Background

Hill Top: Beatrix Potter’s Beloved Lake District Farmhouse

Step into Beatrix Potter’s enchanting Lake District farmhouse, where stories come alive amid charming gardens and a working farm.

4.5

Hill Top, nestled near Sawrey in the Lake District, is the cherished former home of Beatrix Potter, preserved by the National Trust. This quaint 17th-century farmhouse offers visitors a unique glimpse into Potter’s life and inspirations, with rooms filled with her belongings and gardens restored to their original charm. The working farm surrounding the house adds to its authentic rural atmosphere, making it a captivating destination for literature lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

A brief summary to National Trust - Hill Top

  • Ambleside, Near Sawrey, LA22 0LF, GB
  • +441539436269
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Book your timed entry ticket online well in advance to guarantee access, as visitor numbers are limited.
  • Arrive at your booked time to avoid parking issues, as the onsite car park is small and fills quickly.
  • Explore the garden thoroughly to see plants and scenes that inspired Potter’s illustrations.
  • Consider visiting in the afternoon after 2:30pm for a quieter experience inside the house.
  • Take a farm tour on selected dates to see the working sheep farm and learn about local agricultural traditions.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Ambleside takes about 15-20 minutes via the B5286 and B5285 roads. Pre-book your timed entry ticket and parking as the car park is small with limited spaces. Parking is free but arriving early is discouraged due to capacity constraints.

  • Bus and Ferry

    From Bowness-on-Windermere, take the Windermere Lake Cruise ferry to Ash Landing jetty, then connect to the 525 Mountain Goat bus to Hill Top. Combined boat, bus, and Hill Top tickets are available from late May. This scenic route takes approximately 1-1.5 hours.

  • Public Bus

    The 525 Mountain Goat bus service runs from Hawkshead and Windermere to Near Sawrey village near Hill Top. Service frequency varies seasonally, and the journey takes around 30-45 minutes. Check schedules in advance as services may be limited on weekends.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, walking from Hawkshead to Hill Top is about 3.5 km (around 45 minutes) over rural lanes and footpaths. The terrain is moderate with some inclines, suitable for most walkers with reasonable fitness.

National Trust - Hill Top location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of National Trust - Hill Top

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Trust - Hill Top

A Literary Sanctuary Preserved in Time

Hill Top is the quintessential Lake District farmhouse that Beatrix Potter purchased in 1905 as a retreat and creative sanctuary. The house remains much as she left it, with each room carefully maintained to reflect the scenes illustrated in her beloved children’s books. Visitors can explore the cozy interiors filled with original furnishings, personal belongings, and artwork that inspired stories like "The Tale of Tom Kitten" and "The Tale of Pigling Bland." The house’s intimate scale and period details offer a vivid window into Potter’s world and creative process.

The Garden That Inspired Iconic Tales

The garden at Hill Top has been lovingly restored to mirror the one Beatrix Potter tended herself. It features informally planted flower beds, a vegetable plot, and an orchard with original trees planted by Potter. The garden’s vibrant colors and carefully curated plants bring to life the settings from her stories, allowing visitors to connect directly with the natural beauty that fueled her imagination. Seasonal blooms and traditional Lakeland flora create a serene and picturesque environment to explore.

A Working Farm with Enduring Heritage

Beyond the house and garden lies Hill Top Farm, still a working Lakeland farm spanning over 250 acres. The farm continues the legacy Beatrix Potter left when she bequeathed her land and flocks of Herdwick sheep to the National Trust. Operated by the Dixon family for over three decades, the farm offers occasional tours that reveal the day-to-day realities of rural life in the Lake District, blending agricultural tradition with conservation efforts.

Visitor Experience and Conservation

Hill Top is managed with great care to preserve its authenticity and charm. Entry is by timed ticket only, with advance booking strongly recommended due to limited capacity and a small car park. The National Trust has installed subtle modern lighting to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the historic atmosphere. Interactive displays and animations bring Potter’s characters to life, while the adjacent gift shop offers themed souvenirs inspired by her life and work.

Setting and Surroundings

Located in the peaceful village of Near Sawrey, Hill Top is surrounded by the rolling hills and lakes that define the Lake District’s dramatic landscape. The rural setting includes working farmland, woodland, and quiet lanes, offering a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks nearby, with opportunities to spot local wildlife and experience the region’s natural heritage, which deeply influenced Potter’s conservation ethos.

Legacy of Beatrix Potter and the National Trust

Beatrix Potter’s commitment to preserving the Lake District’s natural and cultural heritage lives on through Hill Top. Her generous donations of land and property to the National Trust have helped protect this unique landscape for future generations. The site stands as a testament to her dual legacy as an author and conservationist, inspiring visitors to appreciate both the literary magic and environmental stewardship she championed.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near National Trust - Hill Top

Popular Hotels near National Trust - Hill Top

Select Currency