Visitor information

This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.

Beatrix Potter's original artwork on display in a 17th-century house

Step inside this charming old building to enjoy an exhibition of Beatrix Potter's original drawings and watercolours. A visit here is an ideal addition to a Hill Top visit providing as it does not just the chance to admire her delightful artwork but also the opportunity to learn more about Beatrix Potter's life outside the writing career which made her famous. Learn more about Beatrix as a farmer and conservationist and how her legacy helped to keep the Lake District the place we know today.

This gallery building has an interesting history too, as previously it was the office of Beatrix Potter's husband William Heelis, and it is a rare opportunity to see inside one of Hawkshead's old buildings.

After our winter closure, we re-open on Saturday 9 February 2013 with our new exhibition which will run throughout 2013.

Please note: admission to the house is by timed ticket.

Our Exhibition for 2013

Pigling Bland celebrates 100 years

Pigling Bland celebrates 100 years

This year we're helping to celebrate two centenaries; the first is the publication of The Tale of Pigling Bland and the other Beatrix Potter becoming Mrs Heelis when she married William.

We think there are some lovely parallels between the two stories and we'll be exploring them in our exhibition and celebrations throughout 2013.
 

Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter and her husband William, Beatrix at Hill Top

At the Gallery you can see Beatrix Potter's original artwork but you can also learn about the woman herself; her life as a conservationist and farmer, and how she came to marry William.

A touch of technology in the Gallery

Everything you need to record stories and interviews

Everything you need to record stories and interviews

Last year we made changes to the Beatrix Potter Gallery. Looking from the outside everything is the same (and as one of Hawkshead's traditional buildings we wouldn't want to change it) but inside we introduced new ideas:

  • We introduced touch screen information so you can explore what's of interest to you
  • We used staff to read, and recorded, audio extracts from Beatrix Potter's own journal, letters and stories; you can hear these through earphones in the Gallery
  • We've improved the lighting so you can see the wonderful Beatrix Potter original artwork better but we can still make sure it stays safe.

Tales from behind the scenes