Beatrix Potter's Lake District Tour

This is the land that has inspired poets and artists—including Peter Rabbit’s creator Beatrix Potter and Romantic poet William Wordsworth. You’ll also be entranced by the natural beauty of the the Lake District. We’ll visit the highest mountain in England, Scafell Pike, and the largest lake in the country, Lake Windermere (over 10 miles long). Fifteen other lakes and numerous small reservoirs make this a nature-lovers' and walkers' paradise.

Windermere lake is surrounded by mountains and villages and is a popular destination for water sports. A variety of places to stay include hotels, B&Bs or even yurts and shepherd’s huts. On the east shore is Bowness-on-Windermere where you'll find the Beatrix Potter Attraction—a superb visit for children and adults alike. We'll also take you to 'Hill Top', which was where Beatrix Potter lived. She bought the cottage from the procedes of her first book, 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit'.

There are walks in the north that lead to Holehird Gardens, with its alpine houses, heather and shrub gardens, and also to Orrest Head, a hill with breathtaking views across the lake and the fells beyond. The hill was the first ‘summit’ in the Lake District visited by Alfred Wainwright, author of the famous 1930s guidebooks.

Windermere town was initially called Birthwaite and grew up around the station, which was named after Windermere lake. Here you can see Georgian houses in the 'Terrace', built in the mid 19th century for railway executives. The fireplaces in two of the houses are said to be replicas of those in London's Palace of Westminster. Of interest too is St. Mary's church—a chapel built in 1848.

Further north, tranquil Rydal Water contrasts with the bustle and activity of Lake Windermere. At the western end of the lake, steps lead to Wordsworth's Seat, which is thought to have been the poet's favourite viewpoint in the Lake District. The Wordsworth museum can be visited at Rydal Mount in the village where he lived from 1813 to his death in 1850.

Nearby at Dove Cottage in Grasmere, you can visit Wordsworth’s earlier home where he lived with his siter until 1808, referring to it as "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found.". It's now a museum dedicated to his work and life and it was here that Wordsworth penned much of the poetry that he is remembered by today.

Taking the scenic route (well any route in the Lake District is pretty scenic) past Thirlmere brings you to Derwentwater a place of considerable beauty. The lake is surrounded by hills, many of which are richly wooded. Launches can be used to travel between various landing stages. Just a stone's throw from the lake is the town of Keswick. Lots to do here including a visit to Keswick Museum & Art Gallery and also the somewhat unexpected Derwent Pencil Museum (make a note of this one!). There's also a Neolithic stone circle at Castlerigg on a hilltop just east of the town.

Buttermere lake, set amid mountains, is one of Lakeland's most beautiful areas and is famous for its reflections that are visible on a calm day. Heathery slopes are dotted with sheep, leading to woodlands and windswept crags. You won’t want to leave…

A short journey south brings you to the highest point in England, Scafell Pike. If you can't manage the trek to the summit you can always view it from the car whilst eating your sandwiches!