Hill Top

Hill Top is a charming 17th-century farmhouse located in Near Sawrey, Cumbria, that once served as the home of renowned children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter. The house is full of her favourite things and is a time capsule of her life. It is a place that inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District.

Visitors to Hill Top can explore the house and garden, which are maintained by the National Trust. The garden features informal flower beds planted in the English cottage-garden style, with flowers and vegetables. The house is packed full of Beatrix Potter‘s favourite things and is left just as she wanted it for visitors to enjoy. It is easy to see why she loved it so much and used it and the surrounding countryside as inspiration for many of her famous children’s tales, such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Samuel Whiskers, and The Tale of Two Bad Mice. Visitors can also enjoy a hot chocolate in the garden, just as Beatrix Potter did during her time at Hill Top.

History of Hill Top

Hill Top is a 17th-century farmhouse located in Near Sawrey, Cumbria. It was purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1905 with the royalties from her first few books. Potter was a Londoner by birth but was inspired by her annual holiday visits to the Lake District. She visited Hill Top as often as she could, but never for more than a few days at a time.

Potter fell in love with the farmhouse and the surrounding countryside, and it became the inspiration for many of her books. She used the house and garden as the settings for several of her stories, including “The Tale of Tom Kitten” and “The Tale of Samuel Whiskers.”

During her tenure at Hill Top, Potter purchased additional land surrounding the farm. This led her to meet and marry local solicitor William Heelis. In 1913, the couple moved to Castle Cottage, a larger home nearby that Potter had purchased.

After Potter’s death in 1943, Hill Top was bequeathed to the National Trust. The farmhouse and garden were opened to the public as a writer’s house museum in 1946.

Today, visitors to Hill Top can see the farmhouse and garden just as Potter left them. The house is filled with her personal possessions, including furniture, china, and artwork. The garden is planted in the English cottage-garden style, with informal flower beds containing flowers and vegetables.

Overall, Hill Top is a fascinating glimpse into the life and inspiration of one of the UK’s most beloved children’s authors.

Visiting Hill Top

Hill Top is a must-visit destination for fans of Beatrix Potter’s work. This 17th-century farmhouse retreat is located in Near Sawrey, Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District. Visitors can explore the house, garden, and working farm that inspired many of Potter’s beloved stories.

Getting There

Hill Top is easily accessible by car and public transport. The address is Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Ambleside, LA22 0LF. There is a National Trust car park located about 100 yards north of the Tower Bank Arms, which is free for visitors. If you are travelling by public transport, the nearest train station is Windermere, and there are regular bus services from there to Hill Top.

Booking Tickets

Visitors to Hill Top are required to book a timed ticket entry to the house. Tickets can be booked online through the National Trust website or by phone. Admission prices for 2023 are £14 for adults, £7 for children, and £35 for families. National Trust members can enter for free, but they still need to book a timed ticket in advance.

Facilities

Hill Top has several facilities to make visitors’ experience comfortable and enjoyable. There is a shop on site where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other Beatrix Potter-related items. Toilets are available near the entrance, and there are also baby changing facilities. Visitors should note that there are many steps to the first-floor rooms, and the lighting can be dim, especially on overcast days. Therefore, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or visual impairments.

Opening Times

Hill Top is open from 18th February 2023 to 29th October 2023. The house is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, except for school holidays and public holidays. Visitors can check the National Trust website for up-to-date information on opening times and availability.

In conclusion, a visit to Hill Top is a must-do for any Beatrix Potter fan. Visitors can explore the house, garden, and working farm that inspired many of her beloved stories. With convenient facilities and easy access, it is an enjoyable and educational experience for all ages.

The Gardens at Hill Top

Hill Top, the 17th-century farmhouse retreat of Beatrix Potter, is not only famous for inspiring her stories but also for its beautiful gardens. The gardens at Hill Top are informal flower beds planted in the English cottage-garden style, with a mix of flowers and vegetables.

The garden at Hill Top is a testament to Beatrix Potter’s love for nature and gardening. She was a keen gardener and spent much of her time tending to the plants and vegetables in her garden. The garden has been restored to its former glory and is now open to visitors.

The garden at Hill Top is divided into several sections, each with its own unique charm. The vegetable garden is located at the back of the house and is filled with a variety of vegetables and herbs, including peas, beans, carrots, onions, and chives. Visitors can see the vegetables growing in neat rows and learn about the different varieties.

