For the first time, Beatrix Potter’s beloved Hill Top farmhouse at Near Sawrey is opening for a special Christmas experience. A Hill Top Christmas Tale runs from 7 November to 13 December 2026, bringing festive illustrations to life with twinkling decorations, gentle music and a family-friendly garden trail.
If you’re planning a festive break in the Lake District, this is an opportunity to see one of its best-loved historic houses dressed for Christmas.
What to expect at A Hill Top Christmas Tale
Inside the farmhouse, scenes inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Christmas illustrations feature stockings at the end of the bed, animals gathered around a decorated tree and the scent of gingerbread. Soft seasonal music and lights help create a cosy storybook atmosphere.
Outside, follow a family-friendly trail through the garden, where festive lighting adds to the experience. Visitors can also browse Hill Top’s shop for gifts inspired by Beatrix Potter and her characters. The National Trust says the experience is suitable for all ages, with children accompanied by an adult.
Dates and opening times in 2026
- Dates: Saturday 7 November – Sunday 13 December 2026
- Opening: Friday to Wednesday, 10am–4pm
- Closed: Thursdays
- Last entry to the house: 3.30pm
- Booking: Essential; choose an available date and timed entry slot
The house closes at 4pm. Check your chosen date and availability before travelling, and review current road, travel and weather updates on our Lake District travel and weather alerts page.
How much are tickets?
The National Trust currently lists the following admission prices for A Hill Top Christmas Tale:
- Adults: £17
- Children: £8.50
- One adult and up to three children: £25.50
- Two adults and up to three children: £42.50
- Children under five: Free
- National Trust members: Free, but a timed ticket must still be booked
Book A Hill Top Christmas Tale tickets with the National Trust.
Where is Hill Top and what should visitors know?
Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF. The farmhouse is on the western side of Windermere, close to Hawkshead.
There is a small free visitor car park with a maximum two-hour stay. Spaces are limited, so allow enough time for your booked slot. The car park is not suitable for campervans or motorhomes. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden, but not inside the house.
Hill Top is a historic property with uneven garden paths and steps. There is no wheelchair or step-free access to the upper floor, although a video of the upstairs rooms is available on a tablet. Check the National Trust event information and accessibility guidance before booking if you have specific requirements.
Explore Near Sawrey and Hawkshead
A visit to Hill Top pairs well with time in nearby Hawkshead, where visitors can explore the village’s independent shops and the National Trust’s Tabitha Twitchit’s second-hand bookshop. The surrounding countryside is particularly atmospheric in late autumn and early winter, so wrap up warmly if you plan to walk.
Stay around Windermere for a festive break
Why not turn your visit into a short Lake District Christmas getaway? Accommodation around Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere gives you a base for exploring Hill Top, Hawkshead and other winter attractions. Check travel arrangements carefully, especially if crossing Windermere.
Check accommodation prices and availability around Hawkshead.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your visit
With its Beatrix Potter-inspired decorations, storybook details and garden trail, A Hill Top Christmas Tale offers a quieter festive outing for couples, families and fans of the author’s stories. Booking is essential, and timed entry slots may fill during weekends.
For full details, see the official National Trust Christmas at Hill Top guide.
Prices, opening arrangements and availability can change. Confirm details with the National Trust before travelling.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
