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The house of Beatrix Potter, the well-loved children's author

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In the small village of Near Sawrey, along a quaint rural lane, lies a friendly-looking cottage called Hill Top. This is the house of Beatrix Potter, the well-loved children's author.

A young Beatrix Potter
Photo PD
Beatrix loved the Lake District, and so it was the fulfilment of a dream when she was able to buy a home here in 1896. She visited the house for many years - and although in later life, she purchased other, more spacious premises, Hill Top remained her favourite place to relax, and write stories. She continued to spend time here, right up until her death in 1943.
Immediately after this, in accordance with Beatrix's wishes, the cottage and all of its contents were left to the National Trust. Ever since then, the public has been able to visit, and explore the famous building. It's kept exactly as she left it, so you can get a very clear picture of what it was like to live at Hill Top, and why she loved it so much.

Hill Top
Photo Chris Brown
Keen fans of Beatrix Potter's work will notice something familiar about the cottage - because as well as writing many of her stories here, she also used it as the basis for several of her illustrations, including drawings from the tales of Samuel Whiskers, and Jemima Puddle Duck. The nearby villages provided further inspiration, as did the local farmhouses, plants, and animals. In fact, visiting Hill Top is like stepping into one of the stories themselves!

The Garden at Hill Top
Photo HaxxahAndKraZug
Instead of using Hill Top, the 2006 film 'Miss Potter' was actually shot at another one of Beatrix Potter's former Lake District houses, Yew Tree Farm. This is now a teashop with accommodation and can be found between Ambleside and Coniston.
Visitor Information
Hill Top House is open Saturday to Thursday (closed friday), 10am to 5pm (earlier in winter). Entry costs £7 for adults, £3.50 children. Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0LF. Tel: 015394 36269

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