Celebrating 150 years of Beatrix Potter

Join us in celebrating 150 years of the much-loved children's book author, Beatrix Potter. Find out more about this inspiring woman or visit the places that we care for where she lived and worked. There are also various events inspired by her treasured books and artwork in the Lake District and elsewhere.

Beatrix Potter as an older woman in the Hill Top garden with one of her sheepdogs

Celebrating Beatrix Potter's anniversary in the Lake District 

2016 marks a special anniversary for us in the Lake District as it's 150 years since Beatrix Potter was born. We’ve got lots to celebrate - see what’s planned and how you can get involved.

Beatrix Potter celebrations
A view of Hill Top, Cumbria, home of Beatrix Potter
Hill Top   Cumbria

Explore Beatrix Potter's Lake District

Many places in the Lake District inspired Beatrix in her iconic characters and stories. The sweeping landscapes, calm lakes and charming cottages are reflected in her writing and artworks. Find out where you can retrace Beatrix's steps in the Lakes.

Visit our places that inspired Beatrix Potter
Janice wears Dolce , 2014 Freya Pocklington
Acorn Bank   Cumbria

Artist residency at Acorn Bank

Continuing a tradition of artistic production at Acorn Bank, Freya Pocklington’s artist residency will celebrate Beatrix Potter in 150th anniversary of her birth.

Find out more
A watercolour by Beatrix Potter from the Tale of Two Bad Mice

Beatrix Potter: Play and Childhood exhibition at Mottisfont 

16 July - 18 September, 11am - 5pm: a very special exhibition – the only one in the south of England - marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter, featuring 30 original drawings and watercolours.

Come and play at Mottisfont this summer
The original toy used by Beatrix Potter to create Jemima Puddleduck
Melford Hall   Suffolk

Tales of Beatrix Potter at Melford Hall

Discover the family connection between the Hyde Parker and Beatrix Potter.

See what brought Beatrix Potter to Melford Hall
A snippet of the Beatrix Potter biography cover

The Story of Beatrix Potter 

Want to discover more about Beatrix Potter? Sarah Gristwood's beautifully-illustrated biography follows the treasured author's life. It covers the journey from her constricted Victorian childhood to the publication of her major books. You can also read about her later life as a working farmer and conservation pioneer.

Buy the book