Hill Top Farm

Hill Top Farm in the tiny village of Near Sawrey just outside Hawkshead is the famous Beatrix Potter House.

This is the farm that Beatrix Potter bought after she became financially independent from her parents, through the loyalties of her first books, which include the now so very famous, 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'.

Although she moved to Castle Cottage, once she was married, she never sold Hill Top, continuing to use it for her work.

Beatrix Potter's Hill Top features in several of her illustrations and provided inspiration for many of her stories.

Beatrix Potter - National Trust

Beatrix Potter's House at Hill Top - Summer 1913 photograph resource:Wikimedia

It was through her association with Canon Rawnsley, a friend of her parents, that Beatrix Potter first became aware and very interested in the National Trust and its efforts to preserve an 'unspoilt' Lake District. So much so, that in her Will she bequeathed Hill Top Farm and surrounding land to the National Trust, on the proviso that they remain undeveloped.

Visit Beatrix Potter's Hilltop

Hill Top is still looked after by The National Trust and is open to the public (closed Fridays). Of course this is a major tourist attraction and cottage rooms aren't huge so do be prepared for the National Trust to enforce timed admittances during busy periods.

Near Sawrey

Near Sawrey remains the unspoilt village that so charmed Beatrix Potter. It is a lovely place to wander around and a great way to see how Beatrix Potter was inspired.

You will recognise the Tower Bank Arms from the illustrations of Jemima Puddleduck and also Buckle Yeat now a Guest House, which features in the illustrations of 'Tale of Tom Kitten' and 'The Pie and the Patty Pan'.