With the new Peter Rabbit film due out in the UK next month, it’s the perfect time to visit the World of Beatrix Potter. After all, Windermere is where the famous character was created, so how about staying in a spa retreat in the Lake District.
The author of the popular children’s books took her influence from the Lake District, where the Potter family spent their summer holidays. Now very much a household name, Beatrix Potter has even been given her own popular attraction in the Lake District – the World of Beatrix Potter, Bowness-on-Windermere.
About Beatrix Potter
Born in Lancashire, UK, in 1866 Helen Beatrix Potter always had a creative mind. As a child, she would keep a diary, often written in code and her childhood holidays played an important role in the years to come.
The author may be best known for her children’s books, but initially her illustrations were more of a scientific nature. Rather than the world of make believe, her studies took her through Mycology and the study of fungi.
As such those holidays in the Lake District were a source of information, where Beatrix Potter would take a keen interest in the countryside. Lake Windermere would also go on to provide Beatrix Potter with the inspiration for her first book “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, first published in 1902.
About The World of Beatrix Potter
To celebrate the author’s legacy, the World of Beatrix Potter opened in Windermere and pays homage to all things Peter Rabbit.
There’s a short film introducing the famous rabbit to visitors, before you start your adventure and the storybooks come to life. You can meet other characters such as Jemima Puddle-duck and Mr Tod, see what Mrs Tiggy-winkle is cooking in her Kitchen and search for Tom Thumb under the floorboards.
Then there’s Peter Rabbit, for those familiar with the books and cartoon, you will be well aware of his antics in Mr McGregor’s garden. So as you venture outside, you really will feel like you are in the World of Beatrix Potter – back where it all began, in Bowness-on-Windermere.
If you want to make your holiday in the Lake District particularly special, there are special events throughout the year. You can join a tea party, buy a ticket for the Peter Rabbit Musical, or maybe even meet the rabbit in the flesh! Don’t forget to visit the gift shop on the way out. Maybe buy a book to read as you soak up the sun in your private garden or enjoy a relaxing hot tub back at your spa-retreat.
How to get to The World of Beatrix Potter
The attraction shares a building with the Old Laundry Theatre, so put postcode LA23 3BX into your sat-nav and you will arrive in no time. There’s a pay and display carpark nearby, or you can use public transport.
If you’re travelling from Aphrodite’s Lodge, the attraction is only a 5 minute drive away from your spa retreat. Taking a walk alongside the water of Lake Windermere, is still only 20 minutes on foot.
Where to Stay in Bowness-on Windermere
Book a hotel near the World of Beatrix Potter at Aphrodite’s Lodge, the Lake District Boutique Hotel where you can have your own spa suite complete with hot tub.