One of Britain's most loved children's authors, Beatrix Potter had a life-long affinity with the Lake District and during this four-day tour, you'll discover the places which inspired her works.
From your base at the four-star Lakeside Hotel & Spa, nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, you'll be well placed to discover the charms of the region, as well as visit many key sites and locations with links to Beatrix Potter.
You'll visit the Armitt Museum - which features the author's early water colour paintings of fungi and other natural history. You'll also spend the day at Hill Top and Hill Top Herdwick, Beatrix's farmhouse retreat and the small stock rearing farm she once owned. You'll enjoy private guided tours of both properties, in the company of an expert guide.
Visit The World of Beatrix Potter, where her famous 'little books' are brought to life through 3D landscapes. Further highlights include a Lake Windermere cruise and a guided walk around the historic village of Hawkshead, which has further connections to Beatrix Potter.
Joining you for an evening is Dr Penny Bradshaw, an Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria. Her book An A-Z of Beatrix Potter was published in January 2026 and Penny will give a talk as well as a reading.
Penny Bradshaw is Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria, UK where she is Programme Leader for MA Literature, Romanticism, and the English Lake District with notable publications on romantic poets and literary tourism. She is the author of several books including An A-Z of Beatrix Potter.
Make your own way to the Lakeside Hotel & Spa, Newby Bridge for your three-night stay. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and talk on Beatrix Potter from the Tour Manager, Alison Pickering, followed by a group dinner in the Oak Room.
After breakfast, depart Lakeside Pier on a Windermere Lake cruise. Upon arrival in Bowness, take a short (5-minute walk) to meet your minibus and driver. Transfer to The Armitt Museum in Ambleside for your private tour. The Armitt museum holds a collection of over 300 original Beatrix
Potter watercolours of fungi. This side of her life is still little known as she was a budding scientist before she started writing her 'Little Books'. The story starts with Beatrix from the beginning so, it is a fantastic starting point for your Beatrix Potter Tour.
You'll enjoy lunch independently before free time in Ambleside. Later, rejoin your coach and transfer to Wray Castle, where Beatrix Potter stayed during her first visit to the Lakes in 1882. (the castle will not be open to the public but the grounds are extensive and have fabulous views of the lake and mountains). Return to your hotel via High Wray and Colthouse and a photo stop at Esthwaite Water. This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the Oak Room.
After breakfast this morning, transfer to Hill Top for your private visit. While closed to the public, you'll have an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour with an expert member of the team. You will be offered some object handling, a tour of the garden and the opportunity to visit the on-site shop (to be confirmed).
To complement your visit to Hill Top, you will also have a visit to Hill Top Herdwick, where you'll have a private guided tour of the farm. Hill Top Herdwick Farm, near Sawrey is renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter. The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round - just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned.
After, return to your coach and transfer to Hawkshead, where you will be given a guided walk around the village to see its Beatrix Potter connections and orientation. Lunch today will be taken independently. Hawkshead is a quaint village with lots of cafes to choose from.
Continue your Lakes drive via the picturesque Tarn Hows and past Yew Tree Farm. Before returning to your hotel, make a stop at the World of Beatrix Potter where a self-guided visit has been arranged and you'll find the world's largest Peter Rabbit shop - before driving via the east shore of Windermere and Newby Bridge.
This evening, enjoy a group dinner in the Oak Room. You'll be joined by Dr Penny Bradshaw, Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Cumbria. Penny's book, An A to Z of Beatrix Potter was released in January 2026 by Bloomsbury Academic, and invites new recognition of the ways in which Beatrix Potter's writing explores ideas which remain deeply relevant today, including the relationship between humans and the natural environments they inhabit. Enjoy a talk and book reading, followed by a Q&A session.
After breakfast this morning, check out of the hotel and make your way home.
Lakeside Hotel & Spa
Nestled on the peaceful shore of Lake Windermere, with breathtaking lake and fell views, the Lakeside Hotel & Spa allows guests to experience the very best of the Lake District right from the doorstep. The hotel combines timeless heritage and contemporary luxury with thoughtfully designed spaces. Boasting glorious gardens, a choice of restaurants and bars, spa and leisure facilities, this is a slice of luxury on the lakes.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £345. Deposit 30%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Wray Castle is closed until 2027, exterior view included in the tour. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded). Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.