Hill Top in Lake District National Park

Hill Top

Enjoy the tale of Beatrix Potter by visiting Hill Top. Full of her favourite things, this house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk.

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Hill Top Details

Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 with the royalties from her first few books, written at her parents' home in London, but inspired by her annual holiday visits to the Lake District. After she bought the house, she busied herself writing more books, and visiting her farm. In 1909 she bought another farm opposite Hill Top, Castle Farm, which became her main Lakeland base. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a "tale". The lovely cottage garden is a haphazard mix of flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables. Make your way up the garden path to the front door and see for yourself why Beatrix loved this place. Beatrix wrote many of her famous children's stories in this little 17th century stone house. Characters such as Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here, and the books contain many pictures based on the house and garden. Beatrix bought many pieces of land and property in and around Sawrey, including the Old Post Office, Castle Cottage and a number of small farms. In 1913, aged 47, she married William Heelis in London and moved to Lakeland, living at Castle Cottage which was bigger and more convenient than Hill Top. When she died in 1943, she left Hill Top to the National Trust with the proviso that it be kept exactly as she left it, complete with her furniture and china. Hill Top is a small house and a timed-ticket system is in operation to avoid overcrowding and to protect the interior. Hill Top can be very busy and visitors may sometimes have to wait to enter the house. Open every day 10am - 5pm. Grid Reference: SD 36972 95639 Address (near): Hill Top, Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF, UK

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Nearby Points of Interest Around Hill Top

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Hill Top while the map context is still fresh.

1.0 mi away

Esthwaite Water

One of the smaller and lesser known lakes known for its excellent fishing and the chance to spot an osprey.

1.7 mi away

Belle Isle

Belle Isle is the largest of Windermere's islands. Belle Isle House - a Grade 1 listed building - sits at the highest point of the island. It is not open to the public.

1.9 mi away

Hawkshead

A lovely Lakeland village with literary connections to William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.

2.0 mi away

Bowness-on-Windermere Information Centre

Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2.1 mi away

Windermere

The largest natural lake in England is fittingly a center of activity in the Lake District.