THE 2016 Official Guide to the Lake District, Cumbria is now available and ready to inspire holiday makers to book their visit and plan fantastic days out in our stunning county. 

This year's guide takes an in-depth look at how the region will be celebrating Beatrix Potter's 150th birthday.

The Lake District will be the place to properly celebrate the life and works of this iconic author, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist.

So, which attractions will be the pick of the bunch for Potter fans?

World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

A vibrant family attraction bringing to life Beatrix Potter's stories in a magical recreation of the Lake District countryside featuring Peter Rabbit.

As well as the 150th anniversary of Beatrix Potter’s birth, 2016 also marks 25 years of The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The attraction will be hosting a number of special celebratory events alongside their normal interactive exhibitions.

Explore a magical world where all 23 enchanting tales are brought to life, recreating the beautiful Lake District countryside complete with sights, sounds and smells. There's chance to meet your favourite characters including Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-winkle and Jemima Puddle-Duck. Visitors can step into Peter Rabbit's Garden to see the cos lettuces that Benjamin Bunny nibbled on and the gooseberry bush where Peter got caught in a net as he tried to escape Mr. McGregor!

Where?: The Old Laundry, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX

www.hop-skip-jump.com

Wray Castle, Low Wray

Rooms in the old servant’s quarter in the castle have been magically transformed into Peter Rabbit’s world. A place for imaginative play and exploration for the young and young at heart. Pick vegetables in Mr McGregor’s garden, plans need making in the secret treehouse and Old Brown Owl’s nest is the best spot for dreaming up your next adventure.

Where?:  Wray Castle Lodge, Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria

LA22 0JA

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle

Mountain Goat – Beatrix Potter’s Favourite Countryside

Taking in many places associated with the famous children’s author, Beatrix Potter, this tour is an ideal opportunity to see some of the scenery which inspired her.

This afternoon tour takes in a Lake Cruise on Windermere, Hawkshead, Tarn Hows beauty spot and Hill Top Farm Gardens (house extra charge required not open Fridays).

This tour is ideal for fans of Miss Potter, taking in some great locations in a scenic afternoon. Others can enjoy the tour as even if you’re not a fan of Beatrix Potter you can sit back and enjoy some of the best scenery the Lake District has to offer.

Departs: Daily from Bowness-on-Windermere & Windermere.

Times: Official start point is Windermere Tourist Information Centre at 12:00hrs. Returning approx.

16:30

Prices: From £33.00

To book: www.mountain-goat.co.uk

Beatrix Potter Gallery

The Beatrix Potter Gallery contains highlights of the National Trust's collection of original Beatrix Potter artwork. Each year there is a unique, changing exhibition displaying some classic gems and enabling you to discover dairies, letters, sketches and photos that inspired Beatrix Potter's work.

These rarely seen items, give a fascinating insight into Beatrix Potter's life, interest and love of the Lakes.

Where?:  Main Street, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NS

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatrix-potter-gallery-and-hawkshead

Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s House

Hill Top is a time capsule of this amazing woman's life. Full of her favourite things, the house appears as if Beatrix had just stepped out for a walk. Every room contains a reference to a picture in a 'Tale'. Beatrix used Hill Top and its surroundings as inspiration for many of her 'little

books' - you'll recognise the rhubarb patch where Jemima Puddle-Duck laid her egg and the garden where Tom Kitten and his sisters played!

Hill Top is a small house with a timed entry system in place to avoid overcrowding and to protect the fragile interior. It can get very busy and visitors may sometimes have to wait to enter the house.

Early sell-outs are possible, especially during school holidays. We recommend visiting at the weekends if you can. Closed Fridays for conservation work.

Where?:  Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0LF www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hill-top


Read more:

Beatrix Potter's 150th Birthday - Events Guide

Beatrix Potter's 150th Birthday - Where to stay