle which stands tall on the North West shore of Lake Windermere. Boasting beautiful views of the surrounding fells the castle is a popular destination for national park visitors. This castle has connections to Beatrix Potter as when she was 16 years old, her parents brought her to Wray Castle for a summer holiday. (Please note this stop is not guaranteed, it is dependent on timings and Hill Top entry times).
Onwards you’ll travel through more of the Lake District's landscapes, areas which inspired Miss Potter when writing her famous Tales. On route you may spot some of the native Herdwick sheep grazing in the fields. Beatrix Potter was a committed and respected farmer and had her own flock of Herdwick Sheep.
Next the tour stops at Hill Top Farm located in Near Sawrey, once owned by the famous author this beautifully preserved building is as enchanting as traditional farmhouses come. Beatrix Potter purchased the farm in 1905 with the royalties from her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. When Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top Farm it was a working farm and remained that way throughout her lifetime and still is today. When Beatrix Potter died in 1943, Hill Top Farm was left to the National Trust with the provision in place that the house was left exactly as she had left it, and it stays that way to date.
Onward to the beauty spot Tarn How’s, this man made tarn provides some of the most incredible views in the Lake District. It has been the inspiration for many artists and writers and once you visit, you will understand why. On a clear day you can see the Langdale Pikes, a favoured adventure for walkers. The 1 ¾ mile route around the tarn is level and well maintained making it accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Beatrix Potter purchased Tarn Hows as well as nearby Monk Coniston estate to help conserve and protect them and when she died left half to the National Trust at cost and the other half in her will.
We'll make our way to the village of Hawkshead is a charming medieval village full of narrow alleys and characterful squares. It is home to a grammar school which was established back in 1585 and where the famous English poet, William Wordsworth went to school. Overlooking the village on a hill, you can also find St Michael and All Angels Church that has been there since 16th century. It's filled with small local shops and traditional pubs, there is plenty to explore in the quaint village.
Please note: Hill Top House is closed on Fridays during term time and throughout November - February, when the house is closed, we will visit The World of Beatrix Potter.
Your tour includes attractions worth £32.50 with your Cruise on Windermere RRP £17.50 and Hill Top priced at £15.