Hill Top Farm

Beatrix Potter at Hill Top - Summer 1913 photograph resource:Wikimedia

Hill Top Farm in the tiny village of Near Sawrey just outside Hawkshead is the famous 'Beatrix Potter House'. This is the farm that Beatrix Potter bought after she became financially independent from her parents through the loyalties of her first books. She lived at Hilltop for many years before moving into the village to live at Castle Cottage. Beatrix Potter's Hilltop features in several of her illustrations and provided inspiration for many of her Tales.

Originally from London Miss Potter had fallen in love with the Lake District when she accompanied her parents there on family holidays. It was during these holidays that Miss Potter developed her love for the countryside, she was fascinated by the wildlife and began to sketch the squirrels, rabbits and surrounding landscapes.

Through her parents entertaining she met Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley who echoed her love of the Lake District and was deeply committed to preserving the landscape of Cumbria.

Beatrix Potter - National Trust

Through her association with Canon Rawnsley Beatrix Potter became very interested in the National Trust and its efforts to preserve an 'unspoilt' Lake District. In her Will she bequeathed Hill Top Farm and surrounding land to the National Trust, on the proviso that they remain undeveloped.

Visit Beatrix Potter's Hilltop

To find out more about her life, why not visit Beatrix Potter's Hilltop whilst you are in Cumbria? This is a major tourist attraction and due to its size the National Trust may enforce timed admittances during busy periods.

Near Sawrey

Near Sawrey remains the unspoilt village that so charmed Beatrix Potter. Wander around the village and see the Torver Arms Inn, which features in one of the illustrations in Jemima Puddleduck and past Buckle Yeat which features in the illustrations of 'Tale of Tom Kitten' and 'The Pie and the Patty Pan'.