How to book
Every Thursday we'll release new bookings and you can now book up to two weeks in advance. You can book up to 18 hours before a timeslot if we have availability. We strongly recommend that you pre book your tickets to guarantee your entry. We will accept walk up bookings when we have capacity to do so.
- Entry and parking is free for members, but please bring your membership card with you. Non-members will need to pay.
- Please book one ticket per person, except for children aged 5 or under as they don’t need a ticket.
- You’ll need to choose a 30-minute arrival time for the day you want to visit.
- The timeslot is for your arrival time only.
- Tickets are for your use only and are not available for resale.
- We'll send your booking confirmation by email. Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.
- Please contact 0344 2491895 for booking enquiries.
- For group booking enquiries please contact hilltop.groups@nationaltrust.org.uk
Arriving at Hill Top
When you arrive at Hill Top, please make your way to the Visitor Reception building, located in the car park, to check in before entering the house.
Arriving By Car
Take the B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside (6 miles), or the B5285 from Coniston (7 miles).
We have parking for 30 cars (including the disabled parking spaces) on site. Parking is free but the spaces do fill up quickly at peak times. Our car park is small so please don't arrive before your timeslot.
Please find a parking space on arrival then make your way to the Visitor Reception building in the corner of the car park.
There are two designated disabled parking spaces in the main car park. Special drop off by the house can be arranged, please contact Hill Top to discuss your requirements.
Arriving by Ferry.
The Windermere vehicle ferry operates a cross lake service from Ferry Nab at Bowness for £1 per pedestrian per journey. Click below for details of the ferry
https://bit.ly/3wSQsKx
Hop across the lake then follow the signs to Hill Top and Far Sawrey. It’s a 2 mile path requiring a basic level of fitness, but is an idea way to catch a glimpse of the countryside that inspired Beatrix. As part of the route is on the road it may not be suitable for all.
What's open
The house, garden, shop and car park are all open.
Eating & drinking
The pop up cafe is currently closed. Picnics are welcome in the orchard.
The Tower Bank Arms is located in the center of the charming village of Near Sawrey. Please check their website for opening times.
https://www.towerbankarms.co.uk/
Other things to note
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden.
Where's next?
The Beatrix Potter Gallery provides a perfect compliment to your visit to Hill Top. Located in Hawkshead, just 2 ½ miles away from Hill Top, this quirky and quaint building was once home to the solicitor’s office where Beatrix’s husband worked. Now, it is home to an annual display of Beatrix’s original watercolour illustrations featuring her beloved characters. New for this year, the gallery also host an introduction to Beatrix’s life, her legacy and importance to the National Trust, and the story of how her ‘little books’ came to be written.
The Beatrix Potter Gallery is open Monday-Thursday and no pre-booking is required.
