Helen Beatrix Potter was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist. She is best known for her children's books many of which featured animals.
Born 28 July 1866 to a well to do family, educated at home she did not have much contact with other children. She however spent her holidays in the Lake District and Scotland and grew to love the outdoors.
Beatrix published her book The Tale of Peter Rabbit and when on to publish a whole series of children’s books.
With the proceeds from the books and a legacy from an aunt, Potter bought Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey in 1905.
Beatrix Potter died of pneumonia and heart disease on 22 December 1943. When she died in 1943, she left 4,000 acres of land and countryside in our care, as well as 15 farms. Her legacy has helped ensure the survival of the Lakeland landscape.
The World of Beatrix Potter - the family Attraction Beatrix Potter’s brings the world of Beatrix Potter’s to life. An amazing range of family themed activities’ for all the family. An award-winning outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden, a superb character-themed family-friendly café and world-famous gift shop.
Hill Top Farm - this farm was once the home of children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter who left it to the National Trust. It is a Grade II* listed building and is open to the public.
The house, farm and nearby villages feature in Potter's books, The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and The Tale of Samuel Whiskers or The Roly-Poly Pudding.
Peter Rabbit – in 1890 Beatrix painted rabbit pictures she sold as Christmas card designs, this was the start of Peter Rabbit. Beatrix then made story’s up about Peter Rabbit and his friends, for with her former governess young children. Several years later Beatrix turned one of the tales into a picture book. It was turned down by several publishers, so she privately printed 250 copies of it herself. In 1902, Frederick Warne & Co agreed to publish an initial quantity of 8,000. They sold out instantly and Beatrix’s career as a storyteller was launched.