The flower garden at Hill Top is a riot of colour and fragrance. Beatrix Potter was particularly fond of flowers and planted a wide variety of them in her garden. Visitors can see a mix of annuals and perennials, including roses, daisies, lupins, and delphiniums. The garden also has a beautiful apple tree in the orchard, which was planted by Beatrix Potter herself.

The garden at Hill Top is a haven for wildlife, with a variety of birds, insects, and butterflies making their home among the plants and flowers. Visitors can see the bees buzzing around the flowers and the birds flitting from tree to tree.

In conclusion, the gardens at Hill Top are a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. They are a testament to Beatrix Potter’s love for nature and gardening and provide a glimpse into her life and work. Visitors can enjoy the mix of flowers and vegetables, learn about different varieties, and appreciate the beauty of the English cottage-garden style.

Beatrix Potter’s Stories

Beatrix Potter was a renowned children’s author and illustrator who is best known for her charming stories featuring anthropomorphic animals. Her stories have captured the hearts of children and adults alike for over a century. Here are some of her most beloved tales:

Peter Rabbit

Peter Rabbit is perhaps the most famous of all of Beatrix Potter’s characters. The story follows the mischievous Peter as he sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden to steal vegetables. Peter is caught by Mr. McGregor and barely escapes with his life. The story teaches children about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of listening to parents.

Jemima Puddle-Duck

Jemima Puddle-Duck is a sweet and gentle character who is always looking for a place to lay her eggs. She is tricked by a fox who offers to help her find a safe nesting place, but instead plans to eat her and her eggs. Fortunately, Jemima is rescued by a friendly collie dog. The story teaches children about the dangers of trusting strangers.

The Tale of Samuel Whiskers

The Tale of Samuel Whiskers is a story about two mischievous mice named Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca. They sneak into the home of a family of rats, but are caught by the rats’ mother, Mrs. Samuel Whiskers. The mice are almost eaten by the rats, but are saved by a friendly cat. The story teaches children about the importance of being careful and avoiding dangerous situations.

The Tale of Two Bad Mice

The Tale of Two Bad Mice is a story about two mice named Tom Thumb and Hunca Munca who sneak into a dollhouse. They are disappointed to find that the food is not real and proceed to destroy the house in anger. However, they feel guilty and return to the dollhouse to make amends. The story teaches children about the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and making things right.

Beatrix Potter’s stories have become classics of children’s literature and continue to be enjoyed by generations of readers. Her charming characters and timeless lessons have made her a beloved figure in the world of children’s literature.

Nearby Attractions

Hill Top, the home of Beatrix Potter, is located in the beautiful Lake District of England. Visitors to Hill Top can find several nearby attractions to explore during their visit.

Tower Bank Arms

The Tower Bank Arms is a popular pub located in the nearby village of Near Sawrey. The pub is a great place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a pint of local ale. The pub is also said to have been a favorite of Beatrix Potter, who was known to have visited the establishment during her time at Hill Top.

Windermere Station

Windermere Station is the closest railway station to Hill Top and is located in the nearby town of Windermere. Visitors can take a train from Windermere Station to explore other parts of the Lake District or to travel to other destinations in the UK. The station also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs of their visit to the Lake District.

Other nearby attractions include the picturesque village of Hawkshead, located just a few miles from Hill Top. Hawkshead is known for its charming cobbled streets and historic buildings, including the 15th-century St Michael and All Angels Church. Ambleside, another nearby town, is home to several outdoor shops and is a popular starting point for hikes in the Lake District.

Overall, visitors to Hill Top will find plenty of nearby attractions to explore during their visit to the Lake District.

Conclusion

Hill Top, the 17th-century farmhouse retreat of Beatrix Potter, is a must-visit destination for those interested in the life and works of this beloved children’s author and illustrator. The house is full of her favourite things and is the place that inspired her stories and her love for the Lake District.

Visitors to Hill Top can explore the house and gardens, which are planted in the English cottage-garden style with flowers and vegetables. The entrance hall is particularly noteworthy, as it features many of Potter’s original furnishings and decorations.

In addition to the house, visitors can also explore the surrounding area, which includes many of the properties owned by Potter, including the Old Post Office, Castle Cottage, and several small farms. These properties provide insight into Potter’s life and work, and the role that the Lake District played in inspiring her stories.

Overall, Hill Top is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the life and work of Beatrix Potter. The house and gardens are beautifully preserved, and the surrounding area provides a wealth of information about this beloved author and illustrator. Whether you are a fan of her books or simply interested in the history of the Lake District, Hill Top is a destination not to be missed.