By Parkdean Resorts on 16/03/2018
Best known for bringing to life a number of loveable literary characters, including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Beatrix Potter is still celebrated today as one of the world’s best-loved children’s authors. Potter’s literature and illustrations are synonymous with the beautiful landscapes of the Lake District, where she holidayed as a child and eventually called her home. Ahead of the cinematic release of the Peter Rabbit film, we’re exploring England’s largest National Park through the eyes of one of its most famous residents.
The World of Beatrix Potter
You can’t visit the Lake District without dedicating a day to experience The World of Beatrix Potter. Potter, who was born in London but spent holidays and her later years in the Lakes, expressed a true passion for the area - which is clear through her adorable stories and delicate illustrations.
This museum is dedicated to all things Potter, offering a fully immersive 45-minute experience suitable for all ages. Come rain or shine, there’s always something to do at The World of Beatrix Potter. For those glowing Lake District summer days, you can experience The Peter Rabbit Garden. Abundant with luscious plants and vegetables, the garden’s green hues are reminiscent of Potter’s own illustrations.
Video Courtesy of World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
For rainy days, there’s still plenty to see – take a selfie in Miss Tiggy-Winkle’s Kitchen, or embark on a virtual walk around Potter’s beloved countryside in the state-of-the-art cinema room, where the sights and sounds of the author’s work are brought to life.
There’s something for everyone at Fallbarrow
If visiting the World of Beatrix Potter is top of your list, then there’s no better place to stay than Fallbarrow Holiday Park, which is just a five minute walk away. From luxury lodges to family-sized caravan holiday homes, Fallbarrow has something for everyone, all just a stone’s throw from England’s largest natural lake.
Hilltop & The Beatrix Potter Gallery
After spending her childhood holidays in the Lake District, Potter bought Hilltop Farm in Near Sawrey at the age of 39, fulfilling her life-long dream of calling the National Park her home. Now owned by the National Trust, Hilltop remains a shrine to the author and illustrator, who dedicated her life to turning her dreams into stories and pictures for children and adults all over the world.
Video Courtesy of VisualPunch
It’s easy to miss the 17th-century farm house, which is shrouded in wild foliage spreading over the building. It’s no wonder Potter was inspired by this peaceful and idyllic location, where she wrote such classics as The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and The Tale of Tom Kitten.
In the town of Hawkshead, a short drive from Hilltop, is The Beatrix Potter Gallery, which houses an impressive selection of Potter’s original artwork as well as a collection of the author’s personal items not housed at Hilltop.
Breathe in the fresh air by the docks at White Cross Bay
The 25-minute drive from White Cross Bay Holiday Park to Hilltop is ideal for anyone who loves the scenic route. Following Lake Windermere to Hilltop is nothing short of breath-taking, with only a few miles from the farmhouse to Hawkshead, this is the perfect day out for all fans of the great outdoors.
Wray Castle
Falling in love with the Lake District at the age of 16, it was Wray Castle where Potter’s family stayed on their first holiday to England’s largest National Park. Thanks to the National Trust, visitors can now experience the location where Potter first became enamoured with the Lake District first hand.
Photo © David Dixon(cc-by-sa/2.0) | Geograph.org.uk
The Gothic-revival castle isn’t your standard holiday home, but sitting on the shore of Lake Windermere, it’s impossible to deny its grandeur. For fans of the new Peter Rabbit film, Wray Castle is home to the adorable Peter Rabbit Adventure Rooms, perfect for the little ones who are keen to get up close and personal with Peter and his wildlife friends.
Lingholm Estate
Photo © Graham Hogg (cc-by-sa/2.0) | Geograph.org.uk
Along with Lake Windermere, Potter was known to adore Derwentwater and visited regularly in her lifetime. The author’s favourite spot was undoubtedly the Lingholm Estate, where she holidayed ten times over a 22-year period. After her first visit at the age of 19, Potter found herself treating Lingholm as a home away from home. Surrounded by the lush greenery, scenic lake views and bustling wildlife, it was here where the author found inspiration for the settings and characters that would find their way into her famous works later in life.
Find peace in a riverside caravan holiday home at Limefitt
Complete with a stunning walled garden, renowned kitchen and even an alpaca farm, Lingholm Estate is the perfect day out for anyone who loves the finer things in life. The 50-minute drive from Limefitt will feel like a pleasure, passing the incredible lakeside views of Grasmere and Thirlmere, you’d be mad not to stop en-route to take it all in!
Armitt Gallery Museum and Library
For the bookworms amongst us, The Armitt Gallery Museum and Library is an absolute must-see. Nestled on the winding roads of Ambleside, the unique museum is an institution with a reputation that far exceeds its tiny stature.
Founded in 1909 by English academic and philanthropist, Mary Louisa Armitt, the museum and library was supported by Potter in its early years, and is now home to an impressive collection of her work and personal items.
It would be impossible to select one feature as the museum’s prize exhibition, but the collection of Potter’s stunning botanical water colours, donated by the author herself, are hard to beat. The Armitt is a must-see for art-lovers and bookworms alike, with a vast array of exhibits from dozens of artists and authors who called the Lake District home in the 20th century.
If you’re staying at Fallbarrow Holiday Park, the Armitt is just a 15-minute drive and the perfect activity for a rainy day. Why not pop by Ambleside’s famous Rattle Ghyll Café for lunch? The wholesome eatery boasts a perfectly formed menu of lunch time favourites, light bites and sweet treats.
Fallbarrow Holiday Park is just a stone’s throw from Potter country
Experience the beautiful surroundings Beatrix Potter called home from the comfort of a Parkdean Resorts holiday park. With a selection of family caravan holiday homes and luxury lakeside lodges, our Lake District breaks are the perfect way to explore the world of Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle with all the family